Rector's Report

Greetings! I hope this newsletter finds you all well and coping with sons who are presently or getting ready to sit their exams. This is not an easy time for them. I never enjoyed exam time, so I do feel for them. Our Oblate community continues to pray for these young men that they will receive the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and patience. I suppose it is getting past the time when you can the premiership win by the Pies so I will refrain from doing so just to keep people happy. 

Sacramental Program

In the Catholic tradition, November is traditionally a month of remembrance of the dead. The month began with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 which commemorates all the saints in heaven and the example they offer us. This could be an opportunity for you to recall the saints name you chose for your Confirmation and how you are continuing to imitate their life. The following day, November 2, we celebrated All Souls when we especially remembered all our deceased loved ones. It is not too late to have your loved ones remembered in our college Masses during this month.

Please send an email to Tina Giacco: ngiacco@mazenod.vic.edu.au.

The names will be added to a folder which is placed at the front of the altar in the college chapel for the month. 

This month offers three other opportunities. Firstly, you could visit the grave/s of your deceased loved ones and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them. Secondly, I invite you to take the opportunity to join the College community at our morning Eucharist at 8.10am as we pray together for all our deceased loves ones. Thirdly, I invite you to join us on Friday November 10 at 7.00pm in the College chapel when we will pause, pray, and remember the deceased old boys of our College.

205th Anniversary - First Oblate in Congregation

November 1, 1818, is an important date for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate as it is the day when our Founder, St. Eugene, and his first companion on this new missionary journey, Father Henry Tempier, made and professed their first oblation (vows). These humble beginnings remind us that together we are Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. We are the Pilgrim people of God making the journey of faith, hope, and love together. We are people of Hope which is necessary to continue to advance in our pilgrimage with God. We are a people in Communion, one with each other, as we help each other. May this anniversary be a time of grace, renewal, communion, and above all, a time to journey with each other as the De Mazenod Family, the people of God. 

St John Vianney Fete

Thank you to you all for your support of the St John Vianney parish fete on October 21. A special thanks to our college musicians and teachers who added enjoyable entertainment to the day which was greatly appreciated by all who attended. These young men are a fine example of the talented and generous students and staff we have at Mazenod. A healthy profit was the great result for all the hard work.

Year 10C Food Tech Exam - Staff Morning Tea

On Tuesday October 31 Year 10C held their Food Tech Exam. Tables were set up outside the Food Tech area displaying a great variety of food creations for the enjoyment of and judging by staff members. I was pleased to be asked to be the client for Tommy Nguyen with his French Toast with caramelized pear. Well done, Tommy. A pass mark was ensured for keeping the Rector fed.

Blessing & Opening of Flynn Business Centre

At lunch recess on October 31, Dr Paul Shannon, Principal, and several staff members gathered with Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Rector, for the blessing of the plaque that marks the entrance to the newly renovated business centre. Following this the rooms of the business centre were blessed marking their official opening. The business centre has been named after Fr John Flynn OMI who arrived in Fremantle, Australia from the Anglo-Irish Province in 1899 and was subsequently appointed Superior & Manager of the Glendalough Industrial School for young boys from 1900 till 1911. Fr Flynn was known for his kindly and unselfish nature to all especially the poor and sick.

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. I will give a reminder in the next with the Zoom link for those choosing to join online. 

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI