FAITH MATTERS

Walk Against Family Violence

On average, police in the Loddon Mallee region attend a domestic violence case once every 34 minutes (according to Women’s Health Loddon Mallee). This heartbreaking reality puts into perspective how important it is to address the history of family violence in our community. 

Local community groups in Swan Hill gathered on Saturday 25th November for the ‘Walk Against Family Violence.’ Campbell Street was covered in orange decorations, to commemorate the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence. The colour orange is utilised by the United Nations to bring awareness to violence against women and girls. As a bright colour, it represents hope for a better future. 

It was great to have a representation of staff, students and parents join the walk. The involvement of local community groups such as the Business and Professional Women, Rotary Club and Inner Wheel from across Swan Hill and Tooleybuc was much appreciated. 

Orange Pancake Day

On Tuesday 28th November, students helped make orange pancakes on Red Court. Around the square were various statistics about Gender-Based Violence in the Mallee. These statistics were also posted on St Mary MacKillop College’s social media across the 16 Days of Gender-Based Violence. Many of these facts are confronting realities for our community. The students were able to work together and spread awareness through conversations about why the pancakes were “orange,” and shared posters and artworks that they made the week prior at lunchtime. Special thanks to Brendan, Tash, Amanda, and our students who assisted. We had a lot of fun cooking and serving pancakes to our school community. 

Year 10 RE Class Liturgies

10B and 10C’s Liturgies 

Ms Gomez’s Year 10 Religious Education classes presented their final liturgies last week. This ranged from themes including self-responsibility to Reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was great seeing how students utilised liturgical materials such as fabric, candles and images. The feedback from students was great, with some hoping to gather through liturgies in class more often in the future. Special thanks to Ms Gomez for allowing me to support the students in the preparations of their liturgies.

Advent

The Season of Advent 

It’s that time of the year when supermarkets are stocked up with various sweet treats, and the halls are decked with red and green decorations. However, as Christians, we acknowledge the true meaning and message of this season! The birth of Christ has transformed the world as we know it: historically, religiously, socially and even politically. In the Gospel of John, we read that “the Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). The word Christians use to describe this is incarnation. 

During our preparations for Christmas, we can create a time to reflect on:

• What does Jesus being born mean for me and my family?
• How can I make room for stillness in the chaos of preparation this Christmas? 
• Who around me might not be invited to a celebration of Christmas? How can I include them as part of my global family? 

During this time, I encourage you all to consider the poor and suffering around the world this Christmas. We bring to mind places like Gaza, where war has overshadowed the ability to celebrate Christmas for Christians. 

When purchasing your Christmas gifts for family and friends, consider organisations that can support those doing it tough: 

• Aid to the Church in Need: The proceeds of every purchase at https://thatcatholicshop.com/shop help Christians who are suffering, oppressed or persecuted. 
• Caritas: Spread joy by donating to vulnerable families through https://www.caritas.org.au/christmas-appeal/ 
• Reverse Advent Calendar: Donate non-perishable goods to the ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ box at the Catholic Parish of Holy Family NorthEast Mallee. These will be distributed to St Vincent de Paul and the Good Kitchen. 

Other than donating goods or financial gifts, the generosity of time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give this Christmas. If you know someone who might not be with their family this Christmas, consider inviting them to your table. 

2023 Advent Liturgy

Yesterday Ms Gomez’ 10C Religious Education Class presented at the Advent Liturgy. The presentation explored the symbolism of the wreath and Advent candles. We began with a dramatisation (and recontextualised approach) of the Nativity Story, followed by recorded staff skits and Christmas carols to sing along to. After this, 10C led a reverent liturgy where we prayed for the needs of the college, the community and staff members who are leaving at the end of this year. All students were rewarded with a zooper dooper to finish the day, which was Year 9 and 10 students’ last day on campus. Special thanks to Ms Gomez, Mr Lane, Ms Quaife and Ms Henderson for all their hard work behind the scenes. A big shout out to our student helpers who assisted with our liturgy as well as 10C for their fabulous acting and reading skills. 

Thank You and Goodbye 

As the 2023 school year comes to a close, I will be concluding my time at St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill. In 2024, I will return to Melbourne to pursue my Master of Theological Studies degree full-time at Catholic Theological College (The University of Divinity). I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to study through the support of the Missionary Sisters of Service’s Father John Wallis Scholarship. I will miss the relationships I have made with the community in Swan Hill but look forward to being reunited with my family and close friends in Melbourne.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time at St Mary MacKillop College. Whether you were a parent who shared words of affirmation after Mass on the weekends, or a staff member who attended Chapel or volunteered to assist in our social justice events, or a student who faced their fears of public speaking and read in front of the whole school  — thank you. The hospitality of this community will remain with me for a long time, and I am forever changed by your stories and generosity. I’d especially like to thank Fr James Kerr, Mary Kennedy, Catherine Howison and Michelle Haeusler for their support and encouragement this year. It’s been a great privilege to steward the connection between the church and the school, and it’s a responsibility I do not take for granted. 

In the words of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, “We are but travellers here.” St Therese of Lisieux echoed a similar sentiment, “The world is thy ship and not thy home.” I’m a big believer that our lives are not our own, and that we must fulfil the unique purpose God has placed in each and every one of us. I pray that God will unravel what that is for each and every one of you, as we continue on our journeys.  

Have a blessed Christmas and a safe New Year.