Chaplain's Message

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity              under the heavens:

2   a time to be born and a time to die,    

      a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3   a time to kill and a time to heal,    

      a time to tear down and a time to build,

4    a time to weep and a time to laugh,    

       a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,    

        a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6     a time to search and a time to give up,    

        a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7     a time to tear and a time to mend,    

        a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8     a time to love and a time to hate,    

        a time for war and a time for peace.

I write this today when it is All Souls Day where we celebrate, honour and give thanks to God for the lives of Christians who have faithfully set up mission stations, planted churches, Christian schools and other Christians who have gone before us. Today I remember Rev Dr Fred McKay, Rev Flynn and others, but more especially Jan Heaslip. 

Jan cofounded the day school at St Philip’s College with Chris Tudor, and served as its first chair and later becoming a Life Governor of the college. 

Her life of service to St Philip’s through her devotion and advocacy ensured that St Philip’s was established to educate children of the Outback, and later the schools became part of the Round Square schools worldwide network, enabling children to integrate and meet other children from around the globe who are part of the organisation. Having sat on a number of educational boards, Jan always believed that “obstacles are just hurdles to jump over”. 

May you rest in love and peace Jan.

Lord we thank you for the vision you have given Jan.

Thank you for all the gifts she has offered to 

St Philip’s and the wider community.

Thank you for her devotion and advocacy 

for the children of the Outback.

Lord, may Jan’s family be strengthened and comforted 

by your peace and love as they mourn their grandmother, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, sister and cousin.

In Jesus name we pray - Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Rev Dr Eseta Mateiviti

College Chaplain