Faith Formation and Mission

This term we’re focusing as a College on MSC Constitution #7. It’s a constitution which gives us a rich understanding of the God of Jules Chevalier and the way we are called to be in relationship with one another as Sacred Heart people. 

In Jesus we see the Good Shepherd

who goes in search of those who are lost,

who knows his own and gives his life to save them.

He shows us the Father’s deep concern

for those who are considered unimportant

and whose rights are disregarded.

We learn from him

who is gentle and humble of heart,

who eases our burdens and gives us rest.

He also makes demands and speaks with authority.

To those who come to him,

he gives his own strength and courage

to help them live and work for justice and peace.

MSC Constitution #7

Year 9 Retreat

The Year 9 retreats for 2024 were held during Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 3. The theme for the retreat was “Gifts of God’s Creation” and provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their own gifts, the gifts in each other and the gifts found in nature. Students started the day at the Fitzroy Falls Conference Centre where the team from Optimum Experiences guided the students through a series of challenges to explore their sense of courage and teamwork. 

They were also guided through an Indigenous cultural bushwalk which awakened them to the gifts of nature and the 60,000 years of wisdom which our indigenous brothers and sisters have attained about creation. Finally, students returned to school where they had the opportunity to reflect on their gifts before affirming the gifts in each other. The students were amazing in the ability to get out of their comfort zone and in their support of one another. Well done Year 9!

Downlands Visits Winterfest

Each year the school leaders of Downlands College participate in a “Southern Pilgrimage” to explore various sites associated with the MSC story. A visit to Chevalier College to catch up with our school leaders is a part of this pilgrimage and the students have a wonderful time connecting with one another. 

Usually this pilgrimage occurs in January, however due to a number of reasons it was postponed for 2024. Instead, the students visited us on the weekend of Winterfest and had a wonderful time with our students connecting, sharing a meal and enjoying the evening festivities (the fireworks of course being a highlight). It’s also heartening to see how quickly the students connect with a common MSC charism and before too long you would think they all went to the same school. We’re looking forward to hosting Downlands again for their 2025 pilgrimage.

Food and Fellowship @ Bowral Uniting Church

On Wednesday 14 August a group of Year 10 students visited the Bowral Uniting Church to assist with their Food and Fellowship Lunch. The lunch provided an opportunity for people to share a warm meal and some company. While they were there, the students also assisted with the food pantry supported by Oz Harvest. 

This was the first time Chevalier has participated in this wonderful program which is doing so much for our local community. The students were amazing and received so much from the experience with one student remarking that they wish they could do it every week. 

Congratulations to the Uniting Church on such a wonderful initiative and well done to our students (Lily B, Anna D, Lissy H, Cindy J, Zachary M, Shruthi P and Leo S) for their remarkable contributions.

Mary MacKillop Mass

On the Feast of Mary Mackillop (8 August), a group of Year 9 and 10 students represented Chevalier College at the diocesan Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. 

The Cathedral was a full house as schools from across the diocese gathered to celebrate together. Bishop Brian reminded students of Mary Mackillop’s faithfulness and encouraged students to follow her example by listening to God’s plan for their lives.

LCF Gathering

The Laity of the Chevalier Family will be holding their annual National Gathering (21-22 September) at St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park. The theme ‘One in Heart in Caring For Our Common Home', is inspired by the recent International Assembly of the Laity of the Chevalier Family in the Philippines and aims to unpack at a local level how we can care for our common home within the context of Spirituality of the Heart.

Registrations for the event can be made at https://chevalierlaity.com.au/news/events/