Mission
Vinnies Winter Appeal 2020
Overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the economic, health and social landscape of this great country. For many, it will be the first time they will feel vulnerable, and we cannot forget the millions of Australians who were already living in poverty before this pandemic broke out. Now, more than ever, is the time for us to stand in solidarity with those made poor, by circumstance.
Operation ‘Winter Warmth’ has been happening at Mater Dei, over the last couple of weeks. Our students, staff and families have been making daily contributions to the appeal, as Captains bring around donation bags in Homegroups each morning.
We would like to take this opportunity to say an enormous thank you for the way in which you have opened your hearts and your wardrobes to this initiative. You still have time to donate during the last days of this term. Donations are also gratefully received at the Peter Street - Vinnies Store (which has re-opened). Your response has been phenomenal, we’re sure the Vinnies recipients will be equally warmed.
Vinnies Bushfire Appeal Updates
Mr Peter Burgess, Central Council President of St Vincent de Paul - Wagga Wagga Diocese, has kindly provided an update for our community on the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal, which was the focus of our donations and Easter Raffle fundraising, during Term 1. Vinnies wish to extend their thanks for the on-going support they receive from our students, staff and families of the Mater Dei Community.
The Bushfire Appeal was first opened in response to catastrophic bushfires in northern NSW in late September 2019, and later expanded to support the many communities affected by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 across Queensland, NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia.
Thanks to generous donations from community groups, members of the public, businesses and philanthropists, $22.9 million was raised across Australia to support people who suffered devastating damage to their homes and livelihoods from the fires. Vinnies was also given $6.5 million as emergency relief funds by the Federal Government to distribute on the basis of $1,000 per person affected.
So far, Vinnies has disbursed more than $13.5 million in Vinnies Bushfire Appeal funds, supporting more than 4,300 households across Queensland, NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia. In particular, the hard-hit South Coast region of NSW, has benefited from approximately $6.6 million, distributed to date.
Vinnies have moved out of the Emergency Relief stage of bushfire relief and are starting to move into supporting communities like the South Coast and the Snowy Valleys to rebuild, with grants of up to $20,000.
So far, Vinnies has disbursed more than $13.5 million in Vinnies Bushfire Appeal funds, supporting more than 4,300 households across Queensland, NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia.
In particular, the hard-hit South Coast region of NSW, has benefited from approximately $6.6 million, distributed to date. Vinnies have moved out of the Emergency Relief stage of bushfire relief and are starting to move into supporting communities like the South Coast and the Snowy Valleys to rebuild, with grants of up to $20,000.
Year 11 Reflection Day
On Monday our Year 11’s experienced their Reflection Day with Mr Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries on site, in the Marian Centre. Using his special talents involving music and song, he led our students through an uplifting and energetic day, designed to challenge students thinking about themselves as servant leaders and their relationships; both with each other, and with God.
The students remarked on how enlightening their day together was and how much they are looking forward to continuing their work with Chris next year, at their Year 12 Retreat.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday - 5 July 2020
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is all about celebrating the contributions and gifts of spirituality and culture Australia's First People have made to the Catholic Church.
It is an opportunity to co-create a just and loving society, whether we are able to come together physically in Churches, or via a digital platform, we feel enriched by the fact that, as Australians, will be ‘Together in the Spirit’ on 5 July 2020.
The Gospel of the day calls for those of us that are weary, to share our burdens with God. Communities around Australia, both First Nations and non-Indigenous, have endured bushfires, droughts and now a pandemic, it is only natural that our spirit also becomes weary.
For the first time, a National broadcast of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Mass will take place on 5 July from St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide. The Mass will begin at 11.30am EST.
Jubilee Prayer and Statement of Commitment
Father our Creator
You created all things, seen and unseen,
Listen to my silent prayer as I stand here before you.
As my weary eyes look back over distant horizons,
Back to those days where my people walked.
The footprints of my grandfathers are imprinted on the earth
and their images become real to me.
I see my Grandfathers standing tall and strong, warriors of long ago.
I hear them singing, I see them dancing, and my spirit moves within me
They told me of the emus fighting; picking the scent of our hunters.
The images fade away as I feel the hurt of my people.
I can hear the cries of my Grandmothers as they cry for their children.
Grandfather, You can see me as I stand here and feel this hurt.
Father Creator, is this the purpose of my being here?
Or is it your plan to reshape my people to be once again the proud race it once
was?
Let me walk with you and my Grandfathers towards the dawning of a proud and new nation.
I thank you for my Sacred Being.
Amen
Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission