From the Rector
Greetings! Hope this Newsletter finds you all well and surviving the colder days? From June 13th till July 21st, Fr Kevin, Deacon Joshua and I have been asked by Fr Christian Fini OMI, Oblate Provincial, to do our best, amongst our normal responsibilities and commitments, to assist with the pastoral care for St John Vianney Parish, Springvale North, whilst Fr David Francis OMI is on home leave. Due to the pandemic Fr David Francis has not been able to see his parents for the past 3 years.
This is the final Newsletter for the Term and I am guessing that you are all looking forward to the holidays which start tomorrow. Hopefully, the weather will be kinder as you enjoy the break from the College routine. Mazenod College will resume classes on Tuesday July 12th.
Gospel Reflection
God speaks to us in different ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. All the major feasts for the Easter period have been celebrated and now we enter what the Church calls, ‘Ordinary Time’. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts regarding the church’s liturgical year. We tend to think of certain seasons of the Church year as special: Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. These seasons are indeed special. However, Ordinary Time is not referring to a season in which nothing special is happening. In fact, the Scripture readings teach us that there is nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time. The Gospel of St Luke, which we will be reflecting on during this time, is sometimes called the Gospel of Mercy. This week’s Gospel marks a turning point in St Luke’s story of Jesus, when he is rejected by the very first village he approaches, the disciples want to punish them, but Jesus refuses violence and coercion as a means of conversion. He wants willing disciples! The following three brief exchanges outline what is needed for discipleship: it will not necessarily be comfortable; there is a sense of urgency; and it requires single-mindedness and sometimes difficult choices. Comfort or family relationships cannot take priority over the kingdom of God, and once one becomes a follower of Christ, there can be no turning back. This gospel is not only about Jesus; it is about all those who seek to follow the road God has laid out for them.
Mazenod Chess Club
On Friday June 10th, a student free day, saw the Junior Mazenod Chess Club gather in the Peter Le Grand Room to improve their chess skills as they competed against each other. Although competition was fierce, all players contributed to an atmosphere that generated a good spirit amongst all.
De Mazenod Family Gathering
On Saturday June 18th, at St John Vianney parish hall, Springvale North, forty people attended the annual De Mazenod Family Gathering. This day was a wonderful opportunity for people associated with our various Oblate ministries in parishes, schools and colleges, in Victoria, to meet and come to a deeper understanding of the De Mazenod Family and the charism of St Eugene. All enjoyed a reflective day with various prayer and discussion sessions, lunch and social interaction, which helped to break open this year’s theme for the 37th Oblate General Chapter, which will begin on September 14th, with the theme: Pilgrims of Hope In Communion.
Mazenod College was well represented at the gathering by members of the staff (pictured) for which I am incredibly grateful. The day concluded with participants gathering for the Saturday evening vigil Eucharist at St John Vianney parish. The celebrant and homilist for the Eucharist was Fr Christian Fini OMI, Oblate Provincial. Concelebrants were Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Fr Eric Alleaume OMI, Fr Patrick OMI, Fr Vincent OMI, Deacon Joshua Nash OMI.
2022 Refugee Week
In Australia, Refugee Week will run from Sunday June 19th to Saturday June 25th. This year’s theme: Healing. Australia and the rest of the world have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the reset button on how we behave towards one another. The importance of human connections has been highlighted by the pandemic. Mainstream and refugee communities can draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, to learn from each other and to move forward. Healing can occur through community and through the realisation of our need to be interconnected which each other. To further our understanding of the plight of refugees you are invited to go to the Refugee Week website for resources. Let us make 2022 a time to heal together and emerge a more fulfilled and connected society as Jesus reminds us: “Love your neighbour as yourself”.
Let us Pray
God creator of all,
For people who are displaced, may they find a safe refuge.
For people who have lost control of their lives, may they know a sure foundation.
For people who live in fear, may they be given a strong fortress.
Loving father in times of crisis, sorrow and uncertainty we ask that you draw near to your people.
Lord, make us bearers of hope, so that where there is darkness, your light may shine.
Lord, make us instruments of your justice, so that where there is exclusion, fraternity may flourish, and where there is greed, a spirit of sharing may grow.
Lord, make us builders of your Kingdom, together with migrants and refugees and with all who dwell on the peripheries.
Lord, let us learn how beautiful it is to live together as brothers and sisters.
St Eugene de Mazenod
Pray for us
First Holy Communion
Friday June 17th was a memorable day for Kaden & Tai Savannah who received the Eucharist for the first time during the morning celebration of the Eucharist in the College Chapel. Congratulations to both students on making this decision to continue their formation in the Catholic faith.
Mazenod Old Collegians
The Mazenod Old Collegians network is alive and well amongst past and present students and staff. A chance meeting with an old boy in Steve Thompson, at an Old Collegians footy game, led to an invitation to the Woodsman Club for the Queens’ Birthday clash against Melbourne. What a win!
Mr Paul Harrup, Assistant Year 9 Coordinator, was generous in support of MND, by gifting me with a beanie for the day. It certainly kept my head warm on the day!
In my youth, Peter McKenna, Collingwood full forward (1965-1975 – 180 games & 838 goals) was a hero. I was thrilled to meet him at the Woodsman Club function.
A winter joke!
Have an enjoyable and restful break!
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI
Rector