Mission & Identity
- MISSION & IDENTITY
- - Year 11 Reflection DayChapel Mass
- YOUTH MINISTRYNext Mercy College & St Pius X College Youth Mass at OLD Church - Sunday 25 August
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Year 11 Reflection Day
Last Friday provided the perfect opportunity for Year 11 students to reconvene at Oxford Falls for their second Reflection Day as they quickly approach the end of their Preliminary studies. Earlier in the year our Reflection Day had a focus on “Leadership” as the young men realised that they would become the senior students and leaders of the College. In preparation for the hardships that they will face and requiring the ability to overcome obstacles that will no doubt arise in their studies and post secondary schooling, this day focused upon “Resilience”. The young men soon learnt that the challenges that we face can either be something that defines us or something that we can grow from.
Many chose to be part of the day, as the prayer to commence the day and Gospel Reflection were ably completed by members of the year group. The presentations had a focus of being able to overcome that which life throws at us, very much linked to being able to lead oneself. The ability to use our talents and grow, rather than shy away from challenges was a clear focus of the opening. Mr Adrian Brannan was able to link the many Old Boys of St. Pius X and the work that they do to our theme of using our talents and displaying resilience to overcome obstacles.
Our guest presenter, Natalie Watson, is an ambassador for “Soldier On”. This organisation attempts to assist members of the military to transition to a civilian life. Natalie was able to speak of the many problems that ex-military personnel face, some difficulties are physical, psychological and others include the feeling of just not fitting in. The shocking fact that “Soldier On” is faced with is that more military personnel in Australia have taken their own lives than have died in combat in the last ten years.
Natalie herself, an ex-Airforce air to air refuelling technician, faced many of these same difficulties. She was able to present ideas such as “chunking” small goals for oneself to overcome seemingly insurmountable situations. This has helped her move to a civilian life and even advance to representing Australia in ultra-marathons and duathlons. Her input and experiences she faced in theatres of conflict ranging from: Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, provided a story that resonated with our young men. The idea of seeking assistance when needed clearly rang through and that even the toughest warriors have to ask for help, but that nothing is impossible through a combined effort.
Representatives of the Year group - Gregor Dingley, Matthew Hogan, Willem Falzon and Daniel Halverson - did a superb job in tying together all of the ideas of the day neatly into a coherent presentation.
A vote of thanks must be extended to the staff who assisted on the day, especially Ms Janes, Mrs Guerrera, Mr A. Brannan, Mr Batchelor and Mr Varjavandi.
Mr Nathan Mulheron - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Chapel Mass
Each fortnight St Pius has continued to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a eucharistic celebration at our Chapel Mass, generously supported by the clergy of Our Lady of Dolours. On Tuesday 6 August, the Feast of the Transfiguration was celebrated, led by the Year 8 Religion class of Mr Ticli. Our celebration was complemented by students on strings from the performing arts department. The Mass also provided an opportunity to welcome into the community Mr Sam French, a seminarian who will be working alongside the clergy of the parish for the next six months. We took the time to welcome Sam and look forward to being part of his formation for the priesthood.
Our next Chapel Mass will be on Tuesday 20 August. All are welcome.
Mr Nathan Mulheron - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Mercy College & St Pius X College Youth Mass
Next Mass: Sunday 25 August
Students from SPX and Mercy Colleges fulfill all the roles in the Youth Masses - from Warden, Reader, Offertory, Communion Ministers and Altar Serving - and students also provide hospitality for the parishioners through a sausage sandwich BBQ. The monthly student Masses have become very special occasions for our community and we encourage any students and families to join us. Fr Jim is glowing in his praises of the contribution of our students to these Masses.
The next Student Mass is on Sunday 25 August at 5.30pm, followed by a BBQ and Social Activities from 6:30 – 8:00pm. If you would like to be involved see Mr Adrian Brannan - the parish would love to welcome you and help you participate in and celebrate your faith with your mates.
Photo: Youth Mass 28 July 2019
Mr Adrian Brannan - Youth Ministry Coordinator
Phone: 0414 826 326 or email: abrannan@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au