On Friday 7th June, the Mater Dei staff came together for a special Staff Formation Day themed "Winhangadurinya" – a Wiradjuri word meaning "reflecting, meditating, deep listening." This enriching day marked not only a chance for professional growth but also a celebration of the College's 20th anniversary, aligning perfectly with the annual theme of "Sowing the Seeds."

The Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga (CEDWW) hosted a shared 20th Anniversary Mass with KCC celebrated by Bishop Mark and Fr Grace. At the end of this Mass, the College was presented with an icon of Christ the Teacher, which we will display in our College. This was followed by a beautiful morning tea hosted by CEDWW.

Staff then gathered at the Magpie’s Nest for the remainder of the formation day focused on the vital role each member plays in fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for students. This time delved into the significance of "Winhangadurinya" and "Sowing the Seeds" themes, emphasizing the Education Charter (CEDWW) and the College's Annual Improvement Plan Goals. These goals focus on building a Christ-centered community where students encounter Christ, witness His teachings, and serve others, aligning perfectly with the four pillars of Wagga Diocese Catholic Education – Welcome, Faith, Service, and Learning.

Taking inspiration from the gospel passage, John 10:10 ("I came that they may have life, and have it to the full"), the day aimed to empower staff to create an environment where students can flourish and experience life to the fullest.

Following a delightful lunch, the afternoon featured a special session with foundational members of Wagga Catholic Education, Sr. Barbara Webber and Br. Carl Sherrin. Representing the Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers, respectively, these remarkable individuals shared their insights and reflections on the College's past, present, and future. Their valuable perspectives explored the enduring impact of the College's founders' charisms, Edmund Rice and Nano Nagle, further enriching the understanding of the College's unique identity.

As the day neared its close, a final prayer was offered followed by heartfelt thanks to all participants. Staff were then presented with a choice: to dedicate time and space for personal reflection at Magpie's Nest or to embark on an act of service activity.

This Staff Formation Day proved to be a truly enriching experience. It fostered a sense of community and purpose, reminding staff of their crucial role in nurturing future generations. As we move forward, Mater Dei Catholic College remains committed to its mission: to sow the seeds of faith, hope, and love, cultivating a vibrant learning environment where every student encounters Christ and experiences life to the fullest.

Year 11 Reflection Day

Don't forget – Year 11 Reflection Day is coming up next Monday, 1st July.

This on-site faith formation program, held in our Marian Centre, will be led by Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries.

What is the Focus?

The day will explore Servant Leadership, a concept rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Remember, Jesus taught us in Mark 10:42-44 that true leadership isn't about power, but about serving others and making the world a more just and caring place. Through interactive workshops, you'll discover how to become a leader who prioritizes the well-being of your peers and community.

This program connects perfectly with our ongoing Student Leadership initiatives, which will continue on Tuesday, 2nd July.

Important Information:

Date: Reflection Day - Monday, 1st July (All Day) and 2nd July
Location: Marian Centre (on-site)
Time: 8:45am - 11:00am
Attire: Monday, June 26th - Sports Uniform; Tuesday, June 27th - College Uniform
Refreshments: A light morning tea with cake and fruit will be provided. Students with dietary restrictions are welcome to bring their own snacks.

We know Reflection Day will be a powerful experience for our Year 11 students. Thank you for supporting their growth in faith and leadership!

Help Keep Working Australians Warm This Winter with the

MDCC Vinnies Winter Appeal

In Homegroup notices over the past few weeks, we have been calling on donations for the MDCC Vinnies Winter Appeal.

The most vulnerable people have been hit extremely hard by the spiralling cost of living in the last few years. They’ve had to cope with sharp rises in the price of food and fuel. The ongoing housing crisis means they could lose their homes and everything they’ve worked so hard to build.

Once someone loses their housing, finding somewhere to get back in is nearly impossible. Wait lists for public and social housing are high. Additionally, many people with housing stress are also dealing with other challenges such as disabilities, carer responsibilities and health and social issues.

Statistics show that:

Through the Vinnie's winter appeal, the aim is to provide warm, safe housing, warm nutritious meals and warm clothing for those who are doing it tough.

Students can help by donating the following:

Winter warmth items such as:

Beanies, Scarves, Jumpers, Jackets, Socks, Gloves, and Blankets

Winter warmth non-perishable food items such as:

Soup, Noodles, Baked Beans, and Pasta

These items can be brought to your Homegroup. Thank you in advance for helping someone keep warm this winter.

As the end of the term approaches and the school holidays approach, let us take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication displayed by both students and staff throughout this semester. The holidays offer a much-needed opportunity for students, staff, and families to rest, recharge, and reconnect.

As we embark on this break, let us keep this prayer in our hearts:

Dear God,

As we enter the school holidays, we thank you for the gift of time. May we use this time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and you.

Guide us in pursuing activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. May we return to Mater Dei renewed and ready to continue our journey of learning and faith. Amen

We wish you all a safe, restful, and joyous holiday season. May this time be filled with blessings and peace for you and your families.

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

This Saturday, 29th June, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church. This special day is a chance for us to reflect on their incredible lives and the lasting impact they had on the Church we know today.

Together, Peter and Paul represent the two pillars of the Church: stability and growth. Peter provides the strong base, while Paul embodies the Church's dynamic mission of spreading the message of Christ.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, take a moment to reflect on the importance of their contributions. Their unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire us today.

Saints Peter and Paul, apostles of Christ, pray for us!

Grant us the strength of Peter's faith and the zeal of Paul's preaching.

May we, like you, be instruments of God's love in our world. Amen.

Kooringal Parish News

Catholic Mission Vision of Mission and Immersion:

Living alongside others can be a transformative way to connect with Jesus' mission. By sharing their daily lives, we can discover a deep bond with our neighbours. We can feel their joys and sorrows, celebrating their strengths and sharing their burdens. This exchange is enriching – we can learn as much, perhaps more, from them as they do from us.

Through guided reflection and prayer, we understand our role in their lives and the wider world. We recognise a shared responsibility for creating a just and compassionate global society. Mrs Jane Plum has informed us that Fr Grace plans to support a young adult who wants to participate in the Catholic Mission Immersion in Mongolia in 2025. An official flyer for this opportunity is linked HERE.

Mrs Pauline Streckfuss | Acting Leader of Mission

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 6 · 28 Jun 2024

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