Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Mission and Catholic Identity

‘Trusting in God is both the most difficult and the easiest thing we are invited to do. It is the most difficult, because we always want to be in control, driven, in part, by the expectations of others, or ourselves. We are created by God. We are made in God’s image’ – Sean Cullen

Lent is a precious time of retreat for Catholics across the world. We know that Lent is a time of renewal in faith, hope and love so that we can enter more fully into the celebration of the Sacred Triduum of Jesus’ last supper, his suffering and death on the cross, and his glorious resurrection. As a PK-12 College community, our recognition of Shrove Tuesday, and the commencement of our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday with liturgies across our three campuses serve to invite each of us to walk with one another during this time of renewal and refocus.

Year 10 Damascus Day, Wednesday 6 March

The Newman College Ministry Plan seeks to invite all students into an experience of prayer and ongoing Christian discipleship. Across Years 3–10, all students are afforded an opportunity to experience an annual retreat day. The Year 10 Damascus Day is an opportunity provided to all students in Year 10 to stop, withdraw and reflect on the opportunities and abundance they are called into on their own personal journey, and the collective journey of the cohort. We thank the Perth-based Youth Mission Team for again facilitating this day, and for the inspiring witness to a faith filled life they give to all our students to ‘come, follow me’.

PROJECT COMPASSION UPDATE

Shrove Tuesday

Students from the Blue and Gold Remar Caravels sold pancakes on the Marcellin and Lavalla Campuses on Shrove Tuesday (5 March) in support of Project Compassion. Students at the Marian campus also received pancakes, with the Kindy and Pre Primary students making theirs with the help of their teachers. A total of $816.85 was raised across the three campuses. A huge thank you and congratulation to those who participated in this fundraising event for Project Compassion.

Walk for Water @ Marian

On Tuesday, students on the Marian Campus took part in the Walk for Water initiative to help them understand how some children around the world walk for many kilometres just to get water each day. Students watched the story of Thandolwayo who risks her life each day just to bring water back for her family? Click here to hear her story. We ask all families to support Caritas this Lent by donating their spare change to Project Compassion.

Caritas Fast @ Marcellin

Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year, in support of Project Compassion, students were invited to participate in the Caritas Fast held on Wednesday 13 March. Over 150 students participated in the Fast which saw them forgo their usual meals throughout the school day. The students were given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch and a muffin at the end of the day. This small amount of food aimed at helping students appreciate how little some people in our world have to eat. It was a fantastic day which helped raise $3630.95 for Project Compassion. Thank you to all those who participated and a special thank you to the Ministry Team, Guild Coordinators, Guild Captains, Mrs McFadden and Mr Jones for their support in the lead up to and on the day of the event.

Year 6 Reconciliation

On Thursday we welcomed Fr Chinh from the Doubleview Parish of Holy Rosary to Newman College. Fr Chinh provided Reconciliation for our Year 6 students and we are blessed to have his support. We look forward to working with Fr Chinh in the future as he supports the Lavalla Campus.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation allows us to repair our relationship with God by asking forgiveness for our misgivings. Students in Years 4-6 will take part in Reconciliation over the next few weeks. We welcome Fr Chinh from the Doubleview Parish who will be offering this for our community. Parents are welcome to join their child in this healing process.

Weekly Thursday Morning Community Mass (Champagnat Chapel – 8.10am – 8.35am)

All parents, guardians and families across our PK-12 College are invited to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass celebrated by Fr Joseph Tran and Fr Mark Baumgarten. Our weekly Newman College Community Mass is an important way that we as a Catholic community seek to nourish and live-out our faith in community with one another.

At Mass on Thursday 21 March, we will commission seven Year 12 students who have recently completed their formation as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We congratulate these students on this milestone in their journey.

Sacrament Reminder

Families are reminded to visit their relevant parish website for all information regarding 2019 Sacrament dates and registration. Alternatively please click here to access parish website addresses via the College website. The enrolment dates vary, so please take the time to clearly understand the process for your parish. Students in Years 3, 4 and 6 will undertake the preparatory work in class so they are able to receive the Sacrament in their local parish.

24:7 Youth Group

  • For all youth in Years 6-12
  • St Joseph’s Subiaco every Friday 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the Parish Upper room
  • Call Aidan Walsh 0487 403 456 or Angela Firth 0455 960 174 for more information

Floreat Youth Group

  • St Cecilia’s Parish Centre, 47 Peebles Rd, Floreat
  • Every Sunday 6.00pm – 8.00pm
  • Call Sebastian on 0403230395 or Emma on 0412310019 for more information