Rector's Report

Greetings to you all!

De Mazenod Family Gathering

The 2026 De Mazenod Family gathering was held from Thursday October 22 till 25 at St Eugene’s Retreat Centre, Newborough with the theme: One Heart, One Family, One Charism. During the four days the participants deepened their understanding of our shared  charism and explored new ways of a future commitment to the mission begun by our founder, St Eugene de Mazenod. The De Mazenod Family is about being cooperators in the mission of God under the spirit and vision of St Eugene de Mazenod. To highlight the spirit of being the De Mazenod Family the Sunday Eucharist was celebrated with the local parishioners at St Mary’s, Newborough on Saturday evening at 5.00pm with Fr Christian Fini OMI, the main celebrant and preacher.

All Saints and All Souls

In the Catholic tradition, November is the month of remembrance of the dead. The month will commence with the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 which commemorates all the saints in heaven and the example they offer us. This could be an opportunity to recall the name of the saint you chose for your Confirmation and asking yourself how you are continuing to imitate their life of faith and service. The following day, November 2, we celebrate All Souls when we especially remember all our deceased loved ones. This month offers three other opportunities. Firstly, you could visit the grave/s of your deceased loved ones and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them. Secondly, I invite you to take the opportunity to join the college community at our morning Eucharist at 8.10 am as we pray together for all our deceased loves ones. Thirdly, I invite you to join us on Friday November 6 at 7 pm in the college chapel when we will pause, pray, and remember the deceased old boys of our college. 

2026 Alumni Awards Dinner

On Friday evening October 23 the Annual Alumni Awards Dinner was held at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. A full house of guests enjoyed a meal, community time and recognised former members of the Mazenod Community for their outstanding contributions to our society as they continue to live the De Mazenod Spirit in every day life. A special guest for the evening was Fr John Sherman OMI, Iona College, Brisbane, who was recognised for his contribution to Catholic Education especially through our Oblate Colleges in the Australian Province. Pictured above are Agnus and Karen from our Parents and Friends Assocation along with Tina Giacco (Teacher) and Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Rector. 

2027 National Oblate Youth Encounter

The annual National Oblate Youth Encounter will be held from January 4- 8, 2027. The gathering will take place at the new St Eugene’s Centre for Mission in Newborough, in the Latrobe Valley. This gathering brings together young people from around Australia who wish to share their Catholic faith in the spirit of the Charism of St Eugene de Mazenod. It is designed for young people (those entering Year 12 in 2026 through to age 30) to grow in and reflect on their faith, as well as to share plenty of fun and community time with one another.I invite parents to encourage their young people to consider attending this encounter. Further information can be found at: www.oblateyouth.com.au 

Christmas Giving with a Difference!

Sadly, Christmas is not too far away now as we return for the final term of the year. Christmas in our Christian tradition is a time to celebrate God's love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. It is also a time of giving to others. Most of our giving is to close family and friends. However, as Christians we are also called to care for our neighbour, the people we will never meet.

One different aspect of giving is through the Oblate Christmas Gift Card. The idea behind this giving is that you purchase a card or cards from various amounts to assist the Oblate Missions. The card you purchase explains to your family or friends that you have purchased this gift card on their behalf in place of a material gift and the money will be used to support a particular mission you have chosen. These cards can be purchased from the Front Office (via cash only) or on online through MAZCOM or mami@oblates.com.au 

Generous responses like yours make this world a better place for our unseen neighbour. This is a gift that keeps on giving. 

Oblate Mission Immersion Experience

The Oblate Mission Immersion Experience is a new initiative by the Oblates. It will include India and sri Lanka from 26 June – 10 July 2027. This immersion experince is open to current and former parents, teachers, Old Boys of our Oblate Colleges and parishioners in our Oblate parishes. This will involve spending time in Oblate missions, experiecing the Oblate commitment to education, pastoral ministry and nservice especially to those who are most vulnerable. This will be an opportunity to experience and parictpate in the wider Oblate story of mission. Further information and a copy of the itinerary can be found at: tcoghlan@omi.com.au

Till the next time

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI