Catholic Education Week

Two hundred years of Catholic education in Australia was celebrated in many ways at Trinity until Lock Down interrupted on the Friday of Catholic Education Week.

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 enjoyed a Reflection Day each, on the Monday to Thursday, which was facilitated by eight young adults, two of whom were Year 12 students themselves last year. Each day had a different theme according to the maturity of the students and included stories, dramatic presentations, videos, prayer and reflection time, small group discussions and members of the Youth Ministry Team sharing their own life experiences. The Team come from various parts of Australia and commit to one year of service, living in Melbourne and surviving on a very modest stipend.

Their goal is to help teenagers explore their own spirituality and to offer hope, through the message of the Gospels. Many students expressed their surprise that the day was so enjoyable and relevant.

After sessions, there was a great deal of casual interaction with members of the Team as students were interested in them and their work.

On Tuesday afternoon, Trinity staff were joined by many staff from the local Catholic primary schools in a communal celebration of Catholic Education Week.

Our College Captains, Saul Kavenagh and Jennifer Roache led the large group in prayer and each student outlined their personal experiences of Catholic education. It was so gratifying to hear the positive way these two young people expressed their thanks and their appreciation for their education at Sacred Heart and St Mary’s and then at Trinity College.

The Youth Ministry Team also shared their experiences with the group after which a hearty Afternoon Tea and socialising was enjoyed by all present.

On Tuesday evening, the Youth Ministry Team and Ms Hughes went on to the Parish evening Celebration of the Eucharist after which the Parish hosted a gathering and supper.

Father Michael and the parishioners present enjoyed a great interaction and sharing time with the engaging young people and were delighted to embrace such dedicated and generous young men and women.

Father Michael took the time to explain some of the symbolism of the Parish Church building, which was greatly appreciated. The Parish hospitality was delightful and left a strong impression on the Youth Ministry Team.

Then came the word on Thursday afternoon that we were going into Lock Down for the fifth time on Friday.

While this was an unwelcome intrusion into our week of celebration, it was, once again a reminder of the great resilience and flexibility of our school communities, working to offer the best Catholic education possible for the students in our care, whether at school or, when required, at home.