Greetings to you all!

Welcome back! I know this is the second week but it the first newsletter for the final term of our 2025 academic year. There will be many highlights before us especially as it is the final days of secondary education for our 2020 - 2025 Year 12 cohort. During all these exciting events there are, unfortunately, the important final exams that all our students need to undertake. During the term break our Year 12 students gave of their time to come to the college to sit trial exams that gave them an insight of how they are traveling regarding what they want to achieve. A special thanks to the teachers and staff who generously assisted our students during this time.

On Thursday evening we celebrated the Year 12 cohort with a Graduation Eucharist at St John Vianney parish, Springvale North. This was followed by their graduation dinner. On Friday morning we again assembled for their final Eucharist together in the college chapel with their parents and college staff. This was followed by refreshments in Oblate Hall and then adjourning to the Provence Centre with the entire Mazenod community for their final assembly and farewell.

Congratulations to our graduates and I pray God’s blessings upon as they embark on the next stage of their life’s journey.

This Sunday's Gospel

In this Sunday’s gospel from Luke Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow who keeps coming to a judge, asking for justice. She refuses to give up, and eventually, the judge grants her request – not because he cares about her, but because of her perseverance. Jesus uses this story to teach us a vital lesson: we should always pray and never give up.

The widow’s determination challenges us to look at our own approach to faith and prayer. How often do we give up too soon when life feels overwhelming? How quickly do we lose hope when solutions or answers do not come on our timetable? The widow reminds us that persistence is not stubbornness – it is a trust that God is present, listening, and working even when we cannot see the outcome.

For our family life the story highlights the importance of supporting one another in daily struggles. Life brings challenges that test patience, resilience, and hope. Prayer and persistence provide a shared anchor. When children see parents returning to God in prayer, or when siblings encourage each other through difficulty, faith becomes lived and visible.

Baptism

On Sunday September 21 I was blessed to baptised Zaylee Airlie Grimshaw at St Keirans, Moe during the 10.00am Mass. I celebrated the wedding of her parents, Matt and Mel in 2017 and baptised their oldest daughter Zanthe.

Wedding

During the break I was thrilled to celebrate the wedding of my great nephew Lance Duncan Townsend and Amy McCord. This was celebrated on Friday October 3 at St Michaels Catholic Church, Traralgon followed by a reception at Narkoojee Winery and Restaurant Glengarry. I thought I was getting old when I started celebrating the weddings of nephews and nieces, now I am feeling somewhat ancient as I start celebrating the great nephew era.

Footy Finals

I know it seems like history now, but I congratulate the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions who were successful in reaching the 2025 AFL Grand Final on September 27. Of course, there can only be one winner, and I extend my congratulations to the Brisbane Lions Football Team and to their loyal supporters for their comprehensive victory with back-to-back premierships. For the rest of us there is always next year!

Mazenod Soccer Club

On Friday October 10, along with Fr Dominic & Tina Giacco, I attended the 2025 Mazenod Soccer Club Presentation night at Freccia Azzurra Club. Thanks to former student and now president of the club Daniel Paone for the invitation. The above picture is of some of the former and current students of Mazenod College who are presently involved with the club.

60th Anniversary of Moe's St Vincent de Paul Conference

On Sunday October12 I concelebrated the Eucharist at St Kieran’s, Moe for the 60th anniversary of the Moe St Vincent de Paul Conference. Following the Eucharist, we adjourned to the Moe Racecourse Function Centre for a celebratory luncheon. A 60th anniversary is a wonderful achievement for any organization. This celebration recalled the many generous volunteers who have lived the gospel message in very practical ways by assisting the most vulnerable of the area in their various needs. The Moe Outreach comprises the Conference which visits those in need and supports them through material needs like food, clothing etc. They also organize a soup van that distributes food to family homes. The ever-present Vinnies Shop continues to be a practical means of support. The volunteers maybe a small band of caring people but like St Eugene de Mazenod they have hearts as big as the world as they extend love and care to all who seek assistance. These volunteers are a reminder to all of us to assist our neighbour in need where and when we can.

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

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