Faith Formation

 and Mission

Archbishop Francis Patrick Carroll 

(9 September 1930 – 14 March 2024)

On Wednesday 20 March 2024, College House and Boarding Captains represented the College attending the Solemn mass at St. Michael's Cathedral paying tribute to Archbishop Carroll whose legacy will continue as the Patron of Carroll House. 

The solemn mass was a touching tribute to Archbishop Carroll's life and achievements, led by Bishop Mark and attended by fellow clergy members from across the Diocese. This High mass was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and members. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Archbishop Carroll's family, friends, and the entire Catholic community.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

May he rest in peace. Amen

Easter 

As we conclude our Lenten journey, which began with Ash Wednesday, the College gathered once during Holy Week to walk with Jesus on the way to his passion, death and resurrection. The image of the 'suffering servant' from the Hebrew Scriptures, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah centuries before Christ, shows someone who would serve God so completely that he would suffer despite being innocent and, in the end, save and heal us by offering his life.

The Year 10 Drama class reenacted the Stations of the Cross and through movement, the College staff and students prayed and focused on what it was really like for Jesus. As we know the Stations of the Cross follow Jesus on his journey to his crucifixion and then his resurrection from the dead. All gathered were invited to step up to Jesus to understand and see in the sufferings of Jesus, our struggles mirrored in his. The reenactment touched on the pain, misery and courage of Jesus and we learned to place our trust in God who, in Jesus, transforms death into new life. 

I would like to thank all Staff and students involved, from the actors to the staff and students who did the voiceovers, the IT support and Mrs Narouz.

May the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts with hope,

May the light of Christ's love shine brightly in your lives,

May the blessings of Easter bring peace and renewal to your souls,

And may the grace of God guide you always, now and forevermore. Amen.

SRC - Mass of the Chrism 

The Student Representative Committee members attended Mass at St Michael’s Cathedral for the Mass of the Chrism. This mass is held during Holy Week when Bishop Mark and the Priests from around the diocese gather at the Cathedral. The Mass displays the unity of the Priests with our Bishop, including our Chaplin Father Grace. During this mass, the Bishop blesses three oils: the Oil used for the Sacrament of Baptism, the Oil used for Blessing the Sick and Dying; and The Oil used for the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmations.

These oils will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year. This tradition was established in the early Church and was later absorbed into the Holy Thursday Evening Mass; Pope Pius 12 issued a new Ordinal for Holy Week, which reinstituted a special Mass of the Chrism distinct from the Holy Thursday Evening Mass. It was a very significant mass in the Church year which the SRC members were privileged to attend.

Project Compassion

Each year, as a Catholic community, we participate in the Caritas Project Compassion appeal which is a practical way of bringing to life our mission of Christian service. This year, our work was centred on the theme ‘For All Future Generations’. 

During Lent, it has been important to do good work and act selflessly, and with compassion. Over the past 6 weeks of Lent, we have been learning through Project Compassion, about stories of hope and about what the funds we donate do for those less fortunate. We have focused on how we can enrich our connectedness as a global community. 

Thank you to all those who have already contributed by donating in Homegroup and online to this worthy cause. We have already contributed $690. Please remember that we are still able to make online donations. We hope that you take the time to make your final donations through the donation website site for Mater Dei HERE. As lucky as we are here at Mater Dei, we can make a difference now, and for all future generations.

Easter Raffle 

Our annual Easter Raffle raises much-needed funds for St Vincent de Paul. This valuable support service offers care and support to those less fortunate. There are many disadvantaged men, women and children in our area. St Vincent de Paul is always looking for donations that will help support the Riverina community in many ways. 

This year, our Easter Raffle raised $1021.50. We thank you for your support of the less fortunate in our community this Lent. We will be passing this on to St Vincent de Paul, who we know are always happy to have any donation to help those they care for.

We were very blessed this year to have Easter egg contributions that enabled 44 prizes to be drawn. Congratulations to everyone who won a prize. The SRC look forward to your continued support over the year through the various activities and fundraisers we will be leading.

This is the final newsletter for Term 1. I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating break. May this time be filled with moments of relaxation, joy, and renewal. I hope you all have the opportunity to recharge your spirits, spend quality time with loved ones, and return refreshed for Term 2 and the opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy and may this break bring you peace and happiness.

Mrs Pauline Streckfuss | Acting Leader of Faith FormatioMission