St Bede's College News

Faith and Mission 

Together we Serve: Locally and Globally

As we journey through the College year of 2023, we will be guided by our new College theme: Together We Serve: Locally and Globally. 

 

Lasallian identity is based on the three characteristics of Faith, Service, and Community. At St Bede’s College, we have a proud tradition of serving together to make a difference to many who are in need, locally and globally. 

 

With great generosity, we support the work of Caritas through Project Compassion, the Lasallian Foundation and many Lasallian schools and works through MAD Day, the St Vincent de Paul Society through the Winter Appeal and the Christmas Hamper drive, and the Les Twentyman Foundation through donations of school books and resources.  These are but a few of the many opportunities that we have to respond to the call to serve together; locally and globally. 

 

We also respond to the call to serve by having the right attitude and mindset. In order to do this, we should take time each day for reflection and prayer; to listen to what God is calling us to do and be. We need time to dream of ways that we can make God’s kingdom present in our world. We also need to be aware of the times we have missed the mark and make a commitment for renewal.

 

As we begin 2023, may we serve together, locally and globally by: 

  • Genuinely caring for their wellbeing of others
  • Sharing what I have with those far less fortunate than me 
  • Standing up for what is right and not ignoring injustice
  • Being interested in what is happening in the world, especially in places of conflict and despair
  • Considering how my choices impact on the environment, by ‘reducing, reusing, recycling.

We pray... 

 

Loving God, create in us generous and compassionate hearts like Jesus. 

 

Help us to use the gifts we have received to help people who need us.

 

Help us to reach beyond ourselves to the very margins so we may answer the call to serve you and others with integrity and generosity. 

 

Send your Spirit to keep us aglow with the desire for justice; locally and globally. Amen.

 

St Bede's College Family Mass

You are warmly invited to our 2023 St Bede’s College Family Mass, to celebrate the opening of the school year and to recognise and commission our student leaders.

 

Thursday 16 February 2023 at 6.00pm

Sports Centre, Mentone Campus

 

Principal Celebrant: Bishop Tony Ireland, Southern Region

 

The Mass will be followed by a light supper.

 

We are honoured to have Bishop Tony Ireland as the Principal Celebrant for this occasion who will be accompanied by many of our Chaplains. 

 

Bookings are essential, and can be made via the following link - https://events.humanitix.com/2023-mass

 

We look forward to welcoming you and your family.

 

Address by Br Peter Bray

Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD is a De La Salle brother and the 8th Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University; the first university, and only Catholic university, established in Palestine providing higher education to the Palestinian people (both Christians and Muslims) in the West Bank. 

 

After many years of living and working within the walls around Bethlehem, Br Bray is well aware of the curfews, travel restrictions, military checkpoints and the negative impact of the Israeli military occupation throughout the West Bank. 

 

Join us to hear first-hand of the reality of occupation for students, staff, faculty members and the Brothers themselves.

 

Wednesday 22 February

 

4.30pm – 5.30pm

 

St Bede’s College - Mentone Campus, Auditorium (enter via Palermo Street)

 

Bookings can be made via the link below: https://events.humanitix.com/sbc-address

 

The event is FREE, however, there will be an opportunity to make a donation (cash or EFT) to Bethlehem University. 

 

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Wednesday 22 February is Ash Wednesday; the beginning of our forty-day season of Lent that leads to Easter.  On Ash Wednesday, we come together to remind ourselves that we don’t always follow God’s ways, and that we need to ask God for mercy and forgiveness. 

 

Like God’s people in the time of ancient Israel, we want to express our sorrow for our sins and faults. We wear ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, and to have a change of heart, so that we can live in right relationship with God and each other.

 

A prayer service to administer ashes will be held in Homerooms and Tutor Groups on the morning of Ash Wednesday.

Take some time to read this gospel story that may guide your thoughts and actions this Lent:

 

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.

 

When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward. 

 

When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret.

 

Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.”

 

You are invited to prepare yourself for the season of Lent by reflecting on these questions: 

  • How will I make this season of Lent a time to grow closer to God and others?
    • Will I take more time for prayer?
    • Will I give more to those in need?
    • Will I fast by focusing on my needs, rather than my wants? 

Let us pray …

 

Merciful God, tenderly guide us through this Lenten season. 

 

Help us to admit and recognise our wrongdoings and to seek forgiveness.

 

Give us the strength to change our behaviour so that we will follow you more faithfully.  

 

Amen

 

St John Baptist de la Salle.  Pray for us.  

Live Jesus in our hearts.  Forever.

 

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal 

Faith and Mission