From the Rector
Greetings!
I hope this newsletter finds you well and coping with this ongoing lockdown experience and now the added burden of a curfew. I must confess, you wouldn’t find me wandering the streets of Mulgrave during these times even without a curfew. I used this “Are You OK” graphic because I want to empower all members of our College Community to connect with family or friends, by calling, emailing, texting just to say ‘Hello’, as a sign of support. These are simple gestures, but they will make a difference.
I was thinking of not writing a newsletter this week as there is not much news due to the lockdown which is smothering our normal College activities and interactions. However, I decided I wanted to keep in touch with you even if it is only a short message just to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you during this time.
I am writing during a bit of down time during our annual Oblate retreat. A retreat is a privileged opportunity to take time out of the business of life to reflect on one’s spiritual life, the inner self that makes us who we are. One of Bishop Long’s thoughts that has challenged me is:
“It is not what we do but why we are doing it”.
In the ideal world, an Oblate retreat would be enjoyed away from the distractions of our normal environment with the added bonus of being able to catch up with our brother Oblates who we might not see from one retreat to the next. Due to COVID our retreat this year, like last year, and as you are also presently experiencing, is restricted to our home, the Oblate residence at Mazenod College. In one sense there is probably no better time for a retreat as it keeps us focused during these days.
Our Oblate Constitutions and Rules state:” To put ourselves increasingly at the service of God in his people, we will set aside one week each year for prayer, reflection and renewal”.
This week we commenced our parent/teacher interviews via zoom. Again, we have exceeded all expectations with a record number of interviews taking place. Even though there has been limited face to face learning for your son I am sure you welcomed the opportunity to have an interaction with his teachers. I acknowledge the great work our teachers and staff are doing under difficult circumstances and I thank you for your patience and understanding.
Julian of Norwich, English writer of the Middle Ages, wrote the first book in English by a known woman author. Julian wrote the following famous lines during her experience of the black plague that is estimated to have taken the lives of 75 million people throughout Europe. As people of faith these lines should give us hope.
” All shall be well, All shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well”.
Quiet optimism, faith and perseverance are the tonic which will bring reassurance and confidence that God’s love will see us through no matter what life dishes up.
Daily Mass links for the week starting Monday 23rd August, 2021:-
Monday 23 August 2021
Tuesday 24 August 2021
Wednesday 25 August 2021
Thursday 26 August 2021
Friday 27 August 2021
Some extra smiles this week!
During a recent password audit, it was found that one employee had used the following password:
MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofyMelbourne.
When asked why they had such a long password, they replied that they were told it had to have at least 8 characters and include at least one capital.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep connected with God and one another!
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,
Fr Harry Dyer OMI
Rector