Faith Formation
and Mission
Vinnies Winter Warmth Appeal
Mater Dei proudly participated in the Vinnies Winter Appeal again this year. Thank you to everyone in our community who generously supported this appeal. We were pleased to send multiple loads of donations to Vinnies with warm clothing and bedding for those in need.
We are inspired by the generosity of our founders, Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice. Both Nano and Edmund were confronted with the poverty of their fellow Irish, and were driven by their gospel values to make a difference. Edmund Rice sold off his business interests and started a school for poor boys in a converted stable. Nano started her own schools as well as visiting those who were sick, elderly, imprisoned and destitute, at night, by the light of her lantern.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
This week, August 4 - August 10, is Homelessness Week and we continue to seek ways to make a difference for those in need.
Feast of the Assumption
Next Friday the 15th of August is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. On this day each year, we joyfully celebrate Mary's journey of faith and hope.
The Assumption is a particularly special day for Mater Dei, given our name means ‘Mother of God’ in Latin. We will join together with Mater Dei Primary School to celebrate Mass in the College Hall. This will be a special way to mark this Holy Day of Obligation and we look forward to welcoming the younger students into our school. We are grateful to Fr Grace for leading us in celebration.
Happy Birthday to Father Grace!
A huge happy 60th birthday to Father Grace! Thank you for the pastoral leadership that you give our College. We are grateful for your spiritual guidance and ongoing support of the College.
Parish Schools Mass
On Saturday the 30th of August at 5.30pm we will join with Mater Dei Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Kooringal. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Alpha Youth
In Week 2 we were excited to launch Alpha Youth. Alpha is designed to engage students in conversations and timeless questions about life, faith and Jesus. Students in Year 9 and Year 10 are welcome to join the club, which is a safe and inclusive space where they can engage openly in conversations about life and faith. As part of the program, we come together every fortnight to share a meal at lunchtime as a symbol of table fellowship.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:20
Reflection Days
In Week 5, Year 8 and Year 10 students will participate in their annual Reflection Days. Based on Catholic Christian values and using the personal testimony of two dynamic presenters from ‘Your Choicez’, students will explore the challenges of relationships and connections.
Saint Mary of The Cross Mackillop - Feast Day - Thursday 8 August
Mary MacKillop, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, lived a life of charity in both the sense of giving help to those who need it but in having kindness and tolerance for all those she met. She was and continues to be a beacon of hope for so many people.
As she was dying she wrote,
‘ . . . God bless you all. Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.’
On this Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we are inspired by her unwavering trust in God, her courage in the face of trials, and her deep commitment to love and compassion in all things.
God of Compassion and Courage,
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too,
like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. Amen
Ms Anna O'Brien | Acting Leader of Faith Formation and Mission