From the Principal
- Reflection
- Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
- Remembrance Day Celebration
- Movember Campaign
- Congratulations to Year 12 student Henrik Hogg
- HSC Examinations successfully concluded
- Community Satisfaction Surveys
- End of Year Dates
Reflection
Reflection of Sunday's gospel reading by Richard Korkor
In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses the people and his disciples. In other words, he is speaking to all of us. And what is he saying? Perhaps he is asking us to take a moment and look in the mirror - or as the Jesuits would say, examine our conscience.
We need to ask ourselves with honesty if this faith which we have freely received, grounded in love, and informed by the Ten Commandments, is reflected in the way we live our lives. Or do we, like the Pharisees talk the talk but not walk the walk?
Do I call myself a Christian but find loving, forgiving or compassion for example not part of my way of being in this world? Do I speak ill of others or become consumed with my self-importance? How do I go about my relationships in my community, workplace or even family or friendships?
How often we find in our marriages we know how we should treat one another but struggle to do so, treating strangers or friends with more respect or care. The same could be said of friendships, how well do we nurture them over time or spend time with our children but find ourselves immersed in our work or social media taking us away from deepening meaningful relationships?
Parenting is a wonderful place to project onto our children all the things they should or need to do, but do we do them as parents? The church is not immune, talking of the need for the faithful to be loving, vulnerable, forgiving, accepting of all, and listening. Yet it would be fair to say there are many times it fails to practice what it preaches.
Maybe Jesus is inviting us to stop and reflect on what we believe and how we live it. It is here where we are invited to ask, 'what holds me back from doing as I say or know is right?' Am I stuck in my old ways of thinking or understanding or am I concerned about being humbled by another? On the other hand, perhaps there is a real pain that has not been healed which is requiring some attention.
In a world that seems to be in such disarray the people of God, the disciples, are called to be the light of the world, the salt of the earth, to find ways of bringing peace in our homes, to see the good that is in people and ever so slowly bring the world to a more open and loving place.
Jesus refers to this as making the kingdom of God present in the present whereby we all have a role to play. Why? As this week’s responsorial psalm reminds us 'In you Lord, I have found my peace,' and it is this peace that we are called to share just like we do before we receive Holy Communion.
A few months ago, I was called to visit an inmate and the notes next to his name were overly concerning. 'Twenty of his family members were recently murdered.' Not knowing what to expect I found him, and the guards found a quiet place for us to sit together. He shared that he had fled from a war-torn part of Africa a few years ago and tried to make a life here.
Many of his family remained and he recently received a call that one of the tribes had managed to get into his family's village and executed all his family including his 94-year-old father. Needless to say, as he recounted in depth what had happened, he was broken. However, this man who had been traumatised by such an event continued with something profound.
As he spoke of what that trauma caused him to do, he found himself drawn to something deep within him. As we held hands, he then spoke these words, 'You know chaplain, the other night as I was praying in my cell, I forgave those who killed my father and family and since then my heart has been at peace. Now I pray for them.'
May we too pray that we can let go of the things that bind us so that our hearts may rejoice with the same freedom that was so evident in this man.
I would like to thank Richard for his reflection of last Sunday's gospel reading. As a former student of mine, I am so pleased to see how Richard has remained very connected to his faith especially through his work in his local parish.
Blessed Edmund Rice Icon
The Icon provides all Edmund Rice communities an insight into the person who was Blessed Edmund Rice.
Edmund’s left hand caresses the head of a child. There is gentleness, love and fatherliness in the caress. The child is his handicapped daughter, Mary Rice, the broken reed (whom Christ promised not to crush), and he draws her close to him.
What mysterious part she may have played in directing the course of her father’s life, and in unfolding the divine plan, is beyond human wisdom to gauge, but here she is a central figure in the symbolic treatment of the mystery and meaning of brokenness and suffering.
Blessed Edmund Rice saying:
‘Give to the poor in handfuls’
Blessed Edmund Rice - Pray for Us
St Pius X - Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever!
Remembrance Day Commemoration
On Friday 10 November, Mr Petrie and the College student leaders will lead our commemorative service for Remembrance Day. The sounding of the reveille (trumpet in the morning) across the College speakers will provide a great setting for all the College as we reflect on those who have fallen and paid the ultimate price of war. In the Beatitudes Jesus refers to 'Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called God’s children' always reminds me of those in serve our community for the sake of peace. This is a responsibility that has been bestowed on all of us. As we reflect on the significance of the day, let us always remind ourselves of the role we currently play in being the peacemakers of our world, today and for future generations. This more relevant today than ever before considering the conflicts in the middle east and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Movember campaign progressing exceptionally well
The Movember campaign is progressing exceptionally well with our target of $2,000 being surpassed within a week. Our donations are currently at $2,240. Thank you to all those who have been very generous in donating to a very worthy course.
Below are some statistics relating to men’s health in particular to testicular cancer and prostate cancer.
Thank you to all the staff and Year 12 students who are growing a moustache in support of this great cause.
Please continue to donate via myMo Space, here: https://movember.com/t/2024-st-pius-x-college?mc=5 – for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in your life.
Congratulations to Henrik Hogg
The college was extremely pleased to hear that Year 12 student, Henrik Hogg, has been nominated for possible inclusion in ArtExpress 2024 for his major project titled 'Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides' (shown above). The work is a series of layered black and white digital portraits which survey the challenges of physical and emotional development for young men. We look forward to hearing more news about his selection in coming months.
HSC Examinations successfully concluded
It was with great satisfaction that we were able to complete the HSC Examinations last Friday. It was even greater satisfaction that I was informed by the Presiding Officer that this group of fine young gentlemen were the most compliant, respectful and grateful group of Year 12 students that he has ever supervised. This comment made me so proud to be the leader of this community and reaffirms the great work we as a community do to support the formation and development of all our students. I would like to apologise to the students of Year 12 as I will not be able to attend their Formal tomorrow evening. May this time together be filled with great happiness and may you have an enjoyable evening with your friends and parents. I am really disappointed in not be able to attend this celebratory occasion.
Community Satisfaction Surveys
The annual community satisfaction surveys will be distributed to all stakeholders during Week 6. This provides an opportunity for staff, students and families to provide valuable feedback on specific areas of the College. I would encourage all members of our community to complete these survey so that we can continue to improve the St Pius X environment.
End of Year Dates
Week 8
Sunday 26 November Year 11 Snowy Mountain Hike commences
Sunday 26 November Year 10 Immersions commence
Monday 27 November Year 10 Term 5 End of Year program commences
Year 6 Graduation at Oxford Falls campus
Week 9
Monday 4 December End of Year Thanksgiving Liturgy - Road to Bethlehem
Tuesday 5 December Annual Awards Ceremony at Oxford Falls campus
Last Day for students Year 5 - 11
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever
Mr Michael Ronchetti - Principal