From the Rector

Dear Mazenodian Community,

You might have seen the words Moments of Grace appear across many areas of College life, including signage and social media posts. It is really something special and pleasing to share some of its deeper meaning with our families and wider community.

The term Moments of Grace was used by St Eugene de Mazenod to describe those very special moments in his life where he really felt a special encounter with God. Each and every one of our lives is made up of both significant and tiny moments and our Catholic Christian tradition asks us to be open to see, hear and feel the presence of Jesus in those moments.

We understand Grace as God’s free gift of Love. Another way of describing it is that Grace is the way that God communicates with us in a language of care, service and love.

Perhaps a little example might help. On the first day for Year 7s I asked one of the students “do you know any other students?” He answered me “not yet!”. It was a simple, yet profound response and speaks highly of his character and confidence. We would believe that this little encounter was a Moment of Grace. We hope you can see, hear and feel them in your life too.

During the past couple of weeks I have been able to witness and experience many of these Moments of Grace in so many areas of our Mazenod Community.

I was blessed to represent the College at the Ordination of Bishop George Kolodziej SDS in Bunbury. We have approximately 12 families from the Bunbury Diocese as well as a number of old boys and their families. A Bishop is the person tasked with serving and leading a geographic area of the Church. His responsibilities are for the care of the people and priests and we have assured him of our prayers.

I also visited Sacred Heart Mundaring, Carmel School Dianella, boarding families in Lake Grace and Kulin as well as classes and Masses at the College. In each place there was a wonderful respect and sharing and I am very glad that Mazenod is a part of so many stories.

Our relationship with Carmel School is one we are keen to keep growing. As a Jewish School, they are under constant vigilance against those who would do them harm. We reached out to ensure that they know that they are valued and not isolated. Currently there is a need for significant security measures to ensure safety and we look forward to the day when they feel as free as we do in our own country. As a Catholic school, we stand beside them in support of their inclusion and safety.

I enjoyed a very special visit to Sacred Heart Mundaring where the College enjoys a very positive relationship and could see what a thriving and vibrant community they have there. I was very happy to see such a positive community.

I was able to accompany our Year 7 Leaders on their development and formation day to Wheelchairs for Kids as well as Bounce. While these two locations seem unusual together, we found that both demonstrated resilience, creativity, trust, use of talents and care. Wheelchairs for Kids were very accommodating and welcoming and the boys were inspired.

I happily began visiting our boarding families in Lake Grace and Kulin and it was very encouraging to hear their positivity and sharing about Mazenod for their sons and family. I am genuinely looking forward to visiting many families over the rest of the year. Our entire state is part of the Mazenod community which even goesinto Bali.

It is a Moment of Grace to be working alongside Fr Matthew Raj OMI and Fr McMahon OMI as we minister alongside Mr Simon Harvey, Mrs Annamaria Cream and all of the dedicated staff.

Thank you to every Mazenod family who contributes so positively to our culture. The Love of God is most definitely alive and active in our community.

Take Care and God Bless

Fr Michael Twigg OMI