Faith Formation
and Mission
As I step into the role of Acting Leader of Faith, Formation, and Mission at Mater Dei Catholic College, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all families to this new year. I am looking forward to continuing the rich traditions and the strong sense of community that defines our College. I am delighted to serve in this capacity and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
As we embrace the year ahead, I would like to introduce and welcome our new parish priest, Father Grace. Only having moved here from Griffith recently, we were lucky to have him start his time at the parish celebrating our Staff Commencement Mass with both Mater Dei Primary School and our staff in the Marian Centre. This was held on 29th January. The theme for this mass was ‘Sowing the Seeds’, reflecting on how each staff member embraces the responsibilities of this academic year. Acknowledging that our school is not just a place to impart academic knowledge but a sanctuary where seeds of faith and compassion can take root and flourish.
Please remember that Sacred Heart Kooringal Parish Mass times are as follows:
Weekdays
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 5.30 pm
Tuesday & Thursday - 7.00 am
Saturday - 9.30 am
Every 2nd Thursday of the month:
Anointing Mass - 10.00 am
Every 1st Thursday of the month:
Mass at Caloola Court - 11.00am
Weekends
Saturday Vigil - 5.30 pm
Sunday - 9.00 am
Reconciliation
Reconciliation: Saturday - 10.00-10.30 am
(Also available by appointment)
Opening Mass 2024
As a Catholic Learning Community, we gathered, beginning our academic year with the Opening Mass on Tuesday, 13th February. This Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the College’s opening and reflected on the theme of the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:30-31). This is symbolic for all of us to utilise all opportunities presented and there will be the potential for significant growth that can arise from even the smallest amount of faith or effort. It encourages us all to have faith in the potential for positive change, no matter how modest the initial steps may seem. faith and the transformative power of small beginnings. As Jesus taught us in the story we
As part of this celebration Year 7 students, lead our entrance procession, posting the letters they have written to their year 12 self. These letters outline the growth they wish for themselves, their hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future here at Mater Dei. We are looking forward to seeing all Year 7 students settle into the College.
Commitment Ceremony
The presentation of badges and the commitment ceremony for our 2024 College, Boarding and House Captains followed the Opening Mass. Fr Grace blessed the badges, symbolising the dedication to each individual's commitment to embodying the College ideals and upholding the motto, 'Live God's Message.' The badges were then presented to the students and pinned by the student’s parents. The student leaders then pledged their commitment to serving our College community. We congratulate the following student leaders who were commissioned into their Leadership roles for 2024:
Carroll House Captains: Ava Moller and Brodie Irvine.
Kennedy House Captains: Chloe Donelan and Ash Smith.
Rosarie House Captains: Tempey Nicholson and Callum Flanagan.
Sherrin House Captains: Emma Devries and Julian Garcia Cala.
Webber House Captains: Emily Pike and Lincoln Lauder.
Mount Erin Boarding Captains: Jacinta Thomas and Anthony Whelan.
College Captains: Emily Saeki and Charlie Schneider.
Our Lenten Journey
Yesterday students received the ashes as it was Ash Wednesday. This marks the commencement of Lent. Last year Bishop Mark Edwards reminded us of the importance of penance. This year Pope Francis has asked that during this season of Lent, we be patient and compassionate towards others, and that we have the courage to reflect on our flaws and mistakes and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. At this time of the year, as we journey through Lent, we focus on our preparations for the great Feast of Easter. This includes supporting good works at the College, such as Project Compassion. Caritas will be launched next week in our morning Homegroup time. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things, with great love.”
The work of Caritas reminds us that living our faith through service is an important expression of all we believe, as expressed through this Project Compassion Prayer. We pray:
God of all peoples and nations,
As you accompany us
on our Lenten journey,
May our fasting strengthen our
commitment to live in solidarity,
Our almsgiving be an act of justice,
And our prayers anchor us in love
and compassion.
Awaken our hearts and minds that
we may be one human family
As we all go further together.
We ask this in Jesus’ name,
Amen
A significant part of our Easter preparation is the College Easter Egg raffle to support the works of St Vincent de Paul. This will be launched in the coming weeks and I thank our parents/carers in advance for supporting the raffle so generously with donations and the purchase of tickets each year. Please look out for these tickets in the coming weeks.
2024 Year 12 Retreat
Year 12 Parents are asked to check Compass for important information regarding the 2024 Year 12 Retreat. Please also attend to any permissions that have to be finalised. The Retreat will commence on Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 February. The bus will be departing at 7:30am sharp and all year 12 students are expected to arrive at 7:00am.
Mrs Pauline Streckfuss | Acting Leader of Faith Formation and Mission