Mission
On September 3 the Church recognised the feast day of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, our College patron. We were able to celebrate on Wednesday with a Mass in the Brother Luke Hall, attended in person by Year 11 and the current Student Leaders, and live-streamed to every classroom for Kindergarten to Year 12 to participate. Pope Saint Gregory the Great had a deep love of learning and we saw it fitting to celebrate his day by learning about him and reflecting on the purpose of his life in our context. Gregory’s story is below.
After reading this material, the students in Years 7 – 10 were asked to answer three questions:
- What are three qualities of Pope Saint Gregory that you admire?
- What aspects of Saint Gregory’s College life would Pope Gregory be proud of?
- In 25 words or less, why is Pope Saint Gregory important to our College?
The responses we received were reflective and thoughtful and I’d like to share just five of them today.
Phinnean Bracken, Year 7
Three qualities that I admire are, his love for learning, his care for the poor and how he wanted to teach the world about the Gospel.
Carter Gale-Kenny, Year 8
I admire the fact that he gave up his wealthy life to help others. He had a love of learning. He was very generous to the people of Rome after the floods of 589. He would be proud of our love of learning, the devotion to Mary and Jesus Christ and the generosity of our College through Marist Solidarity. St Gregory is important because he is our patron saint, and a great person to have as a role model.
Pat Salecich, Year 8
There are 3 different qualities that I admire about St Gregory. One is passion. He fought for God with his heart and mind. Another is kindness. He showed kindness in his everyday life. Another is hope. He hoped for a good world forever and ever and wanted happiness in our world.
He would be most proud to see that our College is leading by his values; he would see that we embody a strong mind, a gentle heart and we can find happiness in the simple things.
Dominic Lustri, Year 9
St Gregory lived a simple life to find happiness. He was mentally wise and strong. He had a gentle heart which was open to all. He would be most proud to see that our College is leading by his values, he would see that we embody a strong mind and a gentle heart and that we can find happiness in the simple things. He is important to our College because the way he lived contains the values of how we should act on a daily basis.
Owen White, Year 10
I admire his willingness to give up money and wealth, to help those less fortunate, and to always strive to learn. He would be proud of our sense of community, our willingness to learn, and our commitment to help others. Saint Gregory is important for he is a great role model for a school, always wanting to help others in the name of God and forever wanting to learn about more things.
During this Mass, the Student Leaders for 2021 were announced. Congratulations to these fine young men. I look forward to working with you as you work to proudly represent Year 12 2021 and the entire student body.
- Riley Anderson
- Jonathan Bombardiere
- Zachary Braithwaite
- Jordan-Leigh Estephan
- Declan Foran
- Leo Malaesilia
- Lachlan McGufficke
- Lachlan McInerney
- Liam Mozayani
- Joshua Newell
- Declan Price
- Charlie Redman
- Luke Schofield
- Christopher Seton
- Bayley Suters
- Liam Sutton
Our Boarding Leader is Lachlan McGufficke
Our Marist Solidarity Leader is Bayley Suters
Our College Vice-Captain for 2021 is Charlie Redman
Our College Captain for 2021 is Lachlan McInerney
Also at this Mass we were pleased to announce the recipient of the Community Champagnat Award for 2020. Congratulations to Mr Tom Greally:
A person of strong mind and gentle heart. That is the foundation criteria for the Community Champagnat Award and an apt description of the recipient for 2020. Congratulations to Mr Tom Greally.
Allow me to say a few words about Tom.
As a man of strong mind, Tom is knowledgeable about many things and can apply that knowledge to a range of situations. His knowledge extends from academic learning to knowing the people around him, their interests, their stories and their challenges. A strong-minded person makes decisions based on what they know to be true and Tom holds firm to his truth.
As a man of gentle heart, Tom responds to the world with love and compassion. He is generous with his time, never walking past an office or a desk without stopping. He demonstrates genuine care in his response to these conversations. Tom is prepared to make the trek to Campbelltown even on days when he is not working if he thinks he can help out, be of service, or participate in a professional learning opportunity. He is generous in spirit, kind and gentle, honest and encouraging. Tom is an excellent listener and able to respond wisely to whatever he hears.
Tom is a man of faith with no pretence. Tom, you live the Gospel and in the family that Marcellin dreamed of, you are a worthy and valued member.
Cathie Clarke
Director of Mission