Mission and Identity
- Via Dolorosa - Stations of the Cross
- International Women's Day Breakfast at Monte Sant' Angelo College
- Project Compassion - Assistance Needed
- Edmund Rice Centre for Justice
Via Dolorosa - Stations of the Cross
Preparations have commenced for the Stations of the Cross that will take place in Holy Week.
The Stations of the Cross are a time-honoured tradition designed to engage with the mystery of Salvation that unfolds through Jesus’ Crucifixion. It was on this day that Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice to God so that the sins of humankind would be forgiven. Jesus shed His blood to wash away our moments of selfishness, greed and hurtfulness.
The Stations of the Cross help our students to understand that He bore the burden of the cross so that we might understand what it ‘truly means’ to love one another; to put the needs of others before ourselves; to sacrifice what is ours for others. Humanity needed forgiveness. Humanity needed healing. It is because He loves us so deeply, that He put the needs of us before Himself even if that meant He would be humiliated, falsely accused, tortured and then physically nailed to a cross and left to die a painful and lonely death.
Jesus presents us with a challenge, more accurately an opportunity to learn from His personal sacrifice and re-channel our relationships through the ‘lens’ of love. To build relationships based on service, based on placing the needs of others before ourselves. Jesus did not shed His blood, His essence of life for the select few but for all people. What a profound message for us in Australia. May we too offer love unconditionally for all people regardless of race, creed, culture, religion or post code.
This liturgy gives us the opportunity at St Pius X to reflect as a family of faith on these examples from Christ as we draw to the foot of the cross on Good Friday.
We are most grateful to Ms Lindley for her generous sharing of her expertise, as well as for the solidarity and collaboration from Mr Dumas and Mrs Murray from Mercy Catholic College. The students are to be congratulated for the way in which they gave their all during the preparations thus far.
International Women’s Day Breakfast at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
Last week students from Year 11, along with Ms Watson and Mr Balboa, attended an International Women’s Day Breakfast to listen to Dr Julia Baird. Students and staff alike were inspired by her exploration of grace, forgiveness and openness. Our students were blessed to have the opportunity to explore more deeply such tenets as they continue their pilgrimage of learning towards graduation in 2025.
Assistance Needed: Project Compassion Lenten Appeal:
Project Compassion fundraising efforts continue across the College, and all funds raised go to support the work of Caritas.
Parents and families are invited to donate via the link below. These donations enable critical relief projects to be operated by Caritas. These projects provide education, water and emergency healthcare to the most vulnerable people globally, and here in Australia.
https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-pius-x-college-chatswood
‘Tap and Go’ facilities are available on the verandah on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cash donations are collected Monday through to Friday. Please assist the College to meet a significant target as we seek to remain true to the vision of Edmund Rice and reach those who are most vulnerable on the margins of society.
Students are also welcome to donate or purchase through the Compassion Cake Stall on Tuesday mornings. The committed team from the Edmund Rice Society continue to cook up a storm.
Reminder: Edmund Rice Centre for Justice Webinars
Please find below some excellent webinars available through the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice. One of which in particular, involves speaking with the former president of Kiribati, Anote Tong who was a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement. His story is captured in the documentary film ‘Anote’s Ark’
As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, we are called to build a world of justice. Joining one of these webinars can be a first step towards such positive change.
Friday 15 March, 1.30pm
Webinar: In conversation with H.E Anote Tong - Climate Change and Pacific Island States: The Geo-political Landscape in the Region
Join us to hear His Excellency Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati (2003-2016) and current Chair of the Pacific Elders' Voice, explore emerging geo-political dynamics in the Pacific and how these interact with the climate crisis. H.E. Anote Tong will be joining us as part of his tour in Australia to engage directly with Edmund Rice Centre supporters.
Registrations are essential here
Tuesday 2 April, 6.30pm
Webinar: In conversation with Reverend James Bhagwan - Climate and Faith in the Pacific
Join us to hear Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, explore the role of faith and church in the climate crisis. Reverend Bhagwan will be joining us as part of his stay in Australia for the Epeli Hau'ofa Annual Public Lecture co-hosted this year by the Edmund Rice Centre, the Australian Association for Pacific Studies and the Australian Museum.
Registrations are essential here
Mr Daniel Petrie - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity