✝️Faith and Mission

Embracing New Beginnings

Dear Lord,

As I witness the world shedding its wintry cloak and awakening to the warmth of the sun, I am reminded of the profound power of new beginnings. I stand at the threshold of change, ready to let go of the past and step into the unknown with faith as my guiding light. Grant me the unwavering courage to embrace these new beginnings with open arms, knowing that you walk beside me every step of the way. In the tender embrace of spring, I find solace, knowing that it bestows upon us the precious gift of renewal—a chance to turn the page and start anew.

Amen.

Mary’s Mount and Hands of Eugene

Throughout 2024 Mazenod students have been assisting the children at Mary’s Mount Primary School with their homework club on Tuesday mornings. This is part of a long-running initiative between the two schools going back eight years. During this time the students have become very fond of each other and have worked well together. This week saw our last homework club for the year. Students were treated by Mary’s Mount staff to hot chocolates and ham and cheese croissants for breakfast. Thank you to the staff and students of Mary’s Mount for generously hosting Mazenod students over the past year. This has been a wonderful outlet for Christian Service Learning.

On Wednesday, 11 September, Years 8 and 10 students assisted with Mary’s Mount Earthcare Expo. It was a wonderful day working with the staff and students at Mary’s Mount and assisting with the workshop presentations. Students assisted the primary students with a recycling workshop, an Adopt-a-Patch planting, and a micro-organism and minibeasts workshop. By the end of the day, the boys were in great spirits, having done a wonderful job.

Mr Marc Papalia from the City of Kalamunda wrote in appreciation of our students to Mr Harvey:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the assistance provided by the four Year Ten students who helped our team at Mary’s Mount Primary School’s Earthcare Expo on Wednesday, 11th September. The students were extremely helpful, well-behaved, and demonstrated a professional manner that truly impressed our team.

They did not shy away from hard work and assisted us in planting 300 wetland plants along the creek line of Currawong Reserve. They also provided planting demonstrations and compassionately helped primary school students with planting and answered their questions.

I would appreciate it if these students could be formally acknowledged for their hard work and dedication at the next school assembly. They truly exemplified the school’s values of courage, passion, respect, dignity, and personal excellence.

Given our positive experience, we would be delighted to collaborate with Mazenod College again on future environmental projects that align with the school’s schedule.”

Term 3 Chapel Flower Roster

Leading like Pope Francis

Article by Laura Kings (Australian Catholics)

Pope Francis' recent travels reveal a leader who is deeply committed to healing divisions, advocating for the poor, and promoting peace and justice. His leadership style is one of humility, direct engagement with the marginalised, and a global vision of unity and care for creation. Through his actions and words, he continues to challenge the Church and the world to step beyond self-interest and work towards the common good.

Recently, Fr Andrew Hamilton wrote about how, in his travel to Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis continues to show his preference for meeting Catholics at the edges. Last week we have seen how well Pope Francis' efforts have been received with his Mass in East Timor drawing nearly half the population.

In his travels to regions particularly affected by environmental issues, Pope Francis has stressed the importance of protecting indigenous cultures and the environment. His emphasis on climate justice during his travels ties directly into his encyclical Laudato Si’ and his broader message that protecting the Earth is a moral imperative. Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ addresses this in his article 'Change of heart' where he writes about how the business of caring for our environment is, and must always be, personal.

Damian Wallis

Director of Faith and Mission