Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity
Key Dates – 2022
Click here to view the College Calendar.
Trinity College Lismore Appeal
The devastating flood waters that inundated Lismore in recent days have completely covered Trinity Catholic College, causing damage to every classroom, staff area and facility. Whilst the town and College are used to floods and are well prepared for such events, the magnitude of this flood is beyond anything previously experienced. The destruction at the College is significant and the hardship on many hundreds of College families is acute, reflecting the situation for communities throughout the northern rivers region of NSW and southeast Queensland.
As fellow Marists, as we watch and listen to the news reports, we are compelled to ask, “How can we help?” One practical way is to provide financial support to the College community in order to help rebuild their school and more importantly the lives of the people who are Trinity Catholic College.
Thank you for your support of our Trinity College Lismore Appeal, everyone’s contribution will go a long way to supporting the community. If anyone wishes to make a further donation please contact me or money can be brought in on Monday.
Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday
Shrove Tuesday is the day prior to the beginning of the Lenten period which commences with Ash Wednesday. Pancakes were sold across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and are eaten on this day as a symbol to represent our commitment to fast, give alms and pray during Lent.
Although COVID restrictions meant we couldn’t gather as a whole school to acknowledge the beginning of Lent, we were able to move our Ash Wednesday Liturgy online. Students were able to receive ashes following the latest COVID advice that was distributed via the Vatican, with a sprinkle on the head. Classroom teachers and PCG teachers, led students through a liturgy prepared by our Year 6 students in the primary and the Faith & Liturgy and Social Justice Captains in the secondary. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and a time when we can reset our relationships with God, others, self and creation.
We are encouraged to do this through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Students across the College will be encouraged to give generously to Project Compassion again in 2022.
Project Compassion
Our Vision for Mission calls us to serve humanity and raise up those experiencing poverty. At Newman College, we commit to supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion every year during Lent. This is an opportunity for our school to raise funds to support under privileged societies around the world.
The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is For All Future Generations. Together, we can create lasting change for people living in some of the most vulnerable and low-income regions in the world.
Caritas Fast
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 are invited to participate in the
Caritas Fast
To be held on Tuesday 22 March 2022 (Week 8)
Students participating will be given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch. This small amount of food will help those participating appreciate how little some people in our world must eat.
Important Details:
- Students wishing to participate will register with their PCG teacher by Monday 14th March.
- Students participating in the Fast are asked to collect a minimum of $10 each.
- Students who have raised $10, and are participating in the Fast, may wear Guild uniform on the day.
- Students should use the sponsor sheet to record the amount pledged by each person donating (CARITAS FAST SPONSOR SHEET 2022.docx)
Confirmation Retreat
On a fun-filled Thursday, 3rd March 2022 a group of 24:7 Youth Ministry volunteers came to each class to teach the students about Confirmation and how to prepare to receive the Sacrament.
For the whole day they engaged us with fun, yet educational activities. The staff members were kind and friendly with a passion to teach and a positive mindset. We were given a friendly introduction before being split into smaller groups with a leader for each group.
Students were given tasks and worksheets to discuss in their small groups. Now it wasn’t all just work. We would take small breaks in between tasks to reset our mind and have some fun too.
We learnt many things during this retreat such as, the seven sacraments and what each mean as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how you can use them to become a better person.
One of the best parts was definitely lighting the candles. Students lined up to receive a candle while the others prayed the Rosary. Students would light their small candles from a large candle. Once all the candles were lit, the illuminating glow helped us feel the warmth of God.
The Year 6s would like to thank 24:7 Youth Ministry for all the work they put into our lovely retreat. We would also like to that all the teachers who helped give us this amazing opportunity. This experience was fantastic and one we will always remember.
Student reflection by Ivy Sawkins and Madison Bradford
Service Learning
In Term 1, Newman College will be launching the Christian Service-Learning Program for Year 7, 8 and 9 students, “Living Marist”. Our Vision for Mission: to form Good Christians and Good Citizens, seeks to create within our students a spirit of service and compassion for the most vulnerable in our community.
This program is based on the Catholic Social Teachings and the imperatives of Jesus to serve others. Students will participate in a variety of experiences, be given opportunities to discern and reflect on their experiences and be encouraged to take further action in the community.
For information about this program can be found here.
Youth Ministry and Advocacy 2022
Newman College is a Catholic school founded on faith in Jesus Christ. Integral to this is the lived expression of the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The College is committed to engagement with the mission and expression of the Church through opportunities for reflection and practical works of outreach grounded in Catholic social teaching.
There is a wide range of ministry and advocacy opportunities available for our students in 2022 including Game Changers, Marist Connect Nights, Caritas, Lifelink and many more. Please click here for more information.
Game Changers
This Marist Youth Ministry Program encourages students to focus on areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12 and we gather every second Tuesday afternoon, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. Our next meeting is in Week 7, Tuesday 3:30-4:30
There is still time to join Game Changers for 2022 – students need to fill out the link here or see Mrs Bryson for more information.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Over the next few weeks our students in Year 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to celebrate the Rite of Reconciliation with their class. Through this Sacrament students have the opportunity to think about their lives, to understand their need for God’s forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness and healing. Many thanks to Fr Kaz from Floreat Parish, Fr Peter from Doubleview Parish and Fr Christian from Scarborough Parish who will be celebrating Reconciliation with our classes.
Thursday Morning Mass
Thursday morning Mass continues for students across the College.
Mass begins at 8.10am and is celebrated by our local priests.
- Week 7, Thursday 17 March; Year 5 Students
- Week 8, Thursday 24 March; Year 9 Students (hosted by those in Camara Guild)
Local Parish Event – St. Cecilia’s
24:7 Floreat Youth Group, for all youth in Years 6 to 12.
Sunday @ St. Cecilia’s parish hall, 6-8pm.
Water Fight 13th March 6pm-8pm at the Parish Centre.
Call Clare on 0431944508 or Anthony on 045510885 for more information.