MISSION CENTRAL

Ash Wednesday 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent which lasts up to Easter. Saints commemorated this feast day on Wednesday 14 February.  It is a time when we are conscious that we are not perfect and we try to  make ourselves better people. During the 40 days of Lent, we are invited to reflect on our relationship with God and with others. We do this in three ways: through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and good works.

Prayer is what we are doing as a community now. During Lent you can also spend time in the chapel, praying alone, or joining community prayer times like Marist prayer, student- led prayer and the Friday liturgy. You can fast from foods such as chocolate or meat, or you can fast from selfishness and feast on sharing hope and compassion. 

During Lent we will be asked to donate towards those less fortunate through Marist Solidarity, our MAPS Appeal. This is your almsgiving; however, you can also give of yourself to your families and local communities. During Lent we should reflect on God’s love for us by being people of action and showing love for others.

MAPS Appeal by Service Captain Jayden Cox

The MAPS (Marist Asia-Pacific Solidarity) Appeal is an annual charity event run by Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). 

This year’s appeal is focused on Cambodia, a melting pot of culture in Southeast Asia. Its struggle for independence throughout the 20th century led to a country in desperate need of rebuilding. However, progress has been made, through the hope and enthusiasm of people and culture, alongside the help of charities like AMS. They aid in two main areas: children with disability and education. Over 86,000 young people under 20 live with disability, nearly half of whom do not attend school. Of all children, only 27% of 3–5 year-olds are on track in numeracy and literacy. This is due to various reasons, including inadequate school preparation due to poverty (30% of the population), poor quality teaching and irregular school attendance. This is where AMS comes in, establishing the Lavalla school in the capital city, and the Lavalla village to provide housing, meals and transport for students. Through your fundraising, AMS can continue to improve the education of young people in places like Cambodia. 

Our MAPS Appeal fundraiser

Indulge your sweet tooth with our Krispy Kreme Doughnut Sale to raise money for MAPS. Treat yourself to a delicious assortment of these mouthwatering doughnuts. Don't miss out on this irresistible treat – grab yours today! Click on this LINK to order.

Signing the pledge

The prefects of 2024 have signed the pledge they wrote on Leadership Day and it will proudly hang on the wall in our student meeting room. It is a constant reminder of the leadership promise we have made to the College, and it will be a wonderful text for us to refer to during the year. We recited this together at the Commencement Mass: "As your 2024 prefects, we pledge to uphold Saints tradition, legacy and culture, built upon by those before us. Through a shared vision for service, arts, sports and academics, underpinned by the five Marist characteristics, we will selflessly give back to our community. 

"We pledge to build a family founded on a shared understanding and connection, allowing good Christians and good citizens to flourish. 

"We pledge to lead with integrity and respect throughout the College, in order to foster positive relations between the grades, forming a community of young men embracing a culture of strong minds and gentle hearts."

Year 12 Retreat

The Year 12 Retreat was overwhelmingly positive, and the comments speak for themselves. Here are just a few of them:

"The high point of the retreat for me was hanging out with people I usually do not hang out with or talk to at school. Very good our for last ever school retreat/camp."

"The high point of the retreat for me was talking to Mr Dorahy and Mr Seivers about their life and experience."

"The retreat was a good experience but tiring.  The activities were well directed and everyone participated."

"9/10 – would do it again."

"The high point of the retreat for me was becoming a changed man on the last day."

"A great, fun and immersive experience that helped me know who I am and what I want to be."

"A retreat I will never forget; one of the best “camps” I’ve been on."

"Food, face painting, clay and free time were highlights."

"The retreat was enjoyable and I got to know people better."

"It was good and I think future boys should be looking forward to it."

"Enjoyable, eye-opening, very rewarding."

"This was a great retreat that helps you grow as a person and become a stronger cohort."

"A nice retreat that made me understand more about God, myself and others."

"I enjoyed my time at the retreat and, overall, if given the chance would go again."

Rosies

Rosies is in full swing, and we have a waiting list of helpers for the scheduled Term 1 dates. Well done Year 11 for answering the call.