KIMBERLEY MISSION 2022
Twelve months of preparation and fundraising finally culminated in Mission 2022. Students and staff had an exhausting yet rewarding time away. Days often began at 6:30am and ended at 11:00pm; however, all students showed persistence and determination as they rose every morning to serve the most vulnerable in the Broome community.
Activities included: feeding breakfast to the homeless; cooking and preparing lessons for St Mary's College's primary school students; making outdoor furniture out of packing crates for St Martin de Porres School; and cooking and supplying food for children on the weekend. In every activity, our students illustrated Compassion, Courage and Respect in their interactions with others, truly living the Core Values of the College.
As well as living the College's Core Values, students demonstrated their commitment to the Charism of the RNDM Sisters. They reached out to people on the margins and, through their love and compassion, connected and developed meaningful relationships with the people they met. This was evident by the last day when everybody who saw the students in their red shirts waved and smiled, showing their appreciation for the service these students provided.
Students also spent two amazing days in Lombadina, sharing in the indigenous culture of the Bardi people. A 4WD trip took students through some amazing scenery and finally to a little bay where fossil footprints of Bardi ancestors from thousands of years ago were imprinted in the surrounding rocks - a stunning reminder of those who walked before us.
Finally, students did have some “down time” building positive relationships with students from Christ the King School, St Mary’s College and Broome Residential College. The connections made with other students will continue and will stand as a reminder that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and that we are ready to stand in solidarity with one another.
Our second last day was marked by a magnificent tour of the turquoise waters of Willie Creek.
Overall, students experienced the call of God to mission: to serve others and share Christ with others in very tangible ways.
As this is my final Mission as Mission Coordinator, I would like to thank Mr Chris Kan who has supported me during what was a most difficult time to arrange a Mission - during COVID-19! Many closures, lockdowns and bureaucracy made this very challenging, but the positive side is that we were able to re-establish a connection with the work of the RNDM Sisters in the region and continue their work today, so we can help the most vulnerable on our doorstep.
Ms Susan Rodriguez
Christian Service and Kimberley Mission Coordinator