Rector's Report

Greetings to you all!

After a beautiful spell of mild to warm weather recently the Victorian climate has changed with the temperature dropping. I knew we would pay for the extra good weather sometime. 

Gospel Reflection

Gospel Reflection

In Luke’s Gospel this week we hear:  “Then he led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven. And they were on their knees, worshipping him. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God.” (Luke 24: 50 - 53)

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, the moment that the Risen Jesus was raised up to be with his Father in heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection (Easter being the first day). However, we can also celebrate all the moments after that because Jesus did not leave us alone. In his ascension, Jesus has guaranteed us our inheritance because we are the fully beloved and accepted children of God, now and forever. On the feast of Pentecost (Sunday week), Jesus will send the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to Mary and the Apostles. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the fullness of Jesus’ presence with us always!  Every day, we should live in confidence and hope, knowing that our God is always with us to strengthen and comfort us. Now that’s something to celebrate!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we rejoice today in your ascension to the Father’s right hand. Thank you, Lord, for offering us a share in your heavenly life. By your Spirit, help us to lay hold of our inheritance in you—the hope, the glory, and the power that are the right of every child of God.

Mazenod Business Breakfast

On Tuesday April 29 Mazenod College held its annual Business Breakfast at Hotel Chadstone. This year we were pleased to welcome Jess Wilson MP, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, in conversation with Mazenod alumnus, Tom Steinfort (MOC2002). A full house enjoyed a hearty breakfast and chance to renew friendships and make new contacts. Congratulations and thanks to all who made this morning such a successful event on the college calendar. 

Nigeria to Australia to Eastern Cameroon

Prior to his ordination to the priesthood Fr Emmanuel Ejike OMI gained pastoral experience here at Mazenod College and on Rosies. After completing his priestly studies at Catholic Theological College, he returned to Nigeria for his priestly ordination. He received his first obedience (assignment) to Eastern Cameroon where he is currently ministering to the people in the various villages of the region. Fr Emmanual is pictured during the Easter season with some of God’s people entrusted to his care. 

Former and Current Students

One of the enjoyable aspects of going to the football on a regular basis, besides supporting the ‘Pies’, is meeting students and their families on the station, in the train or at the ground. I am also pleased when former students take the opportunity to say hello. Recently, I met John Huynh from the Class of 2021 (2nd from right) at a Collingwood match at the ‘G’. John and his mates happened to be sitting behind me, so I hope I was behaving myself before he said hello. Congratulations to John as he will be graduating from his engineering course in the middle of this year. 

Mazenod Parents and Friends

We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic group of parents who are willing to assist the college in a variety of ways. A social evening was held recently to create rosary beads in the college colours. These rosary beads are blessed and given to our new Year 7 cohort for the following year. 

On Friday morning May 8 over 650 mums and their sons gathered in the Provence Centre for the celebration of the Mother’s Day Mass followed by breakfast (pictured) in Oblate Hall. 

That evening over 120 mums and former mums of Mazenod gathered at The Mulgrave Country Club for our annual Mother’s Day dinner. A most enjoyable evening was had by all with a lucky few and very enthusiastic mums going home with some great prizes kindly donated for the night. 

It was enjoyable having my two sister, Sue & Tricia, present for the evening. 

Prior to the Mother’s Day dinner some volunteers gathered to create a table decoration. 

Pictured (below): Melissa, Jacqueline, Ee Lane and Agnes. 

Thanks to all who enable these events to be a great success. All parents are warmly invited to come and join in these social activities, especially our Parents and Friends meetings when you see them advertised on MAZCOM.

De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Retreat

The Education Network Retreat for teachers and staff members from our Oblate Colleges was held from April 29 till May 1 at the St Eugene Centre for Mission in Newborough. Fr Daniel Szewc OMI lead the retreat sharing the spiritual experiences on the Moments of Grace in St Eugene’s life.

We thank Paul Roberts and Billy Le Couilliard for accepting the college’s invitation to participate in this year’s retreat.

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector