Rector's Report

Greetings and welcome back as we journey together through Term 2, 2026. I hope you     all enjoyed the Easter break. Unfortunately, the cost of petrol during this time may have       affected some of your holiday travel plans. The cartoon at the end of my newsletter may       have been a solution. 

Now that we are about to enter the 5th week of Easter, I am wondering if you have any of the chocolate goodies left. Easter is not just about the Easter eggs but the new life symbolized by the egg that Jesus offers to each one of us. We are called to live as "Easter People," integrating the Resurrection into our daily lives by moving from fear to trust. It also emphasizes that Christ’s victory over death empowers believers to find hope and transform ordinary actions through love that embrace this new life despite ongoing struggles.

Festival of Music & Mission Action Day 

At the end of Term 1, our college community celebrated two wonderful events in aide of the Oblate missionaries and their people. On the evening of April 1, we held the Festival of Music organised by our staff and students from our music department. An evening of music, fun and community was enjoyed by all. On Thursday April 2 we celebrated Mission Action Day. The day commenced with an Easter liturgy and walkathon before returning to 

the college for activities involved food and fun. This year’s Mission Action Day (MAD), marked 46 years of unwavering commitment of the college community to social justice, evolving from its humble origins as Jog for Java in 1980 (photo left). What began as a small group of students determined to raise awareness and funds for struggling communities in Oblate Missions in Central Java has grown into a powerful tradition. In 1996, Mission Action Day was officially established providing students and staff with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable and raising vital monetary donations for the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) supporting various Oblate missionaries and their people throughout the Asia Region and here in Australia. 

On behalf of our Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and their people I take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing generous support, regardless of how big or small. Together, this year we raised $38, 076.04 on the day for a total of $54,875.40 less expenses to come. This generosity will go a long way to aiding our Oblates and their people in our various Oblate Missions. 

*Pictured are representatives of the Mazenod Parents and Friends and Nikhil (former student) the new Rosies Co-Ordinator. 

Oblate Annual Retreat & Congress

During the holidays, April 12 – 19, Fr Dominic and I joined our fellow Oblates from the Australian Province for our annual retreat. This year it was held for the first time at our new St Eugene Retreat & Conference Centre in Newborough in the Latrobe Valley. The retreat was directed by Archbishop Emeritus of Brisbane Mark Coleridge.  As you can see some Oblates were very helpful during the retreat!!

Oblate Visit from Hong Delegation

On Tuesday April 21 Mazenod College was pleased to welcome Fr Dominic Fung OMI from our China Delegation of Hong Kong. Fr Dominic celebrated the college 8.10am Mass where he shared his vocation story with the gathered students and staff.  Fr Dominic then enjoyed a tour of the college and a visit to several classrooms. Fr Dominic has been ordained for three years and is currently in Notre Dame College, Hong Kong. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have a long history of missionary zeal and presence in Hong Kong for over 87 years having arrived in 1967. The Oblates opened Notre Dame College in Ma Tau Wai, Hong Kong in 1967. In 1990 the Australian Province was invited to assume pastoral care for the China Delegation.

Blessing of Year 12 Badges

On Friday April 24 I was invited to gather with our Year 12 cohort for the blessing of their Year 12 badges. I reflected with the students that the Year 12 badge should be worn with pride as it signifies the culmination of their primary and secondary academic years. It also provides a sense of belonging and the achievement of reaching Year 12 with the accompanying leadership and responsibility roles within the college community. In post Mazenod years it will also be a reminder of their college journey of faith, memories, friendships etc as part of their life’s journey.

Mission Action Day Fundraising – St John Vianney

On the weekend of April 25/26 Mazenod students continued their fundraising efforts for MAD at St John Vianney parish celebrations of the Eucharist. Our students spoke about our MAD fundraising efforts and then sold rosary bracelets made by Fr Dominic. Thanks to Fr David Francis OMI, parish priest, and the parishioners who were very supportive of this initiative with $1,800.00 being raised. A vote of thanks to our students who supported this initiative by helping to make some of the bracelets and giving of their time over the weekend in support Oblate Missions.  

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector