Mission & Catholic Identity News
Past, Present, Future…
We can go about our core business and do the things that we need to do to make St. Peter’s College, an exceptional school. But, how often do we sit back, pause for a moment and reflect on what is a Catholic school? And to what is our very important part to play as staff in shaping the story of St. Peter’s College, now and into the future?
On Monday, 7 October 2019 all staff gathered for our annual Staff Spirituality day. As it being our 25th anniversary, the theme of the day was around Past, Present and Future. With a look into the past to how St. Peter’s College came about and what was the call of the Spirit to bring Catholic education to the region. A look at the present and to what challenges we are facing as a Catholic place of learning and to the important role we play in the education sector. And a look into the future, to the wonderful opportunities and possibilities that exist for St. Peter’s College.
- We thank Mr Jed Wright (CEO Sale) for taking us on a journey through the beginnings of Catholic education to the 1990's in the Diocese of Sale.
- We thank Sr Rose Duffy (CEO Sale), Mr Mark Murphy (Principal of Marcellin College, ex-staff member), Mr Chris Black (Principal of St. Peter’s College), Ms Fiona McKenna (staff member), Mrs Gena Van Der Welden (parent) and Miss Emily Lace (College Captain 2017) for being on a panel that unpacked the theme: Past, Present, Future.
- To Greg Nelson and his prayer helpers for a very appropriate opening reflection.
- To the amazing music staff; Laura Appleby, Nigel Patawaran and Andrew Church for leading all staff in a rousing rendition of our College song: Be Not Afraid to appropriately close the day.
- To all staff who supported the day with catering, technology, administration or logistics.
St Francis of Assisi…a rebellious teenager
Our Assisi House, takes its name from Francis of Assisi who died on 3 October 1226, at the age of 44, in Assisi, Italy. We therefore celebrate our Assisi House Masses this Thursday, 10 October 2019, as the closest date due to our recent break.
Did you know that Francis was a bit of a wild child! He has a similar story to that of St Peter in that he had his flaws. Which I like. They say by the age of 14, he had left school and become known as a rebellious teenager, who frequently partied and broke the city curfew. He was also known for his charm.
After some different periods in his life, where his focus changed direction and led to him spending increasing amounts of time at remote mountain hideaways and in old churches around Assisi, praying, looking for answers.
Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint for ecologists, a title honouring his love for animals and nature. In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose to honour Saint Francis by taking his name, becoming Pope Francis.
On 25 October 2019, we have the official Opening and Blessing of our Francis Building (Year 9 building) at the Clyde North campus.
My favourite St Francis of Assisi quotes:
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
"For it is in giving that we receive."
"It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
- St Francis of Assisi
Upcoming Events:
- 9 October 2019, mini Vinnies conference at St Francis Xavier College.
- 22 October 2019 (Clyde North) and 23 October 2019 (Cranbourne), St. Peter’s College Year 12 students will celebrate their Graduation Mass at St Agatha’s Church – 5:45pm.
- 29 October 2019 (3:34pm-5:15pm), Cranbourne Campus – ‘Footsteps of Paul’ session with Bernard Dobson. All welcome. Email here to register.
Family Prayer Meeting
All staff and parents and their families are kindly invited to participate in the monthly Family Prayer Meeting scheduled for this Friday, 11 October 2019 at 7.30pm upstairs in Lyons Building, where the Parish Mass is held. Any queries please contact Mr Jean-Paul Antoine (03-59907777). Looking forward to welcoming you all.
Matthew Williams
Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity