Last Wednesday, we began our Lenten journey, marked with the cross of Jesus Christ, receiving Ashes on our foreheads in Homegroup Liturgies. Unlike Palm Sunday’s loud and more visible signs of celebration, Ash Wednesday and the forty days that follow draw us into a quieter, more inward time of reflection.

It’s a time to think about Jesus’ life and suffering and the ways he continually showed compassion and forgiveness to those around him, even those who unjustly sentenced him to death. It’s also a time to contemplate our own lives and the ways we need to seek and share compassion and forgiveness with others too.

Through prayer, we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise the promises made for us at our baptism, to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting, almsgiving and prayer join us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty, who often have no choice but to go without basic human needs.

Sharing what we have, is an expression of our Christian commitment to justice and a way of expressing appreciation for all that God has given us. Through our Lenten giving programs Project Compassion and our Vinnies Easter Raffle we are invited to share in the Jesus’ promise of hope, that we may, “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

As we lean into that fullness of life, may we also be challenged to act with love and hope, now and for all future generations.

Project Compassion 2023 - For All Future Generations

This year, Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion theme is ‘For All Future Generations’. It invites us to think about Mary’s yes – her response to the angel who shared God’s message about how she would become the mother of Jesus. She accepted this invitation to play a special part in the history of the human family.

In Homegroups over the next few weeks, students will hear inspiring stories from Nepal, Australia, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, highlighting the importance of working hand in hand with communities around the world through the Project Compassion Appeal.

This Lent, we are encouraged to make simple lifestyle changes to allow us to donate small change, and thus enable greater acts of social and environmental justice. Our challenge is to respond as Mary did, with a yes, expressed with love and hope, now, and for all future generations.

Homegroup donations will form a House based tally across Weeks 6 to 11, with weekly donations due at the end of each week. We have also placed collection boxes in the Front Office, at the Cafe and in the Canteen for small change. Thank you for making a commitment to be the change we wish to see in our world.

Year 12 Retreat

During Week 4 our Year 12 Students journeyed to Warrambui to participate in their Retreat experience. This natural bushland setting provided a wonderful venue to disconnect from students’ ordinary routines and come together as a year group. The Retreat is facilitated by the legendary Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries, along with a talented team of College Staff Leaders. The focus for our students is on deepening their relationship with their year group, their families and God in a unique and personal way. The highlight of our time together was the Celebration Liturgy and Campfire on Thursday evening, where students demonstrated their creative gifts and talents, igniting strong friendship bonds and connections.

Year 7 Reflection Day

Last Thursday, our Year 7 students enjoyed their Reflection Day experience with ‘Just Motivation’, led by Guest Presenter Az Hamilton. Az has an incredible ability to connect with young people through stories and personal experiences spent both overseas and within Australian communities. His message inspired our students to live a life worth getting excited about through his program entitled ‘Connections’. Year 7 journeyed through the program; discovering more about themselves, their relationships with members of their year group, and their relationship with God.

Mount Erin Boarding School Mass

On Wednesday evening Mount Erin Boarding School celebrated its Term 1 Mass in the Mount Erin Chapel. Fr Sean celebrated the Mass, and it was attended by the boarders and their supervisors, along with Sr Colleen and Sr Audrey. Members of our College Leadership Team represented Mater Dei and Mr Ellis presented the Boarding Representative Council with their badges, signifying their special year group roles, this year.

Vinnies Easter Raffle supporting the Vinnies Family Fun Day

Each year, Mater Dei selects a local Vinnies initiative to support through our Easter Raffle. This year, the Vinnies Family Fun Day will be the recipient of our fundraising efforts. The Family Fun Day out will be held during the April School Holidays - 22 April 2023 and will showcase the huge impact Vinnies has in our local community.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to invite vulnerable families from different backgrounds, language groups and cultural backgrounds to come together with their children and share in a fun experience. These children, who may not attend parties or go on family holidays will be able to experience a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, food and drink stands and a jumping castle. The Vinnies Family Fun Day provides a unique opportunity for us to support a local cause, close to our hearts.

As always, we need your support through donations of Easter eggs, baskets and gift bags to make this possible. Raffle tickets will be distributed in Homegroups next week, to be sold for $1 each. Together at Mater Dei, we have the capacity to make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable members of our community and extend this support to the global human family. Let’s take these steps to make our intentions a reality, this Lent.

As we approach Catholic Schools Week (6-10 March) we reflect upon the great opportunity before us to celebrate our students, staff and families; affirming our commitment to serve the educational and spiritual needs of future generations.

In this spirit, let us pray…

Loving God,

We thank you for our Catholic school communities in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

We pray that we may walk the way of the Gospel together, as we accompany each other in our learning this year.

You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people. As Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education. As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.

Thank you for the many Sisters, Brothers, Priests, and Laypeople who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools. Thank you for the teachers and support staff who continue to sustain our schools today. Thank you for the parents who have given their support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.

Bless the Mater Dei Catholic College Community and all those who advance our mission. May our buildings be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others. Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.

May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.

Fill our hearts with gladness. May we always turn to you in times of need.

Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others. May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.

Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education. May the Holy Spirit guide us and give us new eyes, new ears and open hearts, helping us to bring your love to all we encounter.

Mary, mother of the living Gospel, pray for us.

We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord and teacher,

Amen.

Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 2 · 03 Mar 2023

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