Feast of the Annunciation

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. This day celebrates the announcement to Mary of her conception of Jesus. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1: 26-38). Please see below a small excerpt from the poem Annunciation by Denise Levertov, that was posted to the Jamberoo Abbey Facebook page this morning. While this poem was published in 1989, I think it still has much to offer us; an example of the power of context. Let us celebrate women of courage today and always.

We know the scene: the room, variously furnished,

almost always a lectern, a book;

always the tall lily.

Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings,

the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering,

whom she acknowledges, a guest.

But we are told of meek obedience.

No one mentions courage.

The engendering Spirit

did not enter her without consent.

God waited.

She was free to accept or to refuse,

choice integral to humanness.

Holy Week

Next week is Holy Week, the final week of Lent and a particularly sacred time in the Christian calendar. Holy Week begins on Sunday - Palm Sunday - a day that commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem days before he was to be put to death. Next Thursday - Holy Thursday - is the beginning of the Easter Triduum that commemorates the Last Supper, the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, and Jesus’ burial. In Holy Week we remember Jesus’ ministry and teaching. We remember his last meal with his disciples. We remember his suffering and death on the Cross. On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from death to new life. It is this new life to which we are called to be a part. In our Easter Liturgy next Thursday, we will explore the Easter story by focusing on four events: the Washing of Feet, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The challenge for us is to reflect on what meaning these events still have for us as Franciscan People.

Z Club Fundraising

After the success of the Bake Sale a couple of weeks ago, the Z Club is ending the term with two more fundraisers that we hope will be just as successful: the raffle of four passes to upcoming Broncos games and a Sausage Sizzle. Tickets for the raffles can be purchased by students using their student ID card during Break 1 tomorrow and next week. Tickets can also be purchased online. Tickets are $2 each or 3 tickets for $5. The winners of the draw for this Saturday’s game will be announced tomorrow afternoon. Z Club will also hold a Sausage Sizzle at the Cross Country Carnival next Thursday, 1 April. A sausage on bread will cost $2. Soft drinks will also be available for $2. The preferred method of payment will be via student ID card. There will be no EFTPOS facilities.

Cross Country Carnival

With the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 1 April, I remind families of the importance of your daughter’s participation in, and attendance at, this compulsory college community event. It is an expectation that all students will be in attendance on the day to cheer on their House and each other. Absence from these events is noted, and all students are expected to compete if they are fit and able to do so. Students unable to run or walk the course on the day can volunteer to assist with a number of tasks that will help the day run smoothly. All students are to wear their sports uniform to and from school; however, they are also invited to show some House spirit by wearing accessories in their House colour. Students may wear to school, on the day, shirts and ribbons in their House colour.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is the major fundraiser of Caritas, the Catholic Church’s agency for global development, and the theme this year is Be More. It challenges us to venture into a new experience of compassion, and is taken from the invitation of Saint Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to BE more”. As the College has gone cashless, we are encouraging each family to donate to Project Compassion via the Caritas website. Your donation will be a sign of our college community’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the poor. It is a small action that makes a world of difference.

Richard Rogusz

Futures Hub