Newman News Term 4 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity
Lord let us see your face and we shall be saved. PS 80: 3
As we move towards the end of the year, we approach the beginning of the Church calendar, the liturgical season known as Advent. This word comes from the Latin adventus and refers to the ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’, hence in the Church it is used to prepare us for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
Ah, another Christmas! What immediately comes to mind? Be honest. Do we think of God’s love for each of us? A divine love so perfect that he sent his only Son to save us; a Son who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, is truly God-made-Flesh? Or are our first thoughts about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards to be written and sent, the food to be prepared, beating the last-minute traffic rush? Oh yes, and where will I most conveniently fit in Christmas Mass this year?
I think we can all relate to this. But in doing all these things, let’s not forget the very reason why we do them. We are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, our Lord and our salvation. So, while still doing all these other things leading into Christmas, please also take the time to stop, to remember, and to pray.
Game Changers Launch
In Weeks 5 and 6, our Years 9 and 10 students have been introduced to Game Changers and invited to participate in the 2021 program. Game Changers is a Marist Youth Ministry Program that aims to build an understanding of Christian Leadership, Prayer, Community and Service. Students can participate in this program from Years 7–12. Click here to watch the Game Changers video that explains more about our program.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Appeal is in full swing across PK-12. Students are asked to bring in food donations that will go into hampers that will be distributed to those in need within our local community.
This week students at Marian and Lavalla began collecting donations to support the annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal at St Cecilia’s Church in the Parish of Floreat / Wembley. Each class has been allocated a variety of items to donate to support those families in our community who are struggling this Christmas. These donations include items to help create a Christmas meal for families, ensure their pantries will be stocked and a variety of gifts for families in need. Donations will be collected over the next two weeks.
Marcellin students have been collecting for the past week and will continue to collect until Week 8. Collected donations from Marcellin support Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview Parish in supporting families in the local community.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of this appeal, especially to those students who have already bought in their donation.
Altar Server Training
Years 5 and Year 6 students have commenced Altar Serving training in the Chapel with Mr Diamond and Mrs Short. The preparation takes place over four sessions and invites students to consider what it means to be an Altar Server and how they will carry out this ministry in both the life of the College and in their Parish communities. At the conclusion of the formation training students will be commissioned at our Community Mass.
The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat
On Wednesday 11 November, Newman College and Bunbury Catholic College staff gathered online via Zoom and in person to reflect on the 2020 year.
The evening was facilitated by Br Tony Leon, a Marist Brother residing in NSW, who is an expert at adult formation. Br Tony encouraged participants to reflect on vulnerability and recognise the strength in being vulnerable with one another. It was a fantastic evening that allowed staff across different schools to reflect on the challenges of the year and to stop and reflect on our relationship with God and each other. We look forward to continuing our formation together in 2021.
