From the Rector

Greetings & Happy Birthday!

No, it is not my birthday, but it is the unofficial birthday of the Church, not of a building, but of people, you, and me. The descent of the Holy Spirit on the original Pentecost marked the conclusion of Christ’s earthly mission and the beginning of the Christian Church’s mission, which was entrusted to the disciples and has been gifted down to each one of us. I said in an earlier newsletter not to rush to consume those Easter Eggs because the Easter season lasts for 50 Days. The 50 days are up and now is the time to finish off all those last remaining Easter Eggs or treats (if there are any left of course!).

As you can see, I saved a chocolate Easter Bunny, much to the delight of some students who were keen to share it with me, in preparation for the celebration of this Sunday’s Feast of Pentecost (Pentecost from the Greek - pentecostē, “50th day”) marking the end of the Easter Season. Liturgically, we now move into the season called Ordinary Time. This season falls between Christmas and Lent, and then between Easter and Advent and runs for about 34 weeks. Of course, there is nothing ‘ordinary’ about it because it is during this time that we called to live the life of Jesus in the everyday routine of our lives. A Pentecost Prayer:

Let us pray:

Spirit of the living God Fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me.

Spirit of the living God Fall afresh on me.

This morning our College community came together for our Founders' Day Mass. We joined Oblate communities around the world, and our wider De Mazenod Family, to celebrate the Feast of St Eugene de Mazenod. It was on this day in 1861, that Bishop Eugene de Mazenod left this earthly life. On his death bed, surrounded by his fellow brother Oblates, Bishop Eugene said to them, “Among yourselves practice charity, charity, charity; and outside, zeal for the salvation of souls.” These parting words are also addressed to us as we are called to strive to be of service to one another and to live a life in response to God’s love for us.

The Founders' Day Mass was a privilege for me to lead as it was my first as Rector.

Fr Kevin Davine OMI preached an inspiring homily. We also welcomed our Brother Oblates, especially our Provincial Fr Christian Fini OMI. Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID restrictions, we were unable to invite families and friends of the College. Hopefully, we will all come together next year to celebrate. I wish you a Happy Founders' Day. May St Eugene continue to bless and inspire all of us who belong to the De Mazenod family.

Last evening, Thursday May 20, I enjoyed a visit with the members of the Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club. I was invited to share with them a snapshot of our Oblate origins and the connection between the Oblates, Mazenod College, and the football club in preparation for their annual home game for Founders' Day. If you are free on Saturday why not pop along to Central Reserve, Glen Waverley, and support Mazenod on this special occasion.

Last Tuesday morning, May 18, we had an enormous response to our College Tours. Over 5 sessions nearly 300 people passed through the College. I received positive feedback from parents about how organized the morning was and how welcoming and informative our students were as guides. Thank you to all the staff and students who made themselves available on the day. Patrick, a prospective student (pictured right), took the opportunity to meet the Rector during his Tuesday College Tour.

This week we have had the opportunity to recognise and thank the generous contributions volunteers make within our community. Many organisations would not continue to exist without willing helpers. Each person should consider volunteering in some capacity for a community organisation or for one of our College community groups. I believe this reflects an aspect of our Character Strength this week – Fairness. It is fair to leave the volunteering to that famous person: ‘someone else?’

This Saturday evening, May 23, at 6.00pm, I will be celebrating the Eucharist at St Peters, Clayton. I am looking forward to meeting some of our Mazenod College families.