Newman News Term 4 Week 9: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
It is hard to believe that the end of another school year is upon us. The Marist theme for 2022 Known and Loved: Dignity for All has encouraged us to recognise that human dignity is at the heart of the Gospel. As young people in a Marist community, it is our job to bring dignity to others in the way we speak, act, and encounter those around us. It is our job to seek out those in our community who are among the least, or the invisible, and invite them into relationship with us. This year, we have seen many examples of this lived out in our community, whether it has been through our many social justice and youth advocacy initiatives, or simply an inviting smile or friendly hello to each other as we pass each other in the hall.
As we enter the season of Advent, we remember that this is a time of great hope and anticipation as we prepare the celebrate the coming of Christ – a story told so beautifully this week by our Pre-Primary students in their Liturgy. My hope is that all of our students and families can enjoy this special time together, having a safe, restful, and peaceful Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming all families back again next year.
Pre-Primary Liturgy
On Thursday 1 December, staff, students, and families gathered in St Cecilia’s church to celebrate our Pre-Primary Liturgy. With the support of their teachers, the PP students told the story of Jesus’s birth through songs, actions, and spoken word, delivering a recount that was both emotional and heartwarming. It is so beautiful to see our youngest students participate so wholeheartedly in our liturgies, and I would like to especially thank our PP team and Mrs. Short for their contributions in guiding our students through this event. It was wonderful to see so many families in attendance too.
Student Leaders Gathering
Last week, twelve of our 2023 student leaders took part in a Student Leaders Gathering at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillarys. These leaders were joined by representatives from West Australian schools St. Joseph’s College Northam and Bunbury Catholic College, as well as South Australian schools Sacred Heart College, and Cardijn College. Students had the chance to come together in fellowship to both develop friendships, as well as spend time together learning what it means to be a young person in school leading with a Marist Heart. It was a wonderful three days spent together, culminating in a Eucharistic celebration here in our Champagnat Chapel. We certainly look forward to inviting our Year 11 students of 2023 to attend again next year.
Sacramental Program 2023
Next year, students in Year 3, 4 and 6 will be preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. In order for this to happen, families must register their children with their local parish at the beginning of the year so that they can take part in the Sacraments. We work in collaboration with families and parishes to prepare students to receive the Sacraments, which are then celebrated in your local parish. It is essential that you enrol your child to receive the Sacrament in their local parish.
Enrolments details for 2023 Sacramental Programs for the local parishes will soon be available, with some details already available for next year. These can be found below:
Our Lady of the Rosary Floreat
Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
I would really like to take this opportunity to thank all families and other members of our community for their very kind and generous donations to our Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal this year. The Marian, Lavalla, and Marcellin campuses are overflowing with large numbers of donations, and we know these will be received by those in need in our community with grateful hearts. Thank you to all staff, students, and families who have given their support and put their faith in action to provide a difference for others. I certainly hope that as we gather around the table for Christmas this year, we can spare a thought for those in our community who are the least, the lost, and the invisible, and that we may continue to offer our support next year.