Rector's Report

Greetings and welcome back to Term 3 of our academic year. In every aspect, I applaud our staff and students for their achievements, dedication, and involvement in our College life. However, we all know that there is always room for improvement as a community and on a personal level. As we enter Term 3 let us remember what we are striving for: ‘Excellence, Every day, by Everybody’.  

Prayer Reflection

Ever-present God, we ask you to bless us and our endeavours as we begin this new term. Open our hearts to receive the seed of your word and love so that your presence, truth, and love are always within us. We read in the gospels that seeds grow best in rich soil.

Help us to sow seeds of friendship so all people will feel accepted.

of forgiveness so that the burdens of others will be lifted.  

of hope so that those who despair will be heartened.

of justice so that oppression will be swept away.

of reconciliation so that conflict will be ended.

of joy so that sadness will be banished.

Loving God work through, with and in us as we sow your seeds in the fields of our family life, our friendship groups and as part of our Mazenod Community.

God of love, thank you for loving us as we are. St Eugene de Mazenod Pray for us. 

Winter Appeal / Sleep Out

Through our Social Justice program, we are highlighting the annual St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal which will support their ministry of ‘Helping People’ as their motto suggests. Vinnies, as it is affectionally known, serves the local community to assist the disadvantaged with food, clothing, and other essential items. As a College community we are asking your support in whatever way you can to help Vinnies meet the ever-increasing demands on their services. We are seeking donations of good used clothing, toys, and non-perishable food items. Money donations are also acceptable. Donations can be sent with your son or dropped off at reception. On July 28 we are giving some of our Year 10 students the experience of sleeping rough by participating in the ‘Winter Sleepout’. This will be held overnight at the college with various speakers, activities, and the celebration of the Eucharist. 

Some Words of Thanks

1: Hello Mazenod Community, what an experience for all!  Such a great night on June 22. On behalf of the Panthers and Mazenod Old Colls FC I just wanted to pass on our thanks for hosting us for the annual College v Panthers game.  It was great to see so many students and Panthers out on the ground enjoying themselves and it was great that we were able to kickstart this again after the Covid interruption. Panthers are included in a fund-raising opportunity called ‘Toyota Good for Footy’ raffle. If you can help this will keep footy affordable for the Mazenod Panthers All Abilities Team. 

Tickets link: https://toyotagoodforfooty.raffletix.com.au/mazenodfc?sref=uxd4ntzm“

Regards Phil Ryan (President Panthers All Abilities Football Club)

2: Thanks to our fantastic students and staff (Paddy Lambert – umpire) for staying behind on June 22 to play in the Mazenod All Stars (College) vs Mazenod Panthers (FIDA Team). The game is a wonderful experience and an opportunity to give something to those with many challenges. The game brings them great joy and it was a credit to all for the way they participated. Thanks, Merry who feed 100 hungry people, Fr Harry, Adrian Jones and Joshua Muling for your support and the staff who came out to watch. Unfortunately, the result did not go our way again!!!  Adrian Connolly (Sports Department)

Year 11 Retreat

On Wednesday June 14, the college had the opportunity to welcome Fr Peter Stoll OMI. Fr Peter is an Australian Oblate who has ministered in the Indonesian Mission since 1983. Fr Peter has just completed 6 years as our Asia Oceania Regional Councillor for the Superior General in Rome. He has been visiting family and Oblates in Australia before his return to the Indonesian Mission at the end of this month. 

Work Experience

Here is a work experience picture of Year 10 student Hudson Heath at Fernglen Panels in Ferntree Gully that missed the end-of-term edition of the newsletter. Once again, many thanks to the various companies etc that enabled our students to enjoy this great opportunity and also to our staff who coordinated these experiences.

Fr Austin Cooper OMI - RIP

During the holidays on July 2, the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the death of Fr Austin Patrick Cooper OMI. Austin Cooper was born on January 14, 1931, at Sorrento, Victoria. He attended Assumption College, Kilmore. He joined the Oblates in March 1950 and undertook his priestly studies in Kidalton Abbey, Piltown, Ireland. He was ordained there on 16th September 1956. On his return to the Australian Province Fr Austin was appointed as the first rector for the future St Mary’s Oblate Seminary, Mulgrave. He attended the University of Queensland (BA Hons in History), followed by teaching at Iona College. He completed an MA in History at Catholic University of America, he later completed his PhD on the Oxford Movement, at Monash University.  Fr Cooper served as the Australian Provincial from 1976 to 1983. Fr Cooper was the Foundation Master, Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, 1972-76 with further stints during his academic career. He has been a lecturer at CTC since 1972. He was a Professor in the Department of Church History at CTC until 2022 and led overseas study tours as part of his courses in Christian Spirituality. In 2004 Fr Austin received the Order of Australia for services to Theological Education. 

We thank God for the gift of Fr Austin Cooper OMI in our lives, in the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and in the Australian Catholic Church. Fr Austin’s requiem Mass was celebrated at St John Vianney parish, Springvale North on Wednesday July 12 with a large congregation in attendance including 8 Bishops and 68 priests. 

Br Jesington Logu OMI

On Sunday July 2, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate gathered at St John Vianney parish, Springvale North, for the diaconate ordination of Br Jesington Logu OMI. Most Rev Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, Bishop of the Wagga Wagga Diocese, was the ordaining Bishop. Br Jesington is an Oblate student from Sri Lanka who has been completing his priestly studies in the Australian Oblate Province for the past 3 years. At the end of July, he will return to Sri Lanka for his priestly ordination in the presence of his Sri Lankan Oblates, his family, and friends. The word ‘deacon’ literally means "servant" or "minister." A deacon assists at the Eucharistic liturgy, administers baptism, witness to marriages, leads vigils for the deceased and funerals, and presides at other liturgical services.

33 Years of Priesthood

 A little self-indulgence. Yesterday, in our college chapel, I celebrated the 33rd (1990) anniversary of my priestly ordination. I was ordained in my home parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Newborough. When you look at the picture (left) taken on the night you are amazed at how quickly the years do pass. I thank my family, friends, and all whom I have encountered in my various ministries for their love and support. I thank my brother Oblates for their continued support and the trust they have shown in me via my various appointments within our Province, especially in the role of Provincial (2007-2014). It is now my great joy to share in the lives of all of you who are associated with our Mazenod community, and I thank you for your faith, support, friendship, and trust. 

As my ordination card stated: ‘I thank my God whenever I think of you; and every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy’. (Phil 1:3-4) 

Mazenod Football Club (Soccer)

On Saturday July I attended the Mazenod Football Club Founder’s Day at Brandon Park Reserve. I thank Daniel Paone, President, for the invitation to visit the club and meet the families and players many of whom have a connection with Mazenod College. The club is always looking for parent involvement and players from Mazenod College to join their community which endeavours to support current and past students of Mazenod College. 

Mazenod/Avila Musical - Freaky Friday

A huge congratulations to all who are participating in this year’s Mazenod/Avila musical ‘Freaky Friday. I am sure all who view this musical will be in awe at the gifts and talents of our young people whether that be up front on the stage or behind the scenes. It is the combined efforts of all which ensure this year’s production will be another great success. 

The Last Word.......

Some holiday fun:

1:  Pies training session July 1.

Collingwood Mascot & Mazenod Mascot.

2: Parents at the end of the school holidays. 

Until next time!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI