Faith & Mission

and MissionFaith

Social Justice This year we have all done our best to be ‘the burning flames’ of St Eugene’s challenge rather than ‘smouldering wicks’. We have had to look closer to home to SEE, THINK and ACT on the challenges of service. Whilst our outreach programs have been extremely limited we have sought to consider our community and families in these unusual times and be creative in the ways that we can address issues of injustice.

The Vinnies College Conference started the year with positive action and organised a fundraiser in Term 1 for the Bushfire Relief Appeal. When the scene changed they pivoted to other forms of action and facilitated a letter writing program to send messages of support to residents at Monash Gardens and Cabrini Residential Aged Care coping with the impact of a global pandemic. The highlight of the Vinnies year of service were the two Trivia Nights held to raise funds and awareness for the Oblate Missions. These amazing events brought together over sixty teams of Mazenod families and friends for a night of fun and challenges via online platforms. In addition to fostering community spirit the event raised $3000 to support the work of the Oblate Missions.

Through our commitment to increasing our awareness of social justice issues we strive to leave nothing undared to establish the Kingdom of God. We look forward to rebuilding next year and reinvigorating our program of events as we accept our responsibility to safeguard and promote the common good of society.

Jacinta Girolami Retreats and Staff Formation “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21)

It is difficult, at times, to see God’s caring love in today’s world and to trust in Him, but it is a happy person who knows this reality. Much was planned in the area of Retreats and spiritual experiences, always aiming at deepening student relationships with Jesus. Among the positives was an early Year 12 Reflection Day of the Stations of the Cross. Small groups, moving around the school, pondering the suffering of Jesus on His way to the cross and linking it to the youth’s own experiences.

A significant block to a relationship with Jesus is pornography and Year 9 students were totally engaged in David Kobler’s presentation on the science and strategies of avoiding this key issue today. Students felt a part of a wider Catholic Youth Community for an online version, piloted by Anthony Bolling, of the Catholic Youth Games, with nine youth groups participating in activities. Anthony also created a senior Friday afternoon youth group (Ember) where faith was shared and reinforced and exstudents and current Senior students were given a chance to encounter Jesus in an evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Zoom allowed Year 12 students to experience the stories of refugees and the journey of a young Christian rapper. My joy of serving Jesus and youth has been enhanced by the hard working Kevin Nguyen and Anthony Bolling and the support and prompting of Oblate Fathers John, Kevin and Giancarlo.

Joe Moore