Greetings! I know it is a fraction early with Christmas greetings but as this is my last newsletter for 2022, I thought I should extend my greetings to you all. I have enjoyed presenting my rector’s section of the newsletter once again this year. I hope you have enjoyed the content and found some of the reflections encouraging for your spiritual life as well as coming to know the Oblates and our united mission a little clearer. As one year concludes we look forward to a new beginning with our Year 7 cohort joining our community in 2023. No doubt this will bring a new dynamic to the spirit and energy of our college life, and we look forward to that.

Our college community will finish the academic year on Friday 2nd December, with a celebration of the Eucharist in the Provence Centre. I will offer my Mass for all your intentions, especially that you will be kept safe over the Christmas holiday period and into the New Year of 2023.

The answer to the quiz in the last newsletter: Family. Family is an essential aspect of the Christmas and summer holiday break. I hope you take this opportunity to reconnect as family and with your extended family and friends after another hectic year. Family is where we enjoy love, support, care and feeling safe to be ourselves. The basic ingredient for a Happy Christmas and holiday is the gifts of prayer, time and love. Let us be committed to sharing these ongoing gifts with each other.

Reflection

Last Sunday we commenced the Advent Season. It is the beginning of the New Year in our Christian liturgical calendar. The word "advent," from the Latin adventus (Greek Parousia), means "coming" or "arrival." The Season of Advent marks the 25 days, or four Sundays, before Christmas. The readings for the new liturgical year will be from the Sunday Cycle Year A and Weekday Cycle Year 1. The scripture readings and prayers not only prepare us spiritually for Christmas (Jesus’ first coming), but also for his eventual second coming. The symbols for Advent are the circular Advent wreath, representing God's infinite love, and is usually made of evergreen leaves, which "represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ”. The Advent Candles within the wreath represent the four weeks of the Advent season as well as "the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ." One candle lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour purple is the seasonal liturgical colour of the vestments and signifies a time of prayer, penance and preparation. The third candle (3rd Sunday of Advent) is pink and symbolizes the liturgical colour for joy and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

Valedictory Mass & Dinner

Sunday 20th November the graduating cohort of 2022 came together at St Simon the Apostle parish, Rowville, with their parents/ careers to celebrate the Eucharist as a sign of completion and thanksgiving for their years at Mazenod. Following the Eucharist, we gathered at Cathie’s Lane Reception Centre for dinner, formal speeches, and enjoyment of each other’s company. We continue to pray for our young men that all their hopes and dreams will become a reality due to their commitment to their studies and personal development whilst at the college.

Around the College

Some final images from our diverse activities at the college during 2022: Retreats, Mission Action Day, Snorkelling, Music, Surfing, and Horse Riding.

Congrats Fr William “Bill” Ousley OMI

This week, 27th November, marked the 50th anniversary of priesthood for Fr William “Bill” Ousley OMI. In 1957, he was the very first student enrolled in the then-new Iona College, Wynnum, Brisbane, ahead of the college’s first classes in 1958. Fr Bill’s first obedience was to the teaching staff at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, WA. From 1974-1989 he was on the teaching staff here at Mazenod College, Victoria. Fr Bill returned to Iona College in 1990 and 1991 before beginning assisting at various Oblate parishes: St David’s, Tea Tree Gully, SA, St Paul’s, Massey, NZ, St Eugene de Mazenod parish, Burpengary, QLD. In 2021 Fr Bill returned to Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, WA, where he is to the present day. We congratulate Fr Bill on his anniversary which marks a proud moment of faithful service and ministry within his priesthood and Oblate way of life.

Grade 6 – Year 7 Family Evening

The atmosphere in the Provence Centre on Tuesday evening, 29th November, was full of excitement and enthusiasm as our 2023 Year 7 cohort and their families gathered for an official welcome to Mazenod College which included a barbecue. It was great to reconnect with these new families after meeting some of them during their interviews as well as families who already have a son/s at the college.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 cohort finally got away from the college to enjoy their camp at Rawson. The camp was split into two groups, group one: Monday-Wednesday and group two: Wednesday–Friday. I joined the two groups for a changeover time together on Wednesday 30th November, for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Oblate Spanish Martyrs

28th November, we celebrated the great witness of faith by the 22 Oblate martyrs and one lay associate who were brutally killed for their faith during the Spanish Civil War. These men, many of whom were seminarians or newly ordained, stood strong in their faith despite the adversities against them and even the risk of losing their own lives. We pray for all persecuted Christians throughout the world and those who are discriminated against for their faith. We pray through the intercession of the Blessed Oblate Martyrs of Spain that we may all have the courage and strength to witness our faith, even in the face of evil.

Diary Reminder Dates:

National Oblate Youth Encounter

After a very long wait, the National Oblate Youth Encounter is back!! Young people (Year 12 - 30 years old) are invited to come and explore this year's theme: "Created in the Image and Likeness of God..." whilst sharing in the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod.

WHEN: Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th January 2023

WHERE: Mazenod College, Victoria

COST: Free

Registration for NOYE will close on 15th December, but if you could let the organisers know as soon as possible that would help with planning the program. Accommodation will be in the classrooms and air mattresses will be provided. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows. Local participants can stay at home and come in each day.

World Youth Day

World Youth Day will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 1-3 August 2023. The theme of Lisbon’s World Youth Day is “Mary arose and went with haste.” In his message for the event, Pope Francis urged young people to “not postpone all the good that the Holy Spirit can accomplish in you.”

An opportunity exists for interested young people to be involved in the Oblate Youth Australia group going to World Youth Day in 2023 (20th July – 10th August). We will be joining with Bishop Mark Edwards and the Wagga Diocese on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Lisbon, for WYD and finishing our trip in Aix-En-Provence. Mazenod College may not be able to send a group but expressions of interest to join this group are invited.

For more information on both events, please visit the website: www.oblateyouth.com

On behalf of myself and my two great nieces, Alice and Pippa, we wish you all a Holy and Peaceful Christmas season.

Our Mulgrave Oblate Community wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas & 2023! Enjoy your summer holidays!

Fr Harry & Fr Kevin

Fr David & Fr Casmir

Around the College

Mazenod Vs Victoria Police

Junior Music Gala

Year 9 Activities