Rector's Report
Greetings! The academic year of 2023 is slowly but surely ending with all our students either having completed or in the process of completing their exams. Our Year 7 students will be bracing themselves for their first tilt at full on exams and their associated procedures which may see them a bit more nervous and stressed than usual. They can be reassured that we are all there to support and encourage them in their endeavours. Not only is the academic year ending, but this is the second last newsletter for the year. I have no doubt that you will share my same sentiments as we wonder where another year has gone.
Deceased Former Mazenod Students Eucharist
On Friday November 10 at 7.00pm we gathered in our college chapel for the annual deceased Old Boys Eucharist. This annual event brings together the families and friends who have a lost a loved one who has been part of the Mazenod College community. This year 85 people joined together for prayer and support of each other. Since Mazenod opened in 1967 165 students have died with 6 passing during their time as a student. In front of the college altar there are three displays reminding us of who we are praying for during this month of November.
The yellow pages contain the names of the Oblates from around the world who have died since the founding of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The white pages contain the names of deceased family members that prayers have been requested for by our college families. The two plaques at the bottom contain the names of all our former students who have died. During the month of November please feel free to join us at 8.10am for the Eucharist in our chapel as together we pray for the repose of all their souls.
De Mazenod Family Gathering
On Thursday November 9 till Sunday November 12 Mazenod College hosted 50 members of the De Family for their annual gathering. The members and Oblates present represented our various ministries from around our Australian Province. The following staff members of Mazenod College accepted the invitation to represent the college: Dr Paul Shannon, Ray Ellwood, Jacinta Fox, Tina Giacco, Staff members Alice Peters represented St John Vianney parish and Kyle Hoad was part of the coordinating team. The aim of the gathering was to enshrine an overall structure of what it means to belong to the De Mazenod Family.
Rememberance Day & Prayer for Peace
Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, was first observed on the 11th of November 1919 at 11am. At the time Australia made a promise never to forget the service and sacrifice of 416,000 Australians who enlisted and over 60,000 who died. For over 100 years, we have kept this promise. We remember them still. Let us pray for all who suffer because of conflict, and ask that God may give us peace:
For the service men and women who have died in the violence of war, each one remembered by and known to God. God give peace.For those who love them in death as in life, offering the distress of our grief and the sadness of our loss. God give peace.
For all members of the armed forces who are in danger this day, remembering family, friends and all who pray for their safe return. God give peace. For civilian women, children, and men whose lives are disfigured by war or terror, calling to mind in penitence the anger and hatreds of humanity. God give peace.
For peacemakers and peacekeepers, who seek to keep this world secure and free. God give peace.
God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith and hope in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever.
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Pray for us.
St Eugene de Mazenod
Pray for us.
Vinnies Christmas and MAMI Christmas Cards
As we approach the end of the year, we know that Christmas is not that far away. Christmas in our Christian tradition is a time to celebrate God's love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. It is also a time of giving to others. Most of our giving is to close family and friends. However, as Christians we are also called to care for our neighbour, people we will never meet. Our Mazenod community has two final appeals.
The first is the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Donations of food items (or Christmas gifts) and cash will be distributed through our local Parishes to assist the generous commitment of St Vincent de Paul volunteers. More details can be found on MAZCOM. Appeal closes December 2.
The second is the Oblate Christmas Gift Card. The idea behind d this giving is that you purchase a card or cards from various amounts to assist the Oblate Missions. The card you purchase explains to your family or friends that you have purchased this gift card on their behalf in place of a material gift. These cards can be purchased from the Front Office (via cash only) or on online through MAZCOM or mami@oblates.com.au
Generous responses like yours make this world a better place for our unseen neighbour. This is a gift that keeps on giving.
Adore - De Mazenod Family Advent Program
I would like to draw your attention to the De Mazenod Family Advent Program for 2023 - Adore. This year’s program will follow along similar lines to last year, except the focus is on the Nativity through the eyes of four artists: Giotto, Van Der Goes, Botticelli and Caravaggio. This program has been designed so that you can use it privately, in a group or you are most welcome to join other people from our De Mazenod Family online. The online component will run on Thursday evenings leading up to Christmas, beginning on the 30th of November with a starting time of 8.00 pm AEDT.
National Oblate Youth Encounter
The National Oblate Youth Encounter is an event that brings together young people from around Australia who wish to share their Catholic faith in tandem with the Charism of St Eugene De Mazenod. NOYE is a great chance for new friendships to be formed and for old friends to catch up. The National Oblate Youth Encounter for young people (Year 12 - 30 years old) will be held from Thursday January 4, 2024, 12.00pm till Sunday, January 7, 12.00pm at Mazenod College, Victoria. This year’s theme "You Are the Light of the World" will explore the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod and how each of us are called to burn brightly in today’s world. Please encourage your son or daughter to come along and participate. The cost is $100.00. Email: erice@oblates.com.au or oya@oblates.com.au
Not just the same today!!!
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI