Principal's Address

Our Lenten Journey towards  Easter - The Gift of Service

Thinking over my own experiences of Lent, I was recently reminded of my childhood where the focus on Lent in my family was “what will I give up?” No matter how many times I suggested it, pumpkin was never the answer to this question!

As we grow and mature, our understanding of the importance of our Lenten preparation for Easter also develops.  It is true that Lent is a time when we should look at our lives and our direction, as Pope Francis reminds us in his recent messages for Lent, with its focus on the need to “make our heart firm”. 

The Holy Father warns us of the effect of the “globalisation of indifference” that has pervaded our world. It normalises a lack of care and empathy for others and rewards self centredness. By opening ourselves to God’s word this Lent, Pope Francis reminds us that we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed or prey to the globalisation of indifference. 

It is this generosity of spirit and a desire to be outward looking into the world that places our focus on being of service to others. With the situation in the Ukraine, floods in Queensland and  northern NSW and the ongoing battle with COVID, to name a few of the enormous challenges being faced at the moment, Pope Francis’ words have never been more pertinent.

Giving service is an important value in our community where, all too often, individualism and incivility tend to catch all the headlines. Actively appreciating the needs of other people and contributing to their wellbeing in a compassionate, caring and humble manner is a great way to counteract selfishness and anger. 

As Christians, we should be the “doers” in our community, for we believe that our life was not meant to be spent solely on gratifying ourselves but to be shared generously with other people as Jesus did. Jesus did not anchor Himself in a synagogue but went out amongst the people, experienced their problems, listened compassionately to their needs and then acted in a favourable manner towards them. 

There is truth in the saying that “a little selfless service tends to make selfishness go away”, and there is truth in the fact that service to others ennobles us. Introducing young people to the concept of service by, say volunteering to weed the garden of an elderly person who is no longer able to do the weeding, is an example of a simple way to develop the concept.  

I was so moved by the generous acts of service of people from our area who have reached out to flood victims up north. Some have been able to travel up to help communities decimated by the flood - offering not only their expertise and physical labour but their words of support and their loving hearts, with a message of hope for the future. 

We are blessed to have such a generous community at Mater Dei and while not everyone can uproot their family and travel to another area to support those in need, we see that spirit of generosity, that desire to make a difference all around us in both word and deed. When we act together, our small individual actions become huge collectively and have the power to transform the lives of others. That is at the heart of our own inner journey to Easter.

“Lord, in this Holy time we pause to remember that your light can never be extinguished. Help us to believe in this truth so that we may live lives that display your continual illumination in the world.

 We pray that this Easter we may become more like you. 

Help us to develop an inner strength that is capable of handling life’s challenging situations. 

Help us to provide a place in our heart where you reside. Amen.”

Feast of the Annunciation - 25 March

The Feast Of the Annunciation plays a central role in my own faith and those who have been in my office will know that a framed print of The Annunciation by Fra Angelico looks down on the table where many of our meetings take place. It is both a source of inspiration and of comfort to me.

The Feast of the Annunciation was celebrated as far back as the 4th or 5th century and is celebrated on March 25 this year. It depicts the angel Gabriel being sent to meet Mary and telling her not to fear because she has found grace with God and would give birth to the Son of God. Mary responded, “let it be done to me according to thy word.” 

This particular Feast has a special place in my faith because it is a clear reminder of Mary’s role as a mother and nurturer and it links me at a personal and professional level with the parents of our College community. After all, at the heart of our Mission as a Catholic College, is the holistic education of our students and from that, our partnership with parents in the journey through secondary education. At a personal level, it also expresses my deep commitment to family and family values. 

The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates God’s entrance into the human world through Jesus and Mary’s willingness to accept God’s command. I pray that we may all feel Mary’s motherly love and support as we go about our daily life as parents.

Staying COVID Safe

With students and staff impacted by COVID at the College, please encourage your child to wear a mask at school and observe COVID hygiene and safety practices. A reminder that students with respiratory symptoms must remain at home until they are well again.

Staff News

Best wishes to Mrs Stacey Curran and her husband Mitch and to Mr Dan and Mrs Jenna Larkin as they commence Parental Leave. We congratulate Mrs Beck Gill and her husband Ian on the recent arrival of their daughter Grace. 

In the spirit of Harmony Week, we pray that all members of our community feel a strong sense of belonging at the College. 

We celebrate our cultural origins as a rich tapestry that brings our community together. 

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal