Newman News Term 2 Week 10: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

As the Term concludes, it is the perfect time to reflect on the 2020 journey so far. There is no denying the challenges that we all have faced, yet as a community, we were able to come together to celebrate our Anzacs, our Mothers, launch our Reconciliation Action Plan through our participation in Reconciliation Week and support Australian Marist Solidarity through Champagnat Week.

Marist Youth Ministry – Connect

On Tuesday 30 June, our Years 11 and 12 students were able to participate in the first Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) Connect afternoon. This allowed students to connect via Zoom with students from St Joseph’s College Northam and Bunbury Catholic College. The afternoon was led by the Marist Youth Ministry Team, Daniel, Ella and Br James Hodge. Students had the opportunity to reflect on how they live out solidarity in their communities. Thank you to the students, staff and MYM team for their leadership of this afternoon.
Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Youth Ministry Perth

Student-Led Prayer

Student-Led prayer is a new initiative by our Faith and Liturgy Captains, Tegan Connelly and Georgia Whitely. These students have created a number of different prayers and reflections for students. Each Friday morning there is a theme and staff and students are invited to stop and reflect on how God is moving in their life. This is a fantastic initiative, the students should be proud of the way they have led their fellow students with prayer through this time. I look forward to seeing this recommence in Term 3.
Student-led Prayer Student-led Prayer Student-led Prayer

Champagnat Week

In Week 8 students and staff came together to celebrate the feast of Marcellin Champagnat in a variety of different ways. I am pleased to announce that we have been able to raise $10,000 for Australia Marist Solidarity, which will support many vulnerable young people in the Philippines and other Marist Solidarity projects.

As a Catholic school, we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our local and international communities. Our Catholic social teachings call us to seek a “preferential option for the poor.” This means placing the needs of the most vulnerable at the heart of our decision making. I want to thank families and our community for their contributions.

As you head to the holidays, I want to share with you the words of Pope Francis from a homily at a recent Mass for the Feast of St Paul and St Peter. Pope Francis stressed the importance of unity within our society by spending less time complaining and more time in prayer. “It is pointless, even tedious to waste our time complaining about the world, about society, about everything that is not right, complaints change nothing. Instead of casting blame, the early Christians prayed.” For all the challenges we have faced this Semester, let us give thanks these holidays and take time in prayer as we continue to grow together as a Newman College community.

Have a safe and happy holidays.