Rector's Report

Greetings to you all! 

The mornings are very fresh these days but give way to bright sunshine which is a blessing. We have reached the halfway mark of the term as we wonder how quickly the days are passing.  By the time you read the next issue of the newsletter we will have commenced the season of Spring which we hope will bring some warmer days.

In this week’s Sunday Gospel Jesus is reminding us that we must keep striving to enter through the’ narrow’ door, at times the hard way (Luke 13: 23 - 24).  As a family, this passage about the “narrow door” reminds us that following Jesus isn’t always the easiest or most popular path. It’s an invitation to live intentionally, with love, patience, and faith guiding our choices. In family life, striving through the narrow door can take many forms: showing kindness to each other even when tempers flare, choosing honesty over convenience, making time for prayer and reflection, or reaching out to help someone in need. It reminds us that faith isn’t just about going to Mass on Sundays – it’s about the small, daily decisions that shape the heart of our home. Are we encouraging each other to grow in love, compassion, and courage? How can we be people of faith in our words and actions?

Here is a prayer with a difference that I came across recently but a prayer with a good message that may help us on this journey.

Let us pray

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relations

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom, peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,

To bring justice and kindness to all children and the poor.

St Eugene de Mazenod

Pray for us.

De Mazenod Family Staff Conference

Each year staff from the four Colleges, accompanied by Rectors and Principals gather to learn more about St Eugene and the history of the Oblates in Australia. Our college was represented by Gabriella Warfe, Emma Moore and Leigh Harris. The experience provides a wonderful opportunity to share programmes and resources that have been developed in our respective communities that build formation and understanding of the Charism we all share. The host College this year was Mazenod College WA (August 5 - 9). The setting for the conference was perfect as it was held in the parish hall of St Patrick’s, Fremantle where the Oblate Charism was introduced in Australia on July 19, 1894, when the Oblates first arrived. Keynote presenters were Fr Joe Antony OMI (Iona College), Fr Michael Twigg OMI (Mazenod College, WA) and Fr Harry Dyer OMI who also led the conference with prayer. On the final day of the conference, we visited Mazenod College in Lesmurdie. The students proudly showcased their college with comprehensive tours enabling staff to meet colleagues in similar roles and expand their network.

New Principal - Mazenod College WA

During our De Mazenod Family Education Network Conference it was announced that Mrs Sabrina Hughes had been appointed the new Principal of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, Western Australia beginning on 1 January 2026. As the college approaches its 60th year, Sabrina is the first woman to be appointed as a Principal at Mazenod College or any Australian Oblate College, marking a very significant moment in our Province and the College’s rich history. 

Sabrina is also the first female principal of an all–boys’ College in Western Australia. Sabrina is currently the Vice Principal at Trinity College in East Perth and has held this position since 2020. Sabrina is a former parent of the College, an active, local parishioner as well as a current Director of the Mazenod College Board, leading the Faith and Mission Committee.

Vinnies - Mazenod Winter Appeal

Dear friends of Mazenod. As the winter months settle in we are truly grateful for a warm house to shelter us or warm clothes. As we know there are many people who are struggling during these months and can benefit from a little love and care from us.

Mazenod is currently running our annual Winter Appeal to help make a difference in the lives of people in our area. A donation of some essential items can bring hope and dignity to our brothers and sisters. On MazCom you will find a flyer indicating what items each individual year level is asked to donate and where they can be dropped off by your son. 

Mazenod Football Club

On Saturday August 16 I was invited to attend the Mazenod Football Club annual President’s Lunch at Brandon Park Reserve. It was a great time to meet past and present students from Mazenod who are involved with the club. Several Old Collegians were in attendance with President Daniel Paone (MOC1998) welcoming everyone and expressing their vision to create a more community orientated club for all. The club offers a supportive environment for present and former students of Mazenod College. New club facilities will open soon which will cater for all levels of the soccer club, especially for the female participants. 

Pictured (L-R) above are some of the Old Collegians in attendance:

Burt Michael (MOC1989), Robert D’Angelo (MOC2008), Antonio Marandola (MOC2010), Nicholas D’Angelo (MOC2006), Lucas Paone (Year 8), Sam Gallo (MOC1981), Daniel Paone (MOC1998, President), Emilio Montoya, Robert Marino (MOC1999), Fr Harry Dyer OMI (College Rector), Mark Gargiso (MOC1998), Orlando Morales (MOC2008). 

Mazenod Panthers All-Abilities Football Club

On Sunday August 17 at Central Reserve Panthers All-Abilities Football Club held a ‘Wacky’ Sunday to finalize their football season. Steve Thompson (pictured), an Old Collegian and a member of the Woodsman Coterie Group at Collingwood Football Club generously gave of his time to bring along the 2023 Premiership Cup for the members. Partick Rampant (pictured), a Mazenod Year 8 student, enjoyed having his picture taken with the cup and the Rector (I think!!). The 2025 season culminates with the Panthers Presentation Night on Friday August 29 at the Mulgrave Country Club with a record crowd of 190 people being in attendance. Congratulations to all involved with the Panthers, especially our Old Collegeians who give of their time to support these various teams.

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI