MISSION CENTRAL

Vinnies Sleepout 

By Ryan O’Connor - Year 12

Our college was presented with the challenge of partaking in the Vinnies Sleepout on 2 September.  This experience gave students an idea of what it is like to be homeless. The sleepout allows students and school communities to get a glimpse of the realities of homelessness on a personal level by sleeping rough for a night. The boys who took part arrived at the College at 6:30pm and were set to leave the next day at 6:30am. You were only allowed a flat cardboard box to sleep on, sleeping bag and warm clothes. 

Vinnies representatives, who work in the field, came to run a session with us which was a real eye opener. We received a cup of soup and bread on the night, but were very spoilt with an egg and bacon roll in the morning.

It was an enjoyable experience as we played games and spent time with our comrades. It is most definitely a bucket list experience offered by Saints. The lads raised a tremendous $3200 for the cause, and we will continue to raise awareness of homelessness in our community. 

Prayer in our Catholic community: How can I participate? 

Prayer is an essential part of Christian life. But how does prayer benefit us? And why do we pray? 

As Christians we pray to become closer to God, to get divine help, to keep our selfishness in check, to ask for forgiveness, to gain hope and strength, to reduce stress and to help us understand ourselves better. Cairns Catholic Education has produced a set of prayers for parents that reflect the liturgical year and societal celebration. These are all accessible on the website and the link is provided below. 

The prayer PDF files contain links that are thought provoking and excellent resources for families. I hope parents can find time to check them out. Prayers and Reflections

Three Violets Awards

By Kris O'Farrell - Head of Year 11

The Three Violets Awards identify three Marist traits that we want to acknowledge and encourage our students to aspire to. The Three Violets is a special symbol of the Marist Brothers and our Marist community. They represent the virtues of modesty, humility and simplicity.

St Marcellin urged his followers to “do good quietly”, so any inclination to boasting, big-noting oneself or bombast is alien to the Marist spirit. In medieval times, when many flowers were named after Our Lady, the violet was known as “Mary’s Modesty”.

Simplicity: This student is genuine and authentic in his relationships; he is truthful to those around him and is without deceit.

Modesty: This student is not vain, egotistical or boastful. He accepts success with dignity and does not seek the limelight or acknowledgement.

Humility: This student is humble and remains grounded at all times. He has a lack of false pride or arrogance and holds a moderate opinion of himself.

This prestigious award is presented each year to Year 11 students who are nominated by their peers and homeroom teachers for consistently demonstrating gentle, respectful behaviours that can sometimes go unnoticed in our community. Congratulations to  Dyson Nelder, Chaz Nelder and Daniel Leibinger.

Service Opportunity with Vinnies

Vinnies are holding a cent sale and need volunteers.

St Vincent de Paul Cent Sale

Saturday 8 October from 10am to 2pm

Cairns North Tigers Club

32 Behan Street Manunda

Please contact Anne-Marie Flaherty T. 07 4033 8300 E. Fnq.office@svdpqld.org.au www.vinnies.org.au 14 Spoto Street, Woree, 4870 / PO Box 12061, Cairns QLD 4870