Rector's Report
Welcome!
A warm greeting to you all as we start to enter some of the colder months of our year. Although some of the footy has managed to keep certain hearts warm! As usual it has been a busy time in the college on so many levels. The stories below are a just a small snapshot of life in our community.
Mother's Day Mass & Breakfast
The ‘Chapel Full’ sign went up outside the chapel on Thursday 11th May, when 250 students, mums and special female carers filled the chapel for the celebration of our Mother’s Day Mass. After Mass we adjourned to the College canteen to enjoy breakfast and a chat. Thank you to all who organised this event and all who attended. It was great to have the chance to meet and mix with you all.
Mother's Day Dinner
Another ‘Sold Out’ sign will welcome over 180 ladies on Friday 12th May as they gather for our annual Mother’s Day Dinner. A review of the evening will be in my next newsletter.
Month of May - Mary
During this month of May let us continue to pray that Mary, our Heavenly Mother, and Patron of the Oblates will continue to bless and guide our families and our Mazenod College community.
Let us pray: Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgins of virgins, our Mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in your mercy hear us and answer us. Amen.
Happy Mother's Day
This Sunday we celebrate the gift of our mothers and those special women in our lives. We thank them for their gift of love in all areas of our lives. We ask God’s blessings on them as they bless us each day with their care. We also remember and pray for our dear mums who are now enjoying their eternal peace and reward in God’s presence.
We pray:
Loving God,
Bless our mums and those special women in our lives,
that they may be strengthened in their Christian roles.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Give eternal rest and peace to those in your Kingdom.
Grant that we, their sons, and daughters,
may love and honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.
St Eugene de Mazenod
Pray for us.
Year 9 Food Technology
During ANZAC Week I was pleased to be invited to visit Year 9 Food Technology. I was also given the opportunity to sample some of their cooking expertise with some ANZAC biscuits for my morning cuppa. Thanks to Kate Sanford and the students. Well done and very enjoyable!
New Mazenod Sign
Recently a new illuminated sign has been turned on to highlight Mazenod College’s presence on the property. The new sign is placed on the side of Oblate Hall and can be seen at night from the freeway (don’t get too distracted looking for it). Unfortunately, this is not a great photo of the sign lit up at night but the best I could do with my phone.
Mazenod Senior Footy Team 2023
On Monday 1st May we gathered in the Lecture Theatre to recognise and pray God’s blessing on the members of our senior Mazenod Aussie Rules Football Team who were presented with their jumpers for the 2023 ACC Season. We were also pleased to welcome former student Alex Woodward who played football for Mazenod and then went on to fulfill his dream to play with AFL side Hawthorn Football Club. Alex spoke to the team about finding the right life balance between the dream, study, and quality family time.
Pictured: Patrick Schmitt (Vice Captain), Harrison Canning (Captain), Lukas Henkul (Vice Captain)
De Mazneod Family Education Network
Staff members from St Eugene College & Iona College, Brisbane, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic gathered at the Foothills Conference Centre in Mooroolbark to reflect and grow in a greater appreciation of our shared Oblate Charism and establish a programme that will serve our communities in the future. The focus of the retreat was to reflect on the ‘Moments of Grace’ experienced by St Eugene De Mazenod that led to the formation and continuation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
The Penola Centre
On Friday 5th April the college community gathered for our assembly in the Provence Centre where we blessed the plaque that would mark the entrance and the day of the official blessing of our new Penola Centre formerly known as our Learning Diversity Centre. At the beginning of the lunch recess Dr Paul Shannon, Principal, Fr Kevin Davine OMI, Mrs Anne Johnson, Director of Learning Diversity, members of staff and students gathered in the Penola Centre as Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Rector, officially blessed the rooms. A light lunch was enjoyed celebrating this wonderful occasion in the life of our college. The name ‘Penola’ is taken from a small town in the Australian state of South Australia where Sister Mary Mackillop, now Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, founded a school in 1866 with Fr Woods for the education of the poor catholic children of the area and where the Sisters of St Joseph were founded.
MazChef Cafe Donation to Rosies
On Monday 8th May, Emma Rice, coordinator of the Rosies Oblate Street Mission, was welcomed by 10 volunteer students who operate a hot chocolate café at lunchtime on Mondays to raise money to support Rosies.
MazChef Cafe raised $100 in Term one.
Thank you to the students who continue to volunteer their services and those who purchase a coffee.
Q: What did one traffic light say to another?
A: Don’t look at me I’m changing!
Enjoy your weekend!
Jesus is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI