Faith & Leadership

Memorial Book

In a very special way the month of November is dedicated to the memory of our deceased family members and friends, and all who have gone before us.  Beginning with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, and continuing throughout the month, we hold in prayer those who have died.

To mark the special way that the Catholic tradition responds to death, St Bede’s College is creating a Memorial Book that will be kept in the Chapel as an invitation to others to join you in praying for them.  Please forward the name/s of any family member or friend that you would like to have added to the book.  These names will be especially prayed for at each Wednesday Mass throughout November.

(email names to rgg@stbedes.catholic.edu.au)

Lord God, whose days are without end and whose mercies are beyond counting,

keep us mindful that life is short and the hour of death is unknown.

Let your Spirit guide our days on earth in the ways of holiness and justice,

that we may serve you in union with the whole Church

sure in faith, strong in hope, perfected in love.  Amen.

Lasallian Vocations visit

Earlier this term, students in Year 8 and Year 11 were addressed by the Lasallian Vocations team – comprised of Brother Colin Griffith, Br Ken Ormerod and Br Lewis Harwood.  Individually, the Brothers spoke about their ministry and the different works that they have been involved in as part of their personal vocation as a De La Salle Brother.  Students listened with interest and posed very questions throughout each session.

“I enjoyed hearing the personal stories of the guest speakers.  It was interesting hearing how the Brothers became Brothers.”

“I liked how the Brothers were down to earth and funny, I felt that I could really relate to them.”

“I liked how it wasn’t preaching about becoming a Brother but more to inspire us to follow our dreams and to know what is right for us.”

“The talk gave me insights into the benefits of being a De La Salle Brother and the missions that they go to.”

Without directly stating it, the Brothers highlighted that there is still a place for the Brothers and that young men throughout the world are responding to this particular way of life.  In this, the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis encourages all of us to pray for vocations; that young men and women may hear God’s invitation and respond to the special mysterious call to ordained or religious life.

We gratefully acknowledge the gift of the Brothers’ presence at St Bede’s College.

Socktober

Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 supported Catholic Mission’s SOCKTOBER initiative.  By wearing their favourite pair of socks to school and bringing a gold coin donation, many students ‘socked it to poverty’ by offering practical and much needed support to Catholic Mission during World Mission Month. In total, $375.40 was raised and some very colourful socks were worn!  May we all be mindful that what we often take for granted (education and clothing) is a privilege.

Valete Mass

Amidst the varying activities, emotions and feelings that are associated with the final days of Year 12, it is important that time is given for reflection and thanksgiving.  A fitting way to mark this time was to celebrate the Valete Mass. we gathered to pause and to give thanks to God for the many gifts and opportunities that have been enjoyed by each of our Year 12 students over their years of schooling.

Our celebrant for the Mass was Father Dean Mathieson, an Old Collegian of SBC, having completed his Year 12 studies in 1995. Following that Father Dean was a high school teacher for a short time in the United Kingdom, then in 2004 he became a Capuchin Franciscan and was ordained in 2013. He has taught at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, started a ministry for asylum seekers in Brisbane and is currently based in South Melbourne, involved with outreach to the poor and youth ministry. 

During his homily Father Dean reminded the Class of 2015 that no matter what their future holds for them, God will be their constant companion.

“For surely I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.

When you search for me you will find me.

If you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal, Identity, Community and Action