PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

This week I find myself praying for Australia and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, as we consider our vote in the Referendum this weekend, and Israel and the sudden conflict that has arisen there.

Having only recently returned from a tour of Holy sites in Israel and Jordan I feel a connection with this country and a sense of gratitude that my own country does not live with this constant threat of violence.  Although I did not travel to the south of Israel, it is not a large country and the effects of the violence inflicted upon many innocent people will be felt across the country and abroad.  

Pope Francis stated to people gathered in St Peter’s Square on 8th October, ‘May the attacks and weapons cease. Please! And let it be understood that terrorism and war do not lead to any resolutions, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people. War is a defeat! Let us pray that there will be peace in Israel and in Palestine’.

Rose Marie Berger wrote this prayer (extract) in Sojourners.

A Prayer for Peace in Israel and Palestine

God of Comfort,

send your Spirit to encompass all those whose lives

are torn apart by violence and death in Israel and Palestine.

You are the Advocate of the oppressed

and the One whose eye is on the sparrow.

Let arms reach out in healing, rather than aggression.

Let hearts mourn rather than militarize.

God of Love,

we lift up Palestine and Israel - its people, its land, its creatures.

War is a monster that consumes everything in its path.

Peace is a gift shared at meals of memory with Christians, Muslims and Jews.

Let us burn incense, not children. Let us break bread, not bodies.

Let us plant olive groves, not cemeteries.

We beg for love and compassion to prevail

on all your holy mountains.

The full prayer can be found at sojo.net/articles/prayer-peace-israel-and-palestine

You would be well aware that the 2023 Referendum will take place on 14 October and is a chance for Australians eligible to vote to consider altering the Australian Constitution to “recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice”.

The following resources have been shared with staff at Diocesan of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) schools. 

• Diocesan Social Justice Statement launch: resources to accompany the aforementioned Statement
• One Journey, Together: a collection of statements and resources grounded in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice: this Australian Government website contains pertinent information relating to the many questions surrounding the Voice
• AEC Referendums: information relating to voting, including early/postal/on day voting, polling places and the officially sanctioned “Yes/No case pamphlet”
• VOICEfacts: a series of short videos offering clear and concise information to help Australians make an informed decision on the Voice
• The referendum is Australia’s gateway moment: an opinion article by June Oscar, a Bunuba woman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
• The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance: an open letter penned by retired judges, providing legal insight into what a “yes” vote will and won’t result in

I would like to congratulate one of our St Mary MacKillop College staff members, Ms Kim Mai and her daughter, and our school captain, Thanh Pham on the completion of their Australian Citizenship process.  I was privileged to be invited to attend the Citizenship ceremony this week.  The excitement and joy on the faces of many individuals, family and friends of those receiving their Australian Citizenship certificates was heartwarming and again had me feeling grateful to live in such a wonderful country.

Lastly, all the best to our Year 12 students who will complete their last day of formal secondary schooling on Tuesday 17th October.  I hope that they enjoy their last few days attending classes and celebrating at the End of Year Mass and Final Year 12 Assembly.