Mission & Catholic Identity News

St Peter's Day Mass

It was great to celebrate St Peter’s Day (June 24) with a Mass as a whole College under the one roof of Casey Stadium. We thank our Parish Priests, Fr Denis O’Bryan and Fr Joseph Abutu for celebrating Mass with us.

To have so many gathered in one place takes much organisation and effort.

• We thank Pastoral Associate, Mr Deng Chour who trained and guided 12 altar servers for the Mass.
• We thank our St Peter’s Day Mass Team.
• We thank Mrs Cathy Heijden for your reflections and words of wisdom on themes connected to our St Peter’s College 25 year celebrations.
• We thank our Student Leaders for your help and support with the Mass.
• We thank our music staff who had over 40 students involved in the choir or on instruments.
• We thank the 8 staff members who put their hand up to be Extraordinary Ministers.
• We thank the Staff who offered to be Ushers and did this job so well.
• We thank our IT crew who organised the sound and that there was no hitches with technology!
• We thank the many ‘quiet’ members of staff who played such important roles on the day such as preparing the space, guiding students, driving buses, amongst many ‘jobs’.
• We thank members of our community for attending.

Listening

Listening seems to be the topic of conversation at the moment. As has been mentioned in recent newsletters the Plenary Council, a formal meeting of the bishops and other representatives of the dioceses, has the catch cry ‘Listen to what the Spirit is saying’. There has also been much conversation in the media about banning mobile phones in schools. Which many believe will help amongst other things, to increase the ‘listening’ ability of students by taking away a distraction.

A study that I read lately, said that we spend 80% of our waking hours communicating and at least 45% of that time is spent listening. Yet many people are inefficient listeners. When I went to school, I was taught how to speak, how to read and write, but was never taught explicitly with how to listen. It is an important skill and one not often practised or given much thought. It is the catalyst that fosters a mutual understanding and provides one with an insight into another person’s needs or desires and helps us to connect with others.

With the Term break upon us, I have decided that my challenge for the break is to listen more to my wife and children. To be present.

Upcoming Events:

1. Solomon Island Immersion Trivia Night – August 2 evening (CRA Hall).
2. MacKillop House Mass (CRA & CLN) – August 8.
3. Kolbe House Mass (CRA & CLN) – August 15.
4. Accreditation session with Mr. Bernard Dobson – August 20.
5. Year 10 Reflection Day (CRA & CLN) – August 20.
6. Vinnies Winter Sleepout – August 23/24 (CRA Hall).
7. Augustine House Mass (CRA/CLN) – August 29.

Have a good break.

Matthew Williams

Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity