Faith Formation and Mission

You don’t need to walk around Chevalier College for long before you see the words “To be on earth the Heart of God” written somewhere. It’s a phrase synonymous with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and the spirit of our college. 

While we might not immediately associate this phrase with Christmas, it is very much a Christmas expression. After all, this is exactly what we celebrate at Christmas: that God loves us so much, he wants to be with us - enfleshed with a human heart. 

While the first Christmas miracle in a humble stable occurred over two millennia ago, each Christmas season (and indeed everyday) is an opportunity to recreate the Christmas story by allowing God’s love to be enfleshed in our own hearts. We do this every time we be Christ to others through our love and kindness. 

This Christmas as we enjoy time with family, open presents and sing carols, we could do worse than to have as a Christmas mantra “to be on earth the Heart of God.” Wishing all families a wonderful Christmas and a safe and restful break.

Advent Liturgy 

On Wednesday we celebrated our final whole school liturgy for the year. It was an opportunity to look back on 2024 with gratitude, and to look forward to the coming of Christmas with hope-filled anticipation. 

The theme for our liturgy was “Love is a Superpower” reinforcing the transformative power of God’s love for our world. A love which can bring peace to violence, hope to despair and comfort to sorrow. 

During our liturgy, homerooms brought forward their Christmas Packages for the Gethsemane Project and following communion Mr Edward Gilchrist from St Vincent de Paul acknowledged the college’s contributions to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. 

The liturgy concluded with heartfelt holiday wishes from Mrs Graham, on behalf of Mr Miller, and a blessing from Fr John for staff members who are leaving our college community at  the conclusion of the school year.

Gethsemane Project 

The Gethsemane Project puts into action Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane “wait here, stay, be with me.” It aims to help some of the most vulnerable members of society feel like they are not alone. This year, over 100 packages were prepared for members of the community and were distributed at Rosnel Hostel and through Highlands Disability Trust. Thank you to all families for your support in spreading the Christmas spirit to others. 

Other Christmas Appeals 

Throughout the year, students have given generously to a variety of causes including earlier this term where we raised $3480 on Chevalier Day. These funds and others raised, will be distributed through the following charities to assist those in our local community and further afield:

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Thirty $100 vouchers and online donations will be provided to the three local Vinnies conferences. These contributions were made possible thanks to previous donations and the bucket run at Carols in McGrath. If you would still like to donate, you can do so at:

https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/fundraise-your-way-conference/carols-in-the-meadow

Bowral Uniting Church

This year some of our Year 10 students have been visiting the Bowral Uniting church to assist with their Food and Fellowship Program on Wednesdays. This program provides food and non-judgemental company for the vulnerable. In addition, a food pantry operates to support individuals and families. The college has donated $1000 to this program to help support the families which use this service over Christmas.

MSC Mission Office

A further $2000 was been provided to the MSC Mission Office in addition to the $6500 contributed earlier this year. This money will be used to help bring Christmas gifts such as clean water and medical supplies to overseas vulnerable communities.

“The spirit of our Society is one of love and kindness, humility and simplicity; it is, above all, one of love for justice and concern for all, especially the very poor” (MSC Constitution #13)

Thank you to all families for your generous support!

Mission Team

In Week 7 we launched the Mission Team. This team provides an avenue for students looking for further engagement in the areas of social justice, stewardship, liturgies and formation.

The team is available for students in Years 7 – 12 and is looked after by our Liturgy, Social Justice and Stewardship Captains. The first meeting provided an opportunity for students to discuss ideas for 2025 and prepare to deliver the Christmas Packages to Highlands Disability Trust and Rosnel Hostel. 

A group will also be helping Vinnies run a holiday program during the holidays. Watch this space for exciting opportunities in 2025!