From the Rector

Dear Mazenodian Families and Community,

As we approach the end of Term One, I sincerely give thanks to God for the many Blessings and Moments of Grace that have been present within our community.

I thank all students and families who have supported Project Compassion and will support Mazenod Mission Day. These fundraising initiatives directly benefit those in need and are necessary for the culture of generosity that we are hoping to grow within your sons alongside you.

I would also like to sincerely encourage you to try and attend as many of the Easter Ceremonies that you are able to. These Easter Ceremonies of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection celebrate that LIFE is bigger than death and that eternal life is offered to all. We call the ceremonies, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. There are so many ceremonies to choose from and I encourage you to reach out and have a look at www.perthcatholic.org.au/ for a service near you.

An Easter Story to Share - Jeremy's Egg - An Easter Story

Jeremy was born with a twisted body, a slow mind, and a chronic illness that had been slowly killing him all his young life. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to St Theresa's elementary school.

At the age of twelve, Jeremy was still only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain.

His teacher tried hard to ignore Jeremy 's noises and his blank stares. Then one day he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loudly enough for the whole class to hear. The other children snickered, and Doris's face turned red.

She stammered, "wh-why, that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat." 

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller!" The children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? 

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.

In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.

The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and turns into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."

Then Doris opened the third egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and, of course, he did not understand her instructions. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. 

Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "but Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too!"

Time stopped.

When she could speak again. Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh yes!" Jeremy exclaimed. "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then his Father raised him up!" The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away. Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket ....... all of them empty.

~ Author Unknown

On behalf of our Oblate Community, I wish all Mazenodians a safe, happy and holy Easter and also a restful break if possible.

Take care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI

Rector of Mazenod College