Mission & Catholic Identity News
Not to be served - but to serve
As a Catholic community leading up to Easter, may we take time to reflect upon the significance of the action to reach out to the other. In the first months of this year we have witnessed extraordinarily devastating events: destructive floods and bush fires that have shattered the existence of many people in Australia. Nonetheless, in the midst of this devastation we have witnessed remarkable acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality.
Lent, as a time of contemplation, encourages us to take this time to truly reflect upon these personal and intimate feelings so that we may realise the potential of our own life and what it means to us as Christians.
The Jesus story is a rich and inspiring ministry that is based upon the importance of reaching out to the other, particularly in times of great difficulty, sickness, devastation and sadness. Jesus entered our world and showed us how we can allow God to work within us, to reach out to the other in selfless ways. His life models for us a call to enact our deepest centre, so that we can attain our potential. May we be open to modelling our life on Jesus - ‘not to be served but to serve’.
The importance of Holy Week
At St. Peter’s College we will have student led Stations of the Cross at both Cranbourne and Clyde North campuses on April 3. The reflections will give thought in that we greet Jesus as a King on Palm Sunday, yet by Friday, he is dead. Whilst we know the end of the story, his followers did not and they were wrought by grief and dashed hopes.
The days of Good Friday and Holy Saturday are perhaps the most important days of reflection and prayer in the whole year for us, as Christians. They offer us insight into, as St. Paul says, the hope that is within us. How do we cope when nothing makes sense?
When we are going through challenging times, how do we endure those experiences of incomprehensible questioning and doubt that life will ever be normal again? It is Paul again who assures us that God's grace is sufficient for us, and it is in that knowledge that hope is possible.
The events of Holy Week are not just a week in history. They are an insight into the human journey - a journey of exultation and pain, of friendship and broken relationships, of healing and of faith, and always, of being held in the ever-present love of a caring God.
Have a blessed Easter.
Prayer Cloths
I am seeking volunteers who are good with a sewing machine and would like to create prayer cloths for the College. I am not so good with a Singer so any help will be appreciated. All materials will be supplied. Contact myself on mwilliams@stpeters.vic.edu.au
Call for Community members to be involved in a great initiative
St. Peter’s College is currently in the process of researching the feasibility of running the Clemente Program, an innovative university-level program for Australians experiencing multiple disadvantage and social isolation. The Clemente Program was introduced to Australia in 2003 by the Australian Catholic University (ACU). It would be after schools hours with past students and current St Peter’s College families as the targeted students.
More than 800 Australians have enrolled in a Clemente Australia program and many who have completed the program with a Certificate of Liberal Arts have continued to further education, employment and community participation. The achievement of studying at a university level has transformed the lives of many of those who are marginalised, for whatever reason, on the edge of society.
If you have experiences or skill sets, that could complement this program, in a lecturing or organisation role – please email mwilliams@stpeters.vic.edu.au for details.
St. Peter’s College PROJECT COMPASSION
Just a reminder if you would like to donate to our St Peter’s College effort for Caritas Project Compassion during Lent -
https://lent.caritas.org.au/matthewwilliams#blank
So far we have raised over $5000!
Matthew Williams
Deputy Principal: Mission & Catholic Identity