✝️Faith and Mission

A Reflection on Dignity through the Oblate Charism

In the Oblate tradition, dignity is never an abstract idea. It is something we recognise, protect, and call forth in every person we meet. St Eugene de Mazenod built his life’s mission on the simple conviction that every human being, especially the poor and the most abandoned, carries a worth that cannot be taken away. His ministry began the moment he looked into the eyes of those who felt unseen and reminded them that they were precious in the eyes of God.

This is the heart of the Oblate charism. To see people not for their circumstances, but for their sacredness. To meet others with compassion, closeness and respect. To stand beside those who are overlooked and say through our actions, ‘Your life matters.’

As a Mazenod community, we continue this mission each time we honour the dignity of another, in the way we speak, serve, listen and choose kindness over indifference. When we act with this spirit, we do more than follow St Eugene’s example. We become signs of hope for one another.

May we keep learning to see as he saw, with eyes of mercy, with hearts open to the vulnerable and with a commitment to lift up the dignity that God has placed in every person.

Cathedral Outreach: Mazenod Students Serving with Compassion

Mazenod College’s involvement in the Cathedral Outreach program continues to be a powerful expression of our Oblate values in action. Six of our students joined volunteers at St Mary’s Cathedral to serve meals and drinks alongside The Shopfront team, offering not only practical support but, more importantly, a genuine human encounter that honours the dignity of every person they meet. Through this experience, our young men learn what it means to serve with respect, compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility.

We extend our sincere thanks to Carrin Richter, Samantha Hunt and Leisha Meerkotter for accompanying and supporting our students at this meaningful initiative.

Mother’s Day Mass and Afternoon Tea

Last Friday, our College’s mothers and their sons gathered for a beautiful afternoon of celebration, beginning with Mass and followed by a shared afternoon tea. Fr Michael Twigg OMI led a heartfelt liturgy honouring the mothers and mother figures who play such an important role in the lives of our young men and in the wider Mazenod community.

Moments like these become a quiet moment of grace for families. It is a chance to pause, pray and celebrate the relationships that shape and support our students. As a community, we also speak a shared language of love and gratitude, and it is uplifting to witness this expressed so openly.

The joy on our students’ faces as they welcomed their mothers or female mentors into the College made clear the deep value of our tradition of gathering for Mass and celebrating together. These moments of connection strengthen the bonds that make Mazenod such a special community.

Invitation to Friday Community Mass

Families and community members are warmly invited to join us for our Mazenod Community Mass each Friday at 8:00 am in the College Chapel. This simple and welcoming celebration is a beautiful way to pray together, support our students and begin the day grounded in faith. All are most welcome to attend.

Friends of Wilkin Rd Bushland

The Friends of Wilkin Rd Bushland will be holding a busy bee this Sunday, May 17, from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Those interested should meet on the corner of Wilkins Road and Lesmurdie Road East. All students and families are welcome, and CSL hours are available to the students. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring gloves and a water bottle, they will provide bags. Thank you to Mrs Claire Hughes who will be in attendance.

Sacramental Program

One of the great responsibilities and joys of our College is helping young people encounter the life and love of Jesus. As a Catholic school, we warmly welcome people of all faith backgrounds and none. Every member of our community is valued and respected.

Each year, some students, families and staff express a desire to become Catholic or to receive Sacraments they may have missed earlier in life, such as Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation. A person’s faith journey is shaped by many influences: family, school, friendships, community and personal experience. When someone takes this step, we honour it with care, preparation and support.

Last year, 14 students and staff made this voluntary and meaningful decision. We are pleased to open this invitation again in 2026.

If you or your child would like to explore becoming Catholic or receiving Sacraments previously missed, we encourage you to have a conversation at home and then contact Dr Leber (leber.nathan@mazenod.wa.edu.au). We will work with you to find a preparation pathway that suits your circumstances.

Dr Nathan Leber

Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission