Rector's Report

Greetings and welcome back as we begin term 3. Wow! Can you believe it! As we return with the first newsletter of Term 3, we are just about at the end of July. 2024 seems to be disappearing very quickly. This term we are looking forward to many events on our college calendar with the highlight being our annual musical production which this year is Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Our students and those from Avila College have been practising furiously to ensure that this is a production we will all enjoy. All involved gave up some of their holiday time putting together the finishing touches on their various acts and props to be fully prepared for opening night on July 31. Tickets are now on sale with information for their purchase on MAZCOM. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

Toyota Good for Footy

Just prior to the holiday break I represented the College at the Toyota Good for Footy Forum at Marvel Stadium. Mazenod College received acknowledgement of what our clubs are achieving regarding inclusion, connectivity and community through our Old Collegians and Women’s teams plus our All-Abilities Teams. Great credit must go to all the volunteers in these areas, many who are former students. This should make us all proud. Through the Good for Footy program Toyota is committed to helping grow the game from the grassroots up and has helped clubs raise over $10 million since 2008. Over 500 local clubs from every state and territory have benefitted. We thank Glen Waverley Toyota for their ongoing sponsorship of the Mazenod Panthers All-Abilities Teams. As you can see from the picture below, I had the opportunity of meeting Craig McRae, Collingwood coach and being with Craig Todd the President of the Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club and a former student. Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO, recounted his time at De La Salle competing against Mazenod. In the second picture is Toby Crook from the Mazenod Panthers (on left of photo) and Matt Fewings (third from left) from Mazenod Old Collegians and present staff member in the Penola Centre. 

Winter Appeal

As we start a new term this is a gentle reminder that the 2024 Mazenod / Vinnies Winter Appeal is still open for donations. We all know that the cost-of-living pressures are affecting many people who are not as fortunate as we are this winter. Some may not have access to warm meals, clothing, or essential toiletries. This is a great opportunity for us to rally together and living our missionary spirit by supporting those in our community who are facing homelessness, food insecurity & cost-of-living pressures. All contributions are greatly appreciated! Donations can be made until 23rd August. Please check MAZCOM to see how and what you can assist with. Every gift will make a real difference.

Year 12 Formal

On Friday June 28 a full house of our Year 12 students, their partners and staff members enjoyed the annual Formal held at Alencia Reception Centre, Dandenong South. Thanks to the staff members and student leaders who organized such an enjoyable event. Unfortunately for our Year 12 cohort it will back to studies as they prepare for their final exams at Mazenod College and Valedictory Dinner.

Oblate Celebrations

Last weekend the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrated two inspiring moments within our Australian Province and for our Oblate Congregation. On Friday July 19, Oblates and friends gather at St John Vianney Parish Springvale North for the Final Profession of Br Hieu Nguyen OMI and Br Thai Nguyen OMI, both from Vietnam. The following morning, Saturday July 20, we again gathered at the same church for the Diaconate Ordinations of Br Adinnu Emmanuel Ejike OMI and Br Kombo Benjamin Gandepuun OMI, both from Nigeria. The Oblates were thrilled to welcome Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, Bishop of Wagga Wagga, to ordain these two young men to the Diaconate. 

2024 The Year of Prayer

In preparation for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has asked that this year of 2024 be “a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world”.

The sixth prayer tradition, and the most important one to focus on for our faith journey, is the Eucharist.  

Our Mazenod College community is in a privileged position to have the opportunity to have the celebration of the Eucharist each day of the week morning in our college chapel at 8.10am. I encourage our families, when and where possible, to join their sons especially during this time of preparation for the Year of Jubilee.

The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Church and the local parish in that it is ‘the source and summit of all our Christian life’ because it is the memorial of Christ’s Passover and fulfillment of his sacrifice for the salvation of humankind. It is the highest point of our prayer life, lived in a communal manner, when the assembly gathers around the table of Jesus’ body and blood.

Prepare for Mass: Even in our busy life, it is important, as we approach the communal celebration of the Eucharist, to try and take a moment for silent, personal preparation that helps us to step out of the hectic pace of daily life to reflect on the mystery that we are about to experience. When you come a little earlier you can pray in front of the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is present, recognizing that Jesus will soon make Himself present. It is also helpful to read beforehand the passages of God’s Word that will be proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word and explained to us for our daily lives through the homily.

Make the Sign of the Cross: The words and gestures made in the initial rites enable enables us to be involved body, soul, and mind in the celebration. The sign of the cross summarizes the whole of our Christian faith into which we were baptized through the Trinitarian formula: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This gesture always invites God’s presence into the various aspects of our being – mind & intellect, heart & emotion, and every action of service as we are reminded that our loving God wants to be involved in our human story as He is with us, within us – creating, liberating, and sustaining us.

When we sign ourselves with the symbol of the cross, we recall the incarnation, redemption, and resurrection of the Lord and when we pronounce the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we recall the great Mystery of the Holy Trinity.

Technology Corner 2!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI