Simplicity

“Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4: 11-13

This term, we will focus on the Franciscan value of Simplicity. Simplicity is the absence of luxury or showiness and affectation or pretence. It is the virtue that embraces less and seeks authentic relationships. Simplicity also encompasses the essential need we have to work proactively to nurture and protect our world and all its inhabitants and resources. In the words of Oscar Romero, it is the aspiration not to have more but to be more.

The simplicity of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi emerged from their profound contemplative stance. They knew they were part of God’s plan, connected to creation and other beings. Being in communion with God, all people, and all of creation provided for Francis and Clare an abundance that was enough. Because of this, they were able to let go of their own status, privilege, and wealth.

Simplicity is also foundational to social justice. It allows us to let go of what is not essential and to recognise that there is enough to go around. Living simply helps level the playing field and offers abundance to meet everyone’s need, but not everyone’s greed.

At Mount Alvernia, we are called to embrace simplicity by placing God at the centre of everything that we do, and entering into loving relationships with all people on earth and all of creation. We can do this by living prayerfully, living simply and living justly.

Live prayerfully: Create time each day to be still. Go outside and experience God’s creation. Allow the presence of God to rest in your own being. Be mindful that God is present with you always. Seek to live as God has called you to live and allow God to transform you.

Live simply: This does not only mean buying and owning less, but also avoiding those things that cause you harm, including your anxieties, your prejudices, and your judgement. Buy things for their necessity, not because you want them. Buy things for their usefulness, not for status. Know that you are loved as you are. You are enough.

Live justly: Privilege the common good above your own self-interest by caring about all people and all of creation. Reject a lifestyle that oppresses others and harms creation. Buy goods that have been produced ethically. Develop a habit of sharing belongings and giving from your heart not your surplus. Volunteer your time to serve those in need.

Let us commit, this term, to seek ways to live more prayerfully, more simply, and more justly.

Creator God,

the heavens declare your glory

and the earth your generosity. 

In love, you created us and in your likeness

you made us to be partners in creation. 

In selfishness, we have turned away and marred

your image in us and fashioned a fragmented world.

Renew in us your vision of wholeness.

Renew our reverence for the earth 

so that all creation can flourish.

Renew our passion for justice

so that the poor are enriched. 

Renew our sense of calling, 

so that we may follow Christ in serving others

and live simply so that others may simply live.

Amen.

Catholic Education Week

Sunday 26 July to Saturday 1 August is Catholic Education Week. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the opening of the first Catholic school in Queensland. The school was run by a lay couple and housed in an old government warehouse in Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, where the Myer Centre is now located. In Queensland today, there are more than 310 Catholic schools, 20 000 staff, and 149 000 students across five Dioceses. While there will be no official event to mark the occasion (due to COVID-19 restrictions), this anniversary will be acknowledged by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) and school communities in various ways throughout the year. For our college community, 2020 is of particular significance as it marks 90 years of ministry in Kedron for the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Recognising the isolation that many have experienced given the COVID-19 restrictions, QCEC has produced a family prayer resource to mark Catholic Education Week. Prayer is a way for families, communities, and individuals to come together and support each other.

School Sleepout

Students in Years 10 to 12 are invited to participate in the Mount Alvernia College School Sleepout that will take place from 5.00pm Thursday 6 August until 8.00am Friday 7 August in the San Damiano Centre. The purpose of this event is to deepen students’ understanding of homelessness and its causes, and to provide students with an experience of sleeping rough. Guest speakers include representatives from the Kedron St Vincent de Paul Conference and Rosies. The Sleepout coincides with National Homelessness Week. The theme for this year - Everybody needs a home - reflects the importance of having a home to stay healthy and well during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating impact the bushfires have had for people who have lost their homes. Students will need: warm clothing to sleep in and wear at school on Friday; a sleeping bag and pillow; sleeping mattress or mat (optional); and a large cardboard box (eg packaging for furniture and large household appliances such as a fridge or washing machine). The cost of the Sleepout is $10 per student. This will include dinner and breakfast and a donation to the charities presenting on the night. Students will be supervised by college staff. If students in Years 10 to 12 wish to participate in the Sleepout, they can register via the link that will be emailed to them tomorrow - Friday 17 July.

Variety Hair with Heart

The Mount Alvernia Big Chop, in support of Variety’s Hair with Heart, will take place during assembly on Thursday 13 August. Four students have signed up to donate a length of their hair that will be used to make specialised wigs for those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. Our fundraising goal this year is $1000. If you or your extended family and friends would like to support the students donating their hair for this worthy cause, please follow the link to our Hair with Heart fundraising page: Hair with Heart Fundraising. Every little bit helps.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

On Friday 19 June, students were invited to dress down in support of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Thank you to everyone for your generous donations in coin and in kind. We raised $959.15 for the St Vinnies Winter Appeal and received so many donations of Winter clothing that will go directly to people in need. A special shout out to the small group of Year 11 students who assisted to fold and pack the clothing and blankets.

Domestic Violence Care Packs

Thank you to students and families who have supported our collection of toiletries for women displaced by domestic violence. This collection will continue until the end of July, but we do require hairbrushes, underwear (a range of sizes), towels and washers, and hand cleanser/sanitiser. Currently, every three weeks, ten women are assisted by Stafford Police. Increasingly, support is also being provided to teenagers affected by domestic and cyber violence.

Kedron Parish Youth Group

Little Flower Church Kedron is restarting its Parish Youth Group for students in Years 5 to 8. The first meetings will take place from 3.30-5.00pm on Sunday 2 August and Sunday 13 September. Please refer to the information flyer for details. You will need to register your child through the Parish Office to help them manage their COVID attendance limits.

Richard Rogusz

From the Futures Hub

UQ Presentation

Reminder