Rector's Report
Greetings to you all and welcome back Term 3!
Prior to the term break on Thursday 25 June the Year 12 cohort celebrated their formal. This was a great evening enjoyed by all. A vote of thanks to all the Mazenod Staff whose planning ensured that this was a Mazenod event that our students will remember in their post Mazenod days.
After the term break it was straight back to business with the annual Mazenod – Avila Colleges musical. We were blessed to witness the musical production of Beauty and the Beast which was first produced in 2010. This year it was presented from the 15th till 18th July at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University. The musical production comes after months of commitment by all the participants to rehearsals on Sundays and during the holidays. Congratulations to all who brought this musical to life especially our talented actors and musicians together with the backstage crews, Directors etc and all those involved in costumes and the great variety of props and scenery.
Gospel Reflection
This Sunday, the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) centers on the immense value of God's Kingdom and the wisdom to seek it. The readings challenge us to reorder our priorities, recognize heaven as our ultimate treasure, and trust that God provides what we truly need.
Here are three things to reflect upon about this passage: 1) The Kingdom of God is like a “treasure;” 2) It’s hidden, waiting to be found; 3) When discovered, it’s worth giving up everything we have to obtain it.
The first lesson we should take is that the value of the Kingdom of God is great. In fact, it’s infinite in value. Yet so many people see it as something undesirable and choose many other “treasures” in its place.
Second, it’s hidden. It’s hidden not in the sense that God does not want us to discover it; rather, it’s hidden in the sense that God does want us to discover it. It’s waiting for us, waiting to be discovered and rejoiced in when found.
Third, when someone discovers the riches of the Kingdom of God and the riches of the life of grace, the experience should be so awe-inspiring that there is little hesitancy in making the choice to give everything up to obtain that which was found. It’s a discovery that will change one’s life and lead one to abandon all else in pursuit of the new treasure that has been discovered.
Today we are asked to reflect our own experience of discovering the Kingdom of God.
Interesting Mazenod Facts from Term 2
As you are aware Mazenod College, like all places of education, are full on with the various activities that occur through the week and term. At a recent weekly staff briefing some figures were shared with the staff regarding these various activities and I thought it would give parents a deeper insight to the functioning of our college.
Over 6,000 examinations were printed.
66 subjects completed assessment programs.
49 excursions were conducted.
More than 40 Masses were celebrated.
89 staff attended external professional learning.
13 student teachers were mentored.
More than 2,800 pastoral periods were supervised.
Approximately 21,900 teaching classes were delivered.
De Mazenod Family Oblate Charism Pilgrimage
During the term break the De Mazenod Oblate Family Charism 12-day pilgrimage was held. During the pilgrimage participants visited the various sites in France and Italy associated with the life and mission of St Eugene de Mazenod. This pilgrimage is particularly significant as it occurs during the 200th anniversary year of the approval of the Oblate Constitutions and Rules in 1826. Two staff members, Kanishka Perera and Vivian Seremetis from Mazenod College Victoria joined Oblates and other members from our colleges and parishes on the pilgrimage. Pictured are Kanishka and Vivian with Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Provincial of the Australian Province and China Delegation at the tomb of St Eugene de Mazenod in the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major in Marseille, France.
Ordination Anniversaries
On Sunday July 12, I was pleased to be present at St Kieran's parish, more to celebrate my 36th anniversary of priesthood which occurred on 13 July. It was great that some of my families were able to join me for the celebration. I was thrilled that Fr Vincent McGilluddy OMI shared his ordination anniversary with me. Fr Vin celebrated 64 years of priesthood on the actual day 12 July. Fr Vin was one of the original sports master's here at Mazenod College between 1967 – 1969.
Congratulations also to Fr Christian Fini OMI as he celebrates his 25th anniversary of priesthood this Saturday in his home parish of Good Shepherd. Fr Christians actual date of ordination is June 29, 2001, but he was in Rome at the time. Since ordination Fr Christian has experienced a full and active ministry including parish ministry, Director of Oblate Youth, Chairperson of the Oblate Commission for Mission for Youth Australia, Rosies Chaplain, Rector of Mazenod College, Victoria, MAMI. He has recently been studying Canon Law through Saint Paul University Ottawa. On behalf of our Mazenod College Community we take this opportunity to thank Fr Christian for using his gifts and talents in the service of God’s people and pray God’s blessings upon him and into the future.
Mazenod Open Chess Championships
On 26 June, the first day of the college holidays, 59 enthusiastic chess players competed in the annual Mazenod Open Chess Championship in the Provence Centre. Thanks to the generous staff and volunteers who gave of their time to enable this championship to be played in the holiday break.
Till the next time
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI