Newman News Term 3 Week 10: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity
Breathe: The Spirit of Life
As we break for the end of Term 3, our Marist theme, Breathe: the Spirit of Life, is a reminder of what these holidays could look like for many of us. Our Year 12’s will no doubt be feeling the pressure of heading into their first round of exams but should be reminded of the wise words of St Padre Pio “Pray, hope and don’t worry, worry is useless, God is merciful and will hear your prayer”. Through prayer and simply breathing, we can slow down these holidays, take time for family, friends, and ourselves. I will keep in my prayers our Year 12 students who finish formal classes this Term and hope they look back with joy on their time at Newman College.
Remar Graduation
This week our Year 12 Remar students completed their three-year journey of the Marist Youth Ministry Program. The program focused on leadership development, community, service, and prayer. 18 students journeyed together in Remar and the Graduation evening was an opportunity to reflect on where they have come from, how they have grown and how they will move forward. Students thanked the staff who walked with them over the years, particularly Louise O’Mahony who met with students fortnightly to provide formation. Thank you also to Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, who organised the occasion and will be concluding with the Ministry Team at the end of this Term.
This is the final year Remar will be facilitated at Newman College as the Marist Youth Ministry is concluded. However, students can still get involved with the new Marist Youth Ministry initiative, Game Changers. We currently have groups in Year 7, Year 8, Year 10 and Year 11. If your son or daughter is interested in getting involved please let us know.
Game Changers
Year 7 and Year 8 Game Changers students participated in a school clean-up for their final meeting for the term. Students recognised the importance of being part of a sustainable future and reflected on the words of Pope Francis “You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens but also as followers of Christ”.
On Friday September 17, our year 10 game changers set off for an overnight retreat up at Ern Halliday, Hillarys. The students were full of energy when they arrived and ready for an exciting day ahead. The leadership retreat focussed on students exploring how they can grow more in their Christian leadership skills by discovering how to live the Marist values of presence, humility, sensitivity, and audacity both individually and with each other.
By exploring pivotal moments in the mission and lives of Jesus in Galilee and Marcellin in La Valla, the students can discover how such moments bring clarity in helping to identify the true meaning and purpose of Christian mission – to be signs of God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. Students will be given opportunities during the camp to explore their own mission and group projects.
Students concluded their retreat on Saturday morning with a mass in the Marcellin campus Chapel, followed by a light morning tea. It was wonderful to have the students’ families come along to mass as well. Thanks to Liam Street, Marist Youth Minister who facilitated the program, Bonnie Keynes, Matthew Box and Hannah Parker who attended and supported the students.
Community Mass
PK-12 Community Mass continues to be celebrated every Thursday morning, commencing at 8.10am. All families, staff and students are welcome. Community Mass will return on Thursday Week 1 Term 4. We look forward to welcoming you to the Champagnat Chapel.
St John Henry Newman Feast Day
Newman College was the first school in Australia named after the great religious thinker and leader of the 19th Century, John Henry Newman. Declared a Saint by Pope Francis in 2019, the Feast Day of St John Henry Newman is celebrated on Saturday 9 October. To mark the significance of this occasion, our K-12 Community will come together in celebration on Friday 15 October. All Students will gather for a combined Mass in the Marcellin Sports Centre.
Information was sent to families earlier this week.
This is another opportunity for our students to gather as a whole College community and live out our faith story as expressed in our Vision for Mission: to form ‘good Christians and Good Citizens’. We look forward to celebrating this very significant event in the life and history of Newman College.
Ministers of Communion
Congratulations to Andrea Acuna, Sonia Bruce, Jack Daley, Joshua Downes, Emily Burgess, Sharya Ferdinandusz, Joseph Martin, Isabella Meyer, Isabella O’Rourke, Aneika Short and Joshua Thomas for their commitment to serving the Newman College community as Ministers of Communion. Students underwent formation training with Br Terry, Campus Minister who used the Archdiocese of Perth Guidelines to prepare students. This responsibility is a response to a call to be a model of faith to the students within the College and within their Parish life.
Perth iStand Conference
Youth Mission Team will be hosting an iStand event these holidays. Click here for further details.
iSTAND Events are for students in year 8-12 (age 14-18 yrs) and are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow young people in a welcoming environment while learning more about yourself, others and God.
This iSTAND Camp will include activities such as games, group activities, prayer, reflection, testimonies and talks.
- DATE: 1st – 3rd October
- TIME: 5.30pm Friday – 1.00pm Sunday
- LOCATION: Advent Park, 345 Kalamunda Rd, Maida Vale WA 6057
- COST: $140 inclusive of all food and activities
