Mission & Catholic Identity News

An Effective Leader?

With our Year 10 and 11 cohorts in the middle of electing student leaders for 2021, it is timely to look at what is an effective leader in a Catholic place of learning.

The Pope has become popular among people of many different faiths due to his humble acts, his inclusive views, and perhaps most of all, his positive disposition. He has become an effective leader in part because of his informal and inclusive attitude. Positioning himself as a champion of the poor and disenfranchised, he has refused to live in the papal palace, rides the pope mobile without the bulletproof glass casing and urged priests not to drive expensive cars and give money to those less fortunate. 

But the real secret behind Francis's effectiveness may be the fact that people feel like he actually loves his job. 

St. Peter is also a model for us as in a Catholic place of learning. 

Peter exhibited the characteristics of being charismatic, of being transformational and of being a servant leader.

Peter’s breakfast with Jesus by the Sea of Tiberius reflects a turning point for Peter as a leader – a shepherd of God’s flock (John 21:17). Peter emerges with renewed conviction as the leader of thousands of new followers.

Leadership lessons can be learned through careful reflection on Peter’s growth as a leader throughout his ministry and by comparing his leadership style to modern definitions of instructional, transformational and servant leadership. Peter was transformed in John 21 from an ambitious, self-motivated, impulsive and inconsistent follower of Jesus, to a fully committed, charismatic leader of Christ’s Church.

Our newly elected student leaders can learn from Peter, as they will face their own challenges with balancing the needs of others and the needs of self, ideally seeking alignment of the two but placing the needs of others first.

A House Charism Prayer created by St. Peter’s College Students

ASSISI

We thank you for your servant St Francis of Assisi for showing us the beauty of your creation. Help us to be grateful for all your blessings. Teach us to forgive, to live in peace, to love one another and work for unity. Help us achieve our goals and fulfil our mission.

AVILA

In St Teresa of Avila, you provided an inspiration in how to live our lives. Guiding us in the right direction. May we strive for perfection as did St Teresa. Encouraging those we serve to grow in mind and heart, to light up the world and illuminate our path.

AUGUSTINE

“Take courage” it is I. “Do not be afraid”. God give us the courage to do these things in our everyday lives. To better ourselves, to help us step out of our comfort zone, to stand up for the truth no matter what the circumstances, to be humble enough to admit when you are wrong to yourself and others. Let us be like St Augustine and be able to find the light whenever there is darkness.

GLOWREY

Dear Lord, you call us to trust your guidance of us through our journey of life. Help us to follow the example of Sister Mary Glowrey, and to remember that with faith all things are possible.

KOLBE

Help us to follow the example of Maximilian Kolbe, when he sacrificed himself for others. Give us the strength to put others before ourselves and to serve our community. While we grow as a College, may we always be together as one. Guide us on our journey to encourage others to be always selfless and compassionate.

MACKILLOP

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us now, to believe in the wishing of God in your own heart. Show us the love, courage and compassion to find happiness in making others happy. St Mary MacKillop, inspire us to work together to teach more by example than by word and that we will never see a need without doing something about it.

MARIAN

Help us to follow the example of Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, to be the strongest in heart and mind. To believe in our qualities and use it to the best of our abilities. Make us one with your love and compassion. For ourselves and our community at St. Peter’s College.

ROMERO

As we walk through this journey of life, we ask you to give us strength to be courageous and aspire to lead by example. Allow us to have the confidence to put our trust and faith in your hands. Like St Oscar Romero taught us, to aspire not to have more but to be more.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Upcoming Events:

• Our Term 3 Charity is St Vincent de Paul. Keep an eye on various activities that will be organised by our Social Justice Captains to support Vinnies.
• Kolbe House will be celebrating an abridged House Feast day on Thursday, 13 August 2020.  Augustine House on Thursday, 27 August 2020.

Matthew Williams

Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity