FAITH MATTERS

Ash Wednesday 

On Wednesday 22nd February, our College entered into the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday liturgies. 

Staff were invited to gather in the Staff Room, to be led in the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes by Fr James Kerr, Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, Northeast Mallee. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how we can turn back to God this Lenten season. 

Houses and homerooms also gathered to commemorate the occasion, reflecting on how we can enact the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 

Special thanks to Fr James for blessing our ashes, and to all staff and students for the reverence during these liturgies. 

Year 12 Retreat 

Last week our Year 12 cohort of 2023 travelled to Halls Gap, for the annual Year 12 Retreat. Retreat, in the Catholic tradition often means to withdraw from the usual distractions of life, and to draw back to God. Students had the opportunity to reflect on their faith, passions and purpose during this time. They participated in games, activities, reflection, prayer and Small Group Discussions over the three days.

A highlight for some students was hiking in the outdoors, and enjoying the grandeur of creation. Amy Simpson said, “My favourite part of Year 12 Retreat was the opportunity to hike to the top of the Grampians. It was relaxing to step away from schoolwork, and enjoy the beauty of nature in Victoria”. 

Other students enjoyed the sessions where they were led through different reflections focusing on topics such as the dignity of the human person, the image of God, change, balance, hope and relationships. Cal Croskery “enjoyed the Affirmation session because we don’t often open up to each other like that. It was nice to share the things we appreciate about one another.”

Special thanks to the Year 12 students who participated in the Retreat Program, and to the staff who assisted on Retreat, including Ms Howison, Ms Haley, Mr Waterson, Mr Crow, Ms Opt’Hoog and Ms Stewart. 

Project Compassion 

During this season of Lent, we begin our school’s annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows organisations such as the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. The theme for 2023, ‘For All Future Generations’ reminds us of the generational impact generosity can have on people around the world, and their future families. 

As ‘almsgiving’ is one of the pillars of Lent, we ask students, families  and staff to donate coins or cash to this appeal (if possible). Together, with the two other pillars of Lent- prayer and fasting, we hope that this cause enhances your Lenten season, and assists students in thinking about the vulnerable in the world. Each Homeroom has received a donation box and a poster to encourage the spirit of generosity. There are also Project Compassion boxes located around the school (e.g. Homerooms, the Front Office, the Pastoral Care Centre, LRC and the Canteen). Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the boxes or donate via caritas.org.au/project-compassion. 

The final day to donate for our school’s Project Compassion appeal will be on Tuesday 28th March 2023. The Faith and Mission Committee will also have events throughout this term to promote awareness on the causes Caritas are working on. Keep an eye out on SIMON for more information!