Marian College Newsletter - English

Principal's Message

Last Sunday, we celebrated the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. It is important to understand that the Ascension does not mean that Jesus has departed from us or abandoned us. In fact after the Ascension, the disciples returned back to Jerusalem with great joy, as Saint Luke tells us (24:52). At the end of Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says “I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:20).

 

With the Ascension, Jesus is now present to us in a new way and provides for us an opportunity to be closer to God. As we reflect on this feast we also remember His words to the disciples immediately before His Ascension. He promises that the Holy Spirit will come to them and He commands the disciples to go forth as missionaries to the world. He then gives them the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this mission. The same can be said for us. Our task is to allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel and the Good News to the world not only by word but also by action. Jesus’ final earthly message is for us to be his witnesses in word and deed. 

 

Our association with Kildare Ministries, and their Community Works, give us an opportunity to come face to face with those who give witness to Jesus’ teachings. 

 

Presentation Family Centre (soon to be renamed Saltbush, Balnarring Beach) is a Not for Profit charitable organisation that exists to provide holidays, retreats and programs to families and carers who need it most. Located at Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, Presentation Family Centre has six self-contained houses, shared grounds with a playground and activity centre. Guests are primarily families and carers from across Victoria who find it difficult to access a holiday, retreat, or recreational or educational program. This may be due to a variety of reasons including financial stress, caring responsibilities, grief and loss, disability, illness, or other circumstances. Families and carers may be referred to PFC by other not for profit associations, government agencies, schools, community groups, or hospitals.

 

Wellsprings for Women provides a suite of programs designed in consultation with and in response to the needs of women in Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. These include programs in:

  • Education: A range of classes in English literacy, computer literacy and vocational pathway programs to suit all levels. There is a Family Learning Partnership program and Literacy and Numeracy courses contextualised to aged care and child care industries
  • Women’s Support: Provides Case Management to women impacted by mental health, isolation, family violence , poverty and homelessness.  The services include, safety plans, risk assessment, intake assessment, emergency relief, supported referrals, material aid, support in accessing other services and home visitation
  • Women’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing: Education on human rights, gender equality, prevention of family violence, parenting, self care, respectful relationships, mental health and physical wellbeing
  • Youth and Children’s Services: These programs support the skills and wellbeing of children and young women and include playgroups, study support, Girls on the Move,
  • Volunteering: The volunteering program includes student placements, work placements and general volunteering in all aspects of the organisation.
  • Employment Support: Wellsprings has a dedicated Employment Support Practitioner who assists women with their job seeking endeavours. They also have Cultural Cuisines which is a cooking social enterprise that supports women interested in earning an income by using their cooking skills.

Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters which aims to:

  • Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;
  • Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;
  • Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;
  • Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues.

 

All those connected with the above Community Works are living out Jesus’ call to provide for others in need. Please refer to their websites to find out more information and consider supporting them in some practical way.

 

Ray Pisani

Principal