Rector's Report
Greetings! As I write this week’s newsletter, I am attending the annual Australian Oblate Province Retreat being held in Olinda. I have gathered with 34 fellow Oblates from around the Australian Province with Fr Thomas Klosterkamp OMI as our retreat director. Fr. Thomas was born in Germany in 1965 and was ordained an Oblate priest in 1994.
He is one of the few Oblates worldwide who have the distinction of having served as Provincial Superior of two provinces, the German Province and the newly formed Central European Province comprised of Oblates in Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic. In 2021 he was named the new Professor of Church History at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. Each day Fr Thomas has guided us through personal Oblate experiences, scripture, prayer, and the celebration of daily Eucharist as we have reflected on our Oblate way of life. This time of retreat is also an opportunity for us to strengthen our Oblate community connections due to being separated by large distances throughout our Australian Province.
Gospel Reflection
In the readings for this weekend, the subject of just and wise leadership is the focus. In Matthew’s Gospel, after Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus tells Peter that he will be head of the Church. The readings about leadership are important during this time of such examples of failed leadership, not only politically but also religiously.
For us, the question we face today is simply: “Who can we trust?” So, who can we trust? Paul says very simply, God. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that the actions and intent of people speak volumes about who they are. Those who are more about serving others as opposed to being self-serving are people to be trusted. Those who are willing to sacrifice themselves out of love for others, are to be trusted. Those who think about the common good of all people are to be trusted. And, of course, the criteria by which to evaluate people and issues given to us by Jesus is most important.
Do they:
1) feed the hungry?
2) give drink to the thirsty?
3) welcome the stranger?
4) clothe the naked?
5) care for those who are sick?
6) visit the imprisoned?
If their life reflects ministering to others in these six areas, then, they are to be trusted because they are ministering to people as Jesus ministered to people. In doing all these actions it is indicative that they are following the message of Jesus and building the Kingdom of God.
Assumption Day
On Tuesday August 15 our college community gathered in the Provence Centre for the Eucharist to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. I take this opportunity to thank all the parents, friends and Oblate priests and students who gathered and prayed with us on this important Feast Day. I also thank all the staff who contributed to ensure that this day was a prayerful liturgy for all who attended.
Interviews
Last Saturday the college commenced the process of interviewing all the applicants to fill the 252 places for Year 7 in 2025. For me, this has been a very positive experience with the young men sharing their excitement at the possibility of being accepted into Mazenod of which they have heard great reports from families and students past and present. Most young men we also able to communicate their various talents and interests with me through the various questions they were asked.
Winter Recitals
During the past month, I have enjoyed joining our students and their families for our evening Winter Recitals in our Founders Complex. I am always impressed with the commitment of our students have as they pursue their musical talents. The students also display great courage being prepared to stand before their peers and family members as they entertain us with a variety of musical instruments and vocal renditions. A vote of thanks to all our parents for their encouragement of their sons and to our talented musical department staff for sharing their expertise with our students.
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI