Mission

NEAA Student Leadership Conference

Last week, the Mater Dei Catholic College Community hosted the NEAA Student Leadership Conference, here on site. We welcomed 9 other Presentation Heritage Schools from around Australia and over 80 Conference delegates and invited guests including our beloved Presentation Sisters. Our Conference Theme ‘A’flame for the future’ encouraged us to celebrate and nurture the fire and passion of Venerable Nano Nagle and Jesus Christ; to go out into the world to inspire change! 

During the conference we came together in dialogue, prayer, service and action to celebrate our shared history and tradition of the Presentation story, undertake service to the community and explore the future, global dimension of charism. Our students enjoyed being together to share what they held in common and united in a range of activities; creating lanterns of light, cooking for the Homeless and undertaking the College Reflection Walk. 

We reflected deeply upon the person and spirituality of Nano Nagle, the Lady with the Lantern. A woman of abiding faith who had God’s love a’flame in her heart, burning so bright and radiant, that it could not be contained. This spirit ignited her passion; compassion and sense of justice for each human person that it led her to fiercely advocate for those who were oppressed and who lacked hope in a world aching for change. 

We don’t have to look very far to see aspects of our own world aching for change, the parallels are real and imaginable. The Universal Church recognises Venerable Nano as a woman of faith, hope and heroic virtue, on the path to Sainthood, whose vision and work continue to transform the lives of entire communities.  Such recognition invites the whole world to see Nano as a unique and holy woman set apart for our admiration. 

Nano was creative and courageous in reading the call of God and responding to the face of Christ through active ministry. We, who are inspired by her example and her spirit are called to be no less creative, no less courageous and no less discerning in our time and place. Nano’s vision was not narrow, it was as broad as the Universe:  “My views are not for one object alone. If I could be of any service in saving souls in any part of the world. I would willingly do all in my power”. 

Nano’s story and spiritual mission is ours – ours to shape and turn into a dynamic, contemporary life force. Such a force is needed in our complex and fragile world where both its people and its environment need the protection of a courageous, loving hand. 

Eternal, loving God, 

We pray, that like Nano and the Presentation Sisters, we may become people with the strength of character to share God’s love, with passionate hearts, a’flame for the future. 

Presentation People, we are called to action in Jesus' name; 

called to risk ourselves, and called to be ready to care for the lost, the least and the last, 

in service, with compassion and abiding love. 

Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, 

Amen. 

Term 3 Youth Mass - Saturday 27 August, 5.30pm

Our Term 3 Youth Mass will be held on Saturday (5.30pm) this weekend, at Sacred Heart Parish, Kooringal. Please join us for this student-led Mass, which will incorporate live music and contributions from our three Parish Schools; Sacred Heart Primary, Mater Dei Primary and Mater Dei College. The theme of our reflection during the Mass will align with Social Justice Sunday, to be celebrated on 28 August. 

Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission