From the Rector

Greetings! 

 I write to you with the news of a further seven day locked down still fresh in our minds.

Being an optimistic person, I want to invite you to the Annual De Mazenod Family National Gathering on Saturday 7 August 2021, 12:00pm-3:00pm. This Gathering is open to anyone associated with any of the ministries of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This is a great opportunity to come together for prayer and reflection on the De Mazenod Charism and to meet many others from around the Australian Oblate Province as we all come under the broader De Mazenod Family banner. Whether it be in person or online we invite you to join with us to celebrate our connection through St Eugene de Mazenod. Due to COVID this time together will be mainly a hybrid program, linking into a national online program. However, participation can also be experienced at the State level. All being well the Victorian gathering will be held here at Mazenod College, Mulgrave and linked into the other states.

I warmly invite you to participate in this event by registering on the following link: https://bit.ly/DMFgathering2021

If you have any questions, please email ehoad@oblates.com.au. 

It is rather ironic that our College Character Strength for this week is ‘Perseverance’, as we once again are thrown into a state of confusion and a feeling of being buffeted around as we experience being reasonably free one day and locked down another. This has major ramifications for all our lives. Planning seems to be a freedom of the past. We are hesitant to go anywhere, even when we can, with the uncertainty of not being able to get home or having to face periods in quarantine. The College timetable is a prime example of the endless rescheduling of all activities so that our students can maintain their educational levels and experience all aspects that our College life has to offer.

The gospel on this 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time is very familiar to us. The miracle of the loaves and fishes is one of the few stories that are found in all four of the Gospels. To reflect on this familiar passage why not try and enter the scene and reflect on how it might speak to you. Thought One: Is the simplicity of the boy’s offering saying something about my own apparent limitedness? What could God do with the gift I offer, however small. Thought Two: What about the crowd ‘sitting ready’? Am I ready to receive what God wants to give me? Thought Three: Jesus tells the disciples to ensure that nothing is wasted. Do I waste what others would gladly have? Thought Four: Jesus’s abundant offerings of love, care and grace are never scarce. From these free gifts received, can I share them with others? One last thought: During this time of the pandemic today’s Gospel message reminds us that even during confusion God always has a solution. No matter what our condition, experience, difficulties, we must continue to have faith and trust that God Knows how to lead us out of it, into safety.

With so much happening in our lives at this point in time,  I have decided to postpone the commencement of the new series entitled, ‘The Spirit, Mission, and Vision of Bishop Eugene de Mazenod is Planted in Australia.’ till next week.

Have a Smile! 

Once again, stay safe, stay healthy, and keep connected with God and one another!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector