Principal's Message
As we enter the second half of what has been a busy term at Mater Dei, it is appropriate that we take some time to reflect on 2 significant events that have occurred over the past 2 weeks. The first being the celebration of Jesus’ Ascension and the second being National Reconciliation Week. Both events call on us, as Catholics and as citizens of the world to consider how we relate to others.
Below is an extract of Pope Francis’ message that was presented on Ascension Sunday, which coincided with the 48th World Communications Day.
The world of the Internet includes the most exciting arena for communications like social networking and establishing links anywhere around the globe in an instant. But despite such advancements, divisions still run deep. “The world suffers from exclusion, marginalisation and poverty that borders around the combination of economic, political, ideological and even religious motives.”
The Holy Father stresses that communication is an “ultimately human rather than a technological achievement.”
“A culture of encounter needs a listening ear and an understanding heart that listens to different cultures and traditions.” According to the Holy Father, the parable of the Good Samaritan provides the key to the very heart of communications: “Who is my neighbour?”
The Holy Father encourages all Catholics to practice neighbourliness to all, even in the vast world of social networks.“Show that the Church is home to all. The social networks are one way to experience this call to discover the beauty of the faith, the beauty of encountering Christ.”
National Reconciliation Week, like Pope Francis’ message, calls us to “build positive, respectful relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians.” In both instances, we are all challenged to live out Christ’s commandment of loving our neighbours as ourselves and to reflect this in our daily lives.
As part of our mission here at Mater Dei, we are called to strive for an understanding of ourselves and others as dignified and loved by God. Our Pastoral Care system, centred around the work of our Houses, complemented with the work of our Religious Education program, educates and enables our staff and students to live out our mission through our interactions with those within and beyond our boundaries. Last week, Ms Lauren Verdon and 9 Years 10 & 11 students attended the Justice Matters Camp at Warrambui. This camp, conducted by the Wagga Wagga and Sandhurst Dioceses, was centred around the theme of “Hungry for Justice”. A report on the program is presented later in this weeks newsletter. On Sunday 1 June, our Student Leaders and members of our music program provided music, singing and readers for the 5:30pm Mass at Sacred Heart. I thank all staff and students who were involved in these initiatives and congratulate them on their contribution towards the promotion of peace and reconciliation within our local and global community.
Congratulations to our AFL and Netball teams who have ended their season on a successful note. The Currie Cup side were runners-up to Kildare in their competition and the Carroll Cup side reversed the result in a strong win against Kildare. The Junior Netball team finished 3rd with a good win over Kooringal High and our Senior Netball team won a nail-biter against Wagga High, winning the Tracey Gunson Shield for 2014. Congratulations to all teams and their coaches, who gave up many hours in preparation and competition for these events, and also for the great sense of sportsmanship, respect, humility and pride that all competitors showed in their representation of the College.
Mr Simon Huntly
Acting Principal