Mission

April 25 2020, could have been a difficult day for many people. COVID-19 meant that the formality and the rituals which are usually associated with ANZAC Day were taken away and people had to look for alternatives, and they found them. People with both religious and non-religious worldviews, in streets all over the country, took to their driveways and conducted their own services using trumpets, odes and candles. This connection with something beyond our understanding, through music, chant and ritual action has always been important for all people.

Last Friday morning we were blessed with the opportunity to gather with some of our student leaders in a prayer service to acknowledge this most significant event on the nation’s calendar to remember and pray for those men and women who have served to keep us safe and free. Thank you to David De Vecchis, Cody Salter, Chris Malone, James Hilton, Cameron McDonald, Robbie Cabungcal, Chandler Villanueva, Anthony Robinson, Ethan Clancy, Annalise Elasi and Connor McGettigan for your part in the service. Thanks also and congratulations to Ben Quinnell for an excellent performance of the Last Post and Reveille on trumpet.

The disconnect we felt as a nation on ANZAC Day is how we felt as Catholics at Easter. Without the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the Way of the Cross on Good Friday and Mass on Easter Sunday, Easter was very different. As people of faith, however, we found new ways to connect. It may have been in an Emmaus type experience like I had as I walked and found myself praying. It may have been finding literature to read and reflect on. For many, I know the liturgies streamed from the Vatican and parishes were ways of staying connected. The Marist Association website was also a source of material for many of us.

The Marist Association of Marcellin Champagnat is essentially a group of people who come together as Brothers and laity to ensure that the Marist mission is alive in their part of the world. The members are described as: men and women who find that their faith journey and way of knowing and relating to God continues to be shaped, defined and energized by Marist values and the Marist characteristics of presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and in the way of Mary. During this time of isolation, the resources provided by the Association have been most helpful. You may simply take some time to explore their page: http://www.maristassociation.org.au/ and find some reflections which are helpful. You may like to seek more information or even consider membership. The Association is open to all people with Marist hearts and as St Greg’s families, we are considered family members in a Marist place. I am more than happy, as is Julie Sligar, our local Coordinator of the Association, to field questions you may have, or to help in any way through the process if there are people who would like to consider membership.

As part of the Pastoral and Academic Care Programme, Year 10 students participated in an online programme on Wednesday morning, reflecting on the theme of self-respect and what this might mean in a Marist College. They were asked to respond to two questions about their time in lockdown and I am proud to share some of their responses today. I do hope that some of the things they have learned and nurtured during isolation remain with them.

How have you shown greater respect at home during this time?

by being kind and thoughtful
by giving people company when they become lonely
I appreciate what my family does for me
I have shown greater respect during these times by doing jobs around the house that my parents would usually do
respect should be constant all the time, with or without the virus, but I have let my mum do what she needs to do first on the internet before I do
trying to find something else to do when I’m bored that doesn’t impact on others
giving space to the people that need it and when we feel like we need some time out of the house, we exercise and go on walks around the neighbourhood together
by not fighting with my sister, so it doesn’t annoy my parents
I would help my little brother with his work
I clean my room more often to be hygienic
I have realised the love that we should show to one another and now understand that family truly is everything, yes we have the cars, the bikes, the stupid materialistic stuff but I can now see through this
As I live on a farm, life has been going on pretty normally for me and my family, we still go out and do sheep and cattle work but we are giving each other time to relax and quiet time to do school work
I have shown greater respect at home during this time because I have taken on the initiative to do a lot more around the house than I normally would
In the mornings I wouldn’t have time to make my bed, but now in isolation I have plenty of time so my mum is happy
During this time of great stress, difference and panic, I have tried my best to show respect to others and myself. I have tried to encourage and help my friends and family through their struggles by showing respect. Every day, I try to message my friends and family to see how they are coping and offering support if they need it. I have also been respectful to my parents by considering their struggles and helping them the best I can, such as by doing extra chores. I have been patient with my teachers and respect that all this is new to everyone and that they are trying their best.

How have you had respect shown to you?

My family respect my workspace and give me a calm environment to work in throughout the day
My mum makes me a lemon and honey tea every morning to help boost my immune system
My parents have been keeping me on track with my work
My family are always respectful of my emotions and are always there to talk with me about it
By letting me have personal time
I facetime my good friend every maths lesson and we help each other understand the content
Teachers at Saint Gregory’s are constantly posting on Google classroom, asking for ways they can improve in teaching at this time and genuinely asking how we are
My friends have been calling to check up on me and I have done the same, we have been supporting each other through the tough time
Maintaining the social distancing rule
My mum is a big one, she basically sets me on the right path everyday to be the best version of myself
My family have stayed out of my way while I am in classes and have helped me create a good, functioning workspace
My dad helped me make a chicken coop and my mum taught me to use the sewing machine
My friends and family have also been making sure I am okay, by communicating with me when they can
When I am in my online classes people have been quiet and respectful.

We are a

Happy Mother's Day!