Mission
Sacred Heart Parish - Youth Mass
It was such a joy to gather the communities of Mater Dei Catholic Primary, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary and Mater Dei Catholic College together last Sunday 26 June, to celebrate Mass together. Collectively, our students led the Parish Community; acclaiming the readings of the day, leading the music and singing and sharing the offertory and prayers of the faithful.
Our reflections after Communion were centred on the ways in which our three Parish Schools are extraordinary examples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the compassionate heart of God in word and deed. The parish will hold their special Feast of the Sacred Heart gathering next week, after 10.00am Mass on Sunday 3 July.
Visit from Brother Doug Walsh - Marist Brother
At Mater Dei Catholic College our Motto is to “Live God’s Message”. Over the last week, our community have heard the resounding message of God’s love taking human form in service to the most oppressed and disadvantaged of our world.
Year 11 students had the opportunity to hear from Br Doug, a Marist Brother who works in the Exodus Community of Heidelberg West in Melbourne. Br Doug brought long-time friend Shannon with him; a young person who has been born and raised in the Exodus community and lives with significant disabilities.
They shared with students the impacts of COVID-19, the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse, the rise of youth homelessness and the work of St Vincent de Paul with us, highlighting the ways we can play a significant role in supporting and praying for these vulnerable people, as they take steps to re-build their lives. We sincerely thank Br Doug and Shannon for travelling all the way from Melbourne to share this Christian witness with our students. We are very much looking forward to returning here for a Street Retreat in the future.
Refugee Week
Last week our Homegroup and classroom prayer experiences were centred on Refugee Week, as a means of standing in solidarity with everyone who has had to travel to a place to find safety.
We acknowledged that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is extended in outreach and special care for all those who have suffered in this way. Jesus became a refugee himself, along with Mary and Joseph. Right now, at least 82 million people in our world have been forced to flee their homes.
The theme of Refugee Week 2022 was ‘Healing’ which recognises the importance of human connections, reconciliation and forgiveness; underscored by these years of a global pandemic. Mainstream and refugee communities alike can draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, learn from each other and move forward.
Healing can occur through storytelling, communal and interfaith prayer, and also through the realisation of our intrinsic interconnectedness as human beings. As Christians, we ask God to heal the hurt caused by our indifference towards others and to create healing relationships between us from now on.
Creator God, you are the giver of life.
Saviour Jesus, you have shown us what it is to love.
Guiding Spirit, you awaken us to justice.
Show us how to build a just future, where all people have equal opportunity to belong and to flourish in your vitality and love.
We ask for mercy for people in limbo on temporary visas, for safety for those seeking permanent protection, for a reunion for families who are separated by borders, and for relief for those losing hope within our detention and prolonged refugee systems.
We pray for First Nations Peoples fighting for justice on their own Lands, for survivors of the Stolen Generation and for creation, groaning under climate disruption.
Help us to live out your inclusive love.
Help us to live the message of your Kingdom where all people have equal opportunity to belong and flourish.
Work through us, towards a just future. Amen
Year 11 Reflection Day
On Monday our Year 11 students experienced their Reflection Day with Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries on-site, in the Marian Centre. Using his special talents involving music and song, he led our students through an uplifting and energetic day, designed to challenge students to think about themselves as servant leaders and their relationships; both with each other, and with God. Students remarked on how enlightening their day together was and how much they are looking forward to continuing their work with Chris next year, during their Year 12 Retreat.
Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission