PRINCIPAL'S PEN

Dear members of the Saints community,

Bishop James Foley celebrated his final Mass on Sunday evening August 21, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Cairns. He has now retired after 30 years’ service since his episcopal ordination in 1992, and next year will mark 50 years as an ordained priest.

Our boarders were among the more than 600 people, many standing, who attended his final Mass and witnessed him ceremonially lay his crozier on the altar of St Monica's Cathedral, signifying the end of his formal role as our shepherd. 

Bishop James's commitment to the young people of the diocese and their education and spiritual formation has always been evident. He invited them to be confirmed at the cathedral, he was the driving force behind the magnificent stained-glass windows and from the beginning has asked us to call him James. After the Mass, Bishop James was congratulated and thanked for all he had done.

St Augustine’s extends sincere thanks to Bishop James for his guidance and stewardship over three decades. The Vicar for Education and Parish Priest of Innisfail, Fr Kerry Crowley, has been named Administrator of the Diocese until a new bishop is selected.

For a wonderful testament to our boarders who attended the Bishop's final Mass, please read the letter below from an old boy from the class of 1953:

Dear Mr Glen Seivers,

John Lizzio writing. One of the last 5 seniors of 53. I am writing because I was at Bishop James’ last Mass.

I was the old guy with the two walking sticks sitting in the seat against the wall behind the seats on the right-hand side of the door.

I was most impressed at the courtesy, graciousness and willingness with which the men from SAC vacated their seats for others as soon as they were asked.

No complaints. No chattering. Standing quietly alongside so many others. I was and am proud to be an old boy of SAC.

Thank you for the clear continuation of the gifts of St Marcellin Champagnat. Please convey my heartiest gratitude to the Brothers, teachers and men.

Prayerfully John Lizzio

And during the week, I received a thank-you message from Bishop James:

Dear Glen,

Thanks so much. It has been so good to be part of St Augustine's Cairns life for so long - like my original six years 1960-66 at Marist Ashgrove.

I will remember you as I place down a nightly drink on the heavy glass college coaster.

James

We wish Bishop James all the best in his retirement. 

Father's Day

This Sunday is Father's Day, and putting aside the commercialism of this day, it's the perfect time to celebrate and give thanks for the lives of our fathers and father figures.

During our Father's Day Assembly yesterday I encouraged the boys on Sunday to tell or show their fathers that they love them, that they appreciate their commitment, sacrifices and presence in their lives. I said that fathers help us cope with the complexities that life throws at us. They are our rocks and give young men confidence and resilience. I praised Ash Moore and Dylan Wright's ability to speak openly and honestly to an audience about their dads and thanked Mr Jason Moore for a passionate and insightful response as a father. I closed by thanking all the fathers who joined us. 

Click on the below image to watch the Father's Day Assembly.

Attendance

St Augustine’s has always had high expectations of our students, and one such expectation is that they all attend school. Unfortunately, it has become clear that some members of our community are giving their sons permission to be absent on community days or before exams and/or assignment due dates. 

The Men of Saints are expected to fully participate in events integral to the life of the College, including liturgical celebrations, retreats and camps, Champagnat Day, our sporting carnivals, the walkathon and excursions. 

We understand that emergencies occur, and we understand when these situations affect attendance; however, we ask for your support by insisting your son comes to school and takes part in community events instead of allowing him to stay home. 

Thank you to most parents who support Saints and their sons by making community-minded decisions.