From the Rector

Greetings!

More than a word. 

Reconciliation takes action.

Wow! What weather we have been experiencing this week. I bet most of our students and families are glad they didn’t have to venture out in it. After the long weekend, we will return to a little more normality with all our students being welcomed back to the College. 

I know that Reconciliation Week has passed, however, like many of life’s issues, this issue is not restricted to one day or one week in the year, but is an ongoing process. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.

Taking life issues to prayer, whether they be the process of reconciliation towards our indigenous brothers and sisters or between members of our own families, is important for us. As a priest, I have celebrated funerals where there is, at times, on top of the normal emotions of bereavement, an unresolved family issue that now cannot be resolved because one of the people involved has died. The people who are left behind then carry the burden of guilt for not seeking a resolution to the issue/s that have soured their relationship. I know it is not easy to reconcile, but we must try before it is too late. Firstly, bring the situation to prayer asking God’s guidance, and secondly, have a willingness to reach out and resolve the differences with the person concerned.  We must allow our hearts, minds, and actions to seek reconciliation on many fronts so we can all live in peace and harmony and move forward.

After Lent, the Easter season, and three Sundays of feast days—Pentecost, Most Holy Trinity, and Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—the Church returns to Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time refers to all the parts of the Catholic Church's liturgical year that aren't included in the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. During Ordinary Time, Year B, our guide for most of the Sunday Gospel readings will be St. Mark. This Sunday’s Gospel from Mark carries a significant message regarding faith and the Kingdom of God. The liturgical colour for ordinary time is green.

I am sure you would agree that our off-again on-again lockdowns play havoc with our daily planning within our College and family life. This didn’t deter our Social Justice Leaders from holding a virtual trivia night on May 28th as a fundraiser for the Oblate Missions, bringing Oblate Week to completion. Our action of participating in a trivia night might seem simple but can have long lasting effects that change people’s lives as illustrated in these pictures. 

As an example, with our support, our brothers and sisters can go from drinking polluted water to enjoying fresh clean water. I would like to thank all those who organised the evening and all who made the effort to attend from the comfort of their homes. A total of $430 was raised. On behalf of the Oblates, especially those caring for their people in difficult missions, I say thank you.

Have a Smile!  

I have finally told my suitcases that there will be no holiday this year.

Now I am dealing with the emotional baggage.

Changing times!!

Last week’s riddle answer: A cloud. They cry, which is rain, but no eyes. Floating in the air but no wings.   

Once again, stay safe, stay healthy, and keep connected with God and one another!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector