Especean

Faith, Justice and Formation 

SPC Senior Retreat

A few accounts from the young men after Year 12 went on Retreat last week….

 

Last Sunday 13 February, commenced the Year 12 Retreat week. Sunday afternoon saw two groups leave, one to Lutanda in the Blue Mountains, and the other to Long Point. After returning on Wednesday 16 February, two more groups departed to the two venues and returned on Saturday. The Year 12 Retreat was a highly immersive and enriching experience, which birthed and nurtured new trusts and bonds between the students in the Class of 2022. The experience allowed each of us to grow, not just individually but also as a collective, as we pondered some of the big things in our lives as well as what we can do now and going forward to bring about the good in ourselves and those around us. Both the boys and the accompanying staff shared numerous thoughts and personal experiences with each other, which in turn allowed us to grow closer and strengthen our relationships. We engaged in a plethora of activities, some fun and invigorating, whilst others were calmer and more reflective. The retreat also allowed all of us to deepen our faith, as well as strengthen and nourish our relationship with God. Overall, the Senior Retreat was something to never forget and each of us are extremely grateful for this spiritual and personal journey that we were able to embark on.

Joseph Tannous and Mitchell Brell

 

The transition from boys into men, the sheer impact a 4-day journey with a large group of boys has upon you. The unbreakable bond stemming from this retreat is something not to be forgotten. I really enjoyed spending time away from school with my mates where I was able to unwind and take my mind off the upcoming HSC year. It was simply a beautiful transition which enabled me to further establish bonds with my friends and teachers which I will cherish for life.

Pierre Soueid   

 

Going in not knowing what to expect or what we were going to do for me was what made Senior Retreat the experience that it was. It was one which formed bonds which last an eternity and one which broke the barriers of my comfort zone. Not only did this experience build and strengthen bonds with my brothers in my group but also allowed me to build relationships with the teachers which I never thought would spark. Without the teachers and all the hard work in the background this experience which I personally considered one of the best of my life, would not be possible. Faith and family are central to my life, and these were a part of the main themes of Retreat. It was a real eye opener to the world around me and made me come to the realisation that I along with a lot of my peers are truly blessed. I can’t urge boys enough to make the most of Retreat and enter it with an open and excited mindset in the future as it really is an experience which is once in a lifetime and one which will have a lifetime long impact on you. 

George Cheaib

SPC Justice Partner

 

The College has been partnering with 

St Merkorious Charity for many years now. Many of our Year 11 students support the charity through their Social Justice Service each year and we have contributed donated goods at various times. 

 

Like most charities, St Merkorious has experienced a spike in demand for their services – food and supplies for the homeless and marginalised – and so we invite you to consider being part of the event as per the flyer below. It will help support the funding needed to continue their great work, and it will hopefully help raise some awareness of the issues.

 

Confirmation

St Ambrose Parish Concord West will celebrate its Sacrament of Confirmation on 20 May 2022 at 7:00 PM and 21 May 2022 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 

 

There are three ways to register your child for their Sacrament:

  1. Registration forms can be completed online by accessing the St Ambrose website (www.stambrose.org.au) and following the ‘Sacraments Registration’ link.
  2. Send an email to sacraments@stambrose.org.au and request a registration form.  
  3. Hardcopies of the registration form will be available in the Church.

Registrations are due on Thursday 10 March 2022.  Please do not hesitate to contact sacraments@stambrose.org.au if you have any questions.

 

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity