As we reflect upon World Refugee Week, a message is sent out to each and every one of us. It is a message about "LIFE" and it is a message of challenge to become more aware, more involved and more compassionate in our action and attitude.
In the Old Testament we find that there is a strong religious challenge to welcome "the Stranger" always. The reason for "the welcoming" was because the Jewish people had once been foreigners and strangers themselves and it was also because they believed that God's revelation, in most situations, came to humanity through the stranger: ...in what was foreign to them! This belief was certainly an integral part of their faith. This was developed over time through the great Prophets and gradually this all morphed into three vital groups: the orphans, the widows and the strangers.
For us, in our day, we realise that these three groups are still core in our work as disciples of Christ. For Jesus, God not only makes a preferential option for the poor, but God is in the poor. How we treat the poor is how we treat God! Suffice to say that perhaps this is the most challenging of texts in the whole of the Gospel. Jesus teaches that we will be judged, seemingly solely, on the basis of how we have treated the poor......that is, on how we have treated the most vulnerable among us. He singles out "the stranger"....the foreigner, the refugee. "I was a stranger and you made me welcome."
As we reflect upon World Refugee Week, the principles advocated in both the Old Testament and the New Testament Books are very appropriate because our world is still trying to face all the issues of our current times. These issue indeed are both highly sensitive and very complex. Country's Borders and autonomy have to be respected and defended just as citizens are. The political, social, economic and even the security issues will remain and will continue to challenge. They need to be respected and also addressed BUT we must remain clear on what the Scriptures, Jesus and the Social Teachings of the Church teach and proclaim: We are to welcome the stranger, irrespective of the inconvenience, danger, creed or race.
We might not be able to actively be involved in actively helping those less fortunate or those seeking "New Life" but let us continue to be aware, to be alert of the realities that exist and bring these, together with those who need our support and affirmation, to our prayer and mindfulness.
Year 8 Reflection Day 2023
On Wednesday 24 May, the year 8 students met Father Rob Galea for their reflection day held at the Broadmeadows Campus. Fr Rob shared his inspiring journey, from a troubled youth entangled with the wrong influences, to becoming a gifted singer, songwriter, author, a charismatic Catholic priest and a wonderful example of resilience and faith. Fr Rob engaged the students with music and storytelling, explaining that before everything else, he is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. The students eagerly participated in dancing, singing along to Rob’s music, and even had the opportunity to ask questions, delving deeper into Fr Rob's transformative journey. It was exciting to learn that Fr Rob's book, Breakthrough, is set to be adapted into a Hollywood film in 2025, starring none other than the renowned artist, Shawn Mendes! As the reflection day came to a close, students experienced a guided Mass from Fr Rob, where he took the time throughout the service, to explain the traditions and rituals in a way that was both informing and engaging. Overall, it was an extraordinary day where students could understand how God can turn a mess into a message, because He sees the beauty in us, even when we may not see it ourselves. We are immensely grateful to Fr Rob for blessing our school community with his presence, and igniting a spark of hope and possibility within each of us.
Year 12 Reflection Day
Last Monday19 June we held the second of our Year 12 Reflection Days in the Auditorium at the Broadmeadows Campus. This was a whole day event where we continued the exploration of our Year 12 theme, "Launching into the deep". Throughout the day, students reflected upon and shared thoughts about their personal faith journeys as well as their priorities moving forward for the remainder of the year. They were also provided with a “Theology of the Body” presentation by Steve and Annie Lawrence as a prelude to their next unit in Year 12 RE. It was a very rewarding day for all students involved.
Staff Mass
Last Tuesday, 20 June, we had our Staff Mass for Term 2 where we gave thanks for the term we have shared together and to celebrate the amazing work and leadership, Chris Caldow has provided our College community as Principal over the past 10 years. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Dishan Candappa, Head of our College Canonical Administrators and Fr Tony, our College Chaplain. Mass was followed by an Afternoon Tea, offering members of our extended community an opportunity to farewell Chris as well. Both our Eucharist and afternoon Tea were beautiful celebrations of Chris’ fantastic work over the past 10 years.
