"Mater Dei Matters"

Faith Formation 

and Mission

Founder’s Day Mass and Celebration

Last week we joyfully gathered to celebrate the legacy of our founders Nano Nagle of the Presentation Sisters and Edmund Rice of the Christian Brothers. Their vision of faith, compassion, and education continues to inspire all we do.

 

We were grateful to Bishop Mark Edwards from the Diocese of Wagga Wagga for leading our Mass, alongside Fr Grace. We also welcomed our Presentation Sisters — Sr Colleen Maloney, Sr Carmel Wallace, Sr Judith Baz, Sr Rosemary Terry and Sr Barbara Webber, patron of Webber House — whose presence reminded us of the strong foundation we stand on.

 

With the theme “One Heart for Mission: Built on Hope”, we look to the future with gratitude. The light first lit by Nano and Edmund shines on — in every student who leads, serves, and hopes.

 

Following Mass, sisters, students, and invited guests joined staff and student leaders for a beautiful morning tea in our staffroom, sharing stories and meaningful conversations together.

Vinnies Winter Warmth Appeal

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) have been meeting during lunch time to talk about ways Mater Dei can support Vinnies this winter. 

Boarding Captain Chelsea Thomas has written the below article on behalf of the SRC: 

 

The Vinnies Winter Appeal is a fundraising program that Mater Dei proudly takes part in every year. The appeal collects donations to give to those living in poverty so that nobody in our local area has to suffer through the cold months of winter. 

 

We are asking for your support this winter to bring in any old clothes or bedding items you no longer need that are laying around the house and can be donated to Vinnies. Examples of items that you could bring in include:

  • Jumpers and Pants

  • Socks and Beanies

  • T-shirts and Pajamas

  • Bedding Items such as blankets and sheets. 

Please ensure that any items you bring are in good condition. Avoid donating products that are torn or damaged, as each item will be given to a family or individual in need of support.

 

Any products brought to school can be handed in at the front office or in Homegroup in the morning. Remember, there are many people in the Riverina who go without cozy clothes to wear and a warm bed to sleep in. As a community we can help those in need by simply donating old items we no longer use. We greatly appreciate the effort that the Mater Dei community has put in in the previous years and we hope that we can do even better this year! 

 

Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. 

 

National Reconciliation Week was celebrated in Week 5, during this time staff and students  reflected on the theme 'Bridging Now to Next' in Homegroup and classroom prayer.

 

 

We pray:

God of justice and truth, 

We seek your guidance to embody the prophet’s call to do good and to seek justice. 

May we grow with the courage and compassion of Christ, and walk in the way of peace and reconciliation. 

May God’s Spirit enliven and embolden us to stand in solidarity with others until ALL are treated with dignity and worth. Amen

 

Pentecost

This Sunday the 8 June 2025 we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. The word Pentecost is Greek and it means "50th day." Fifty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their Earthly ministry to make disciples of all nations.

 

Come, Holy Spirit,

Fill my heart with Your fire.

Help me be brave when I feel unsure,

Kind when it's hard,

And strong when I want to give up.

Just like You helped the disciples speak out,

Help me stand up for what’s right

And love others like You love me.

Guide my words, my choices, my dreams. Amen.

 

 

Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission