21 minute read
MISSION AT THE COLLEGE
College Liturgical Life
Mrs Cathie Clarke - Director of Mission
Advertisement
Ash Wednesday
Each year on Ash Wednesday every class in the school from Kindergarten to Year 12 participates in an Ash Wednesday
Liturgy led by student leaders of Year 12.
With this year’s theme being Known and
Loved – dignity for all we were invited in our contemplation to consider ways of ensuring that everyone, especially the least, lost and invisible, are known and loved.
The student leaders set the space with a purple cloth and candle as the focal point.
During the liturgy the symbols of the ash and the cross are added to the sacred space.
They lead a special time of readings, prayer and reflection giving all an opportunity to really listen to God in the lead up to Easter.
Jesus said to the crowd, ‘When I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him. ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Reflecting on the Gospel passage, students completed a promise card, identifying ways that they could live out the message during the 40 days which follow. Students are encouraged to write a promise for their prayer life, for fasting and for almsgiving. Students then receive the ashes as a sign of repentance and hope, acknowledging their imperfections, and knowing that God loves them anyway. This prayerful time in class groups, led by students, makes Ash Wednesday at St Greg’s a most valued liturgical experience.
Repent and believe in the Gospel. Amen.
During the forty days of Lent which follow, students at Greg’s are encouraged to spend time in the Chapel, praying alone, or joining community prayer times like Friday Mass. They are encouraged to fast from foods such as chocolate or meat or to fast from selfishness and feast on responsibility - sharing hope and compassion. During Lent we raise money for those less fortunate through Marist Solidarity, taking responsibility for our own inner lives and committing to being people of action and love for others. Community BBQs, raffles and mufti days are popular ways of raising awareness and funds. Perhaps the one most unique to Greg’s as an agricultural College is Cow Pat Lotto! A grid is drawn up in the paddock and players bet on a patch of ground most likely to be hit. A fun way of raising money to help other developing schools.
Easter
As Term 1 came to a close, and the school holidays offered us an opportunity to rest and revive, we also finished the Lenten period in our Church calendar. As a Catholic community, we were aware of the approaching Easter season, the most significant time on our Church calendar, and so we came together to pray and re-enact the
Stations of the Cross.
Using song, Scripture, prayer and drama, the students were drawn into the realities of Christ’s sacrifice for us. As the Year 12 and Year 6 leaders re-enacted the 12 stations, retelling the last hours of Jesus’ life, the students looked into their own hearts and reflected on how each of us could strengthen our relationship with God. At each station the story was told from
Jesus’ perspective as well as by the responses of the crowd.
A third reader at each station took us up close to Jesus and connected his story with our lives today.
The first station: Jesus is condemned to death. Jesus is afraid. Whisper to Jesus in your hearts:
“Jesus, I’m here. I’ll stay with you.”
The second station: Jesus takes up His cross.
Whisper in your hearts: “Jesus, make me brave like you.”
The third station: Jesus falls the first time.
Whisper in your heart: “Jesus, teach me to be loving like you.”
The fourth station: Jesus meets His mother.
Whisper in your hearts: “Help me to always do what is good!”
The fifth station: Simon helps Jesus carry His cross.
Whisper in your hearts: “Jesus, I want to be proud like Simon that I helped you with your cross.”
The sixth station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Whisper in your hearts: “Jesus, print your face on my mind and my heart.”
The seventh station: Jesus falls again.
Whisper to Him in your hearts: “Jesus, hero!”
The eighth station: Jesus’ clothes are taken away.
Whisper to Him in your hearts: “Jesus, I am on Your side.”
The ninth station: Jesus is nailed to the cross:
Whisper to Him in your hearts: “Jesus, she is your Mother. I am your brother.”
The tenth station: Jesus dies on the cross.
Whisper to Him in our hearts: “Jesus, I believe You bring life. “
The eleventh station: Jesus is taken down from the cross.
Lord, forgive us for the times when we lack the boldness to act as we should.
The twelfth station: Jesus is put in the tomb.
Whisper to Him in your hearts: “Jesus, I am waiting for You.”
Our Easter liturgy was a time to reflect on the passion and the death of Jesus, the battle between good and evil in the world and the battle between love and selfishness within each one of us.
Feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat
On 6 June we joined with Marist communities all over the world to celebrate the feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. Being the 150th anniversary of Marist Brothers education in Australia, we were blessed to have Bishop Brian, Bishop of Wollongong, to preside over our celebration of Eucharist. He was joined by Fathers Aloysius and Paul from the Carmelite community, Father Michael Williams, Parish Priest of St Paul’s Camden, Father John Ho, Parish Priest St John’s Campbelltown, Father Sean Cullen, Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Parish Mittagong / Bowral and College Old Boy. Apologies were received from Father David Catterall, Parish Priest of St Mary Mackillop Parish, Oran Park, and Father Ferdy and Father Bernard from the Carmelite community who were unwell on the day and unable to join us. I wish to thank Father David and Sister Monica, Office of the Bishop, for their guidance and support in preparing this liturgy. In the procession we welcomed Kindergarten to their first College celebration of Eucharist. Wearing the traditional collar of the Marist Brothers, Kindergarten represented the thousands of young men and women who have benefited from a Marist education during the last 150 years in Australia and are now members of the extended Marist family.
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. In his homily, Bishop Brian opened the words of this Gospel reading from Matthew as he explored what it means to become like a little child. The words he used should apply to all of us – poor in spirit, meek, humble, of service, open to the will of God, filled with imagination, surprise and wonder! Bishop Brian spoke of the importance of authentic relationships and used the image of the three violets of Mary – modesty, humility and simplicity. Bishop Brian encouraged all of us to respond to God as Marcellin did – as a child of God.
During the Mass we recognised the 2022 recipients of the Champagnat certificates and Medallions. These men and women fit the criteria of strong mind and gentle heart.
The recipients of the Champagnat Certificates
Kindergarten Henry Thomas Year 2 Harrison Fuser Year 3 Charlie-Rose Smith Year 4 Cara Jones Year 6 Mason Ruiters
Year 7 Alessandro Cocco Antonio Cortes Alvin Mamala Jimmy Smith
Year 9
Kai Allie Isaiah Hardwick Lachlan Pearce Jackson O’Hehir
Year 11
Thomas Andersen Oisin Chretien Zachary Evans Tyrome Fabian
Year 10
Hayden Ciguenza Joseph Jose Jack McDonald Matthew Parkin
Year 12
Liam Croker Patrick Davis Reagan Simmonds William Sinclair
Year 8 Kristian Katramados Benjamin Lang Massimo Pisciuneri Nate Power
The recipients of Champagnat Medallions
EMILY COOLEY Year 1 Emily is a wonderful example of a Marist person. She is always willing to learn and has an inquiring and curious mind. Emily shares this passion for learning with her friends and takes joy in the success of her peers. She is compassionate and caring in all she does. Emily is a wonderful friend who is loved by many. She actively seeks out opportunities to include others in her games and play. Emily is considerate of people’s needs and quietly goes out of her way to ensure that no one is left out. She is a student who can be trusted by peers and adults and always displays beautiful manners. Emily has demonstrated an emerging sense of self and faith and actively participates in classroom and school-wide prayer. She embodies the family spirit of St Gregory’s College in the person she is and in her actions.
JENNIFER BARTLETT Year 5 Jennifer is a bright and bubbly person who is always greeting members of the community with a smile and kindness. Jennifer carries herself with pride in everything she does. She quietly goes about her work and is always looking for ways to better herself through feedback and accepting challenges. She is consistent in everything she does and seeks no praise or reward for her efforts. Jennifer works hard in every aspect of school life. She is a confident individual who aims to build up those around her to enable them to do their best. Jennifer is always willing to assist with any jobs throughout the school. Any opportunity to represent her College and display what it means to be a St Gregory’s student, she jumps at, and performs with grace. Jennifer is a sensible and reasonable young person who her peers look up to as a leader. She is often seen assisting students with their own needs and is the voice of reason between others when things can’t be seen clearly.
MICHAEL YOUSSEPH Year 7 Michael has shown in his short time at the Senior College an immense and exceptional desire to exhibit the qualities of what a St Gregory’s student should be. His demeanour and interactions with staff and students go beyond his years. He always demonstrates compassion to others and exemplary manners. Whether it is in the yard, the classroom, or the sporting activities that he is involved with, Michael’s acceptance of others, respect and the spirit of community he passionately portrays, has impressed many people. This Champagnat medallion is received by those who give, and Michael has gone beyond his years already with the passion he has for College life. Michael is young man with talents and gifts to share with friends, staff and the community and a worthy recipient of the Champagnat medallion.
OLIVER ASKEW Year 8 Oliver is a thoroughly generous young man who offers mature insight and shares his gifts with the community. He has a witty sense of humour and is well appreciated by all he meets. Oliver has demonstrated many of the qualities that the Champagnat Award enshrines. This year he has participated in many events that promote the inclusion of Aboriginal spirituality, heritage, culture, and identity. He plays the didgeridoo at our College assemblies and special events and participates in cultural events. Oliver is non-Indigenous, yet he embraces and promotes Aboriginal culture with diligence and pride. His participation in these activities makes him an ideal role model for all students. He is reconciliation in action, an example of St Marcellin’s two characteristics of being present and family spirit. Oliver was elected as a Year 8 Leader by his peers, in recognition of his humility, values and optimism. Through his actions, relationships with others and sense of justice, Oliver epitomises the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat.
SEBASTIAN SIA Year 9 Sebastian epitomises the values and teachings of Marcellin Champagnat. He has a strong mind and gentle heart. Sebastian is a young man who is self-less and has a very gentle nature. He is an absolute asset to the boarding community, being involved in all aspects of boarding. He demonstrates leadership qualities, is committed to his faith through active involvement in Sunday community Mass and is a positive role model for the younger members of boarding. He shows great team spirit and ability in the weekend ISA competition in Rugby Union and Basketball. Sebastian is friendly, honest, and reliable, always willing to support his fellow students. His caring and gentle nature affords him respect from both students and teachers alike. He is a young man who is dependable with the highest standard of integrity and maturity beyond his years. Sebastian walks in the footsteps of St Marcellin Champagnat and is a worthy recipient of the Champagnat Medallion for Year 9 2022. HOLLINS EASTGATE Year 10 Hollins is a young man of integrity and faith. Through his selfless actions and sense of responsibility, he has gained the respect of all within the St Gregory’s College community. He is mature, respectful and a positive role model to students of all ages. Hollins is honest, reliable and a natural leader who relates well with staff and fellow students. He is a friendly young man who displays a true sense of community. Hollins strives to fulfil his undoubted potential in every endeavour and has earned the reputation of being a fine young man. The sacredness of the school day is not lost on Hollins, as his attendance is sitting at 100% for the year. Hollins is an excellent example of what it means to have a strong mind and gentle heart. Hollins is a credit to his school, his family and, most importantly, himself.
RYAN CARTER Year 11 Ryan Carter is a young man of outstanding character. He is a likeable and reliable person who is quick to help others. Ryan has a willingness to learn and a desire to do well. He demonstrates pride in himself and his school which is evident in the extensive list of cocurricular activities in which he involves himself. He has a trustworthiness that can always be relied upon, and is empathetic and considerate in his dealings with his peers. Ryan is giving of his time to mentor younger students in the Mathematics Enrichment program and is always behind the scenes to assist others when needed. He displays modesty and humility and in being of service to others he does not expect anything in return. Ryan is a friendly, respectful, and reliable young man who, through his actions and relationships, strives to reflect the gentleness, humility and acceptance that Mary and Champagnat showed in their lives. He is a young man of strong mind and gentle heart who is truly deserving of this Champagnat Award.
BLAKE CISCATO Year 12
Blake is a friendly, polite, and goodnatured young man who displays genuine determination to achieve his best in all endeavours. He is generous, always willing to assist others by sharing his enthusiasm and passion and has played a significant role in fostering the sense of pride and family spirit here at St Gregory’s. Blake has demonstrated respectful and positive interactions with all people, benefitting many within our broader community. He has developed an outstanding capacity to engage with younger members of the school and willingly supports them in their own personal pursuits. His level of humility and compassion for others is well-grounded in the strongest of principles, obviously instilled in him from a young age. He displays a consistent attitude and strong sense of occasion regardless of whether that be in the classroom, on the playground or in the sporting arena. Blake epitomises the aim of the College to present young men of strong mind and gentle heart. One of his peers summed up Blake perfectly, by stating, “He is a Greg’s boy who wears his crest with pride.”
Champagnat Community Award 2022
This year the Champagnat Community Award for 2022 has changed slightly as we presented this award to two people for their exemplary contribution over an extended time. Our Community Champagnat Award recipients are most definitely fitting and deserved of this award for having demonstrated what it means to be Marist and in meeting the essential criteria of being of strong mind and gentle heart. Our community award winners for 2002 are Craig and
Tracy Braithwaite.
We remind you of the five characteristics of what it means to be Marist; Presence, Love of Work, Simplicity, In the Way of Mary and Family Spirit, and Craig and Tracy have most definitely demonstrated each of these in many ways over many years, in fact for twelve years. Presence. If helpers are needed, Tracy and Craig are always there and usually the first to put their hands up as volunteers. Tracy and Craig are parents who are invested, loyal, and committed and because of their presence, we have been greatly enriched. This aligns with Love of Work. Be it sports dinner, Open Day, morning teas, Saturday BBQs, setting up chairs, cleaning up, they are always there with aprons on and ready to assist. Craig has served on the College Advisory Council and as a Foundation Board member and Tracy is on many committees, including the annual Celebrity Sports Dinner and many others. They have dedicated countless hours to meetings, discussions and presentations which benefit every student and every family who is enrolled at the college. Simplicity. Everything Tracy and Craig have done as volunteers for the college has been done with great humility and with no expectation or reward. They are passionate advocates and great supporters for offering the best education possible not just for their own four sons, but for all the students of St Greg’s. In the Way of Mary has been demonstrated in so many ways. The gentle and faith-filled way which they live their lives is evident not only in their relationships with us, but in their sons. Each of the four boys whom we were privileged to educate have demonstrated the same gentleness, respect and modesty. And finally, Family Spirit. With their son Lucas (Year 12) graduating this year, their time as parents of students at St Gregory’s comes to a close, and the incredible contribution they have given of time and spirit will be missed. Thank you for your generosity. Congratulations to you both on being recognised for the incredible impact and selfless service that you have given over the last twelve years at St Gregory’s College. You are indeed very fitting and worthy recipients of this award.
Term 2 marked the end of the Rite Journey for our students of Year 10. This 18-month pastoral and spirituality program is a rite of passage experience, working alongside families to help steer our young men from childhood to adulthood. As a community we gathered in the Indigenous Garden for the Homecoming Ceremony to mark the end of this time for our Year 10 students, their homeroom teachers, families and mentors. This ceremony was an opportunity to look back at the successes of the program, and to reflect and look forward.
Mr Craig Ashby, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Teacher, began the evening with a powerful acknowledgement of country, recognising the role of the elders and the rites of passage for indigenous people over generations.: What wonderful place to begin this homecoming ceremony in this garden called ‘Wiritjiribin’ – the Lyrebird – with the fire close by ready to cleans this place. This ground holds special meaning, it is a place where Lore is share. The circle symbolising the Ancient Bora – a circle for ceremony where young boys would begin their journey – their paths of enlightenment, responsibility, and Lore. For over 60,000 years, young men would meet in ceremonial circles like this - arriving as boys and leaving as men with totems watching over them or even painted on them, reminding them of their inheritance, heritage, kinship, and duty to care for Mother Earth. There were a number of special readings, prayers, intentions and opportunities for parents to share a moment with their son. The Homecoming ceremony certainly had a fun celebratory feel as Mr Laurence Malaesilia led an engaging drumming and listening activity. Our students also sang a favourite hymn, 10 000 reasons (Bless the Lord), and a lemon myrtle was planted in the Indigenous Garden to commemorate our first TRJ cohort.
As the weather cooled, parents, staff, mentors and students entered the Marian Centre where the celebrations continued. Parents formed a guard of honour for each homeroom group and there was an opportunity for staff and students to share testimonials and celebrate what we had achieved throughout the TRJ program. Students received a TRJ certificate of completion and a keyring, wonderfully crafted by Mr Andrew Profilio. In return, homeroom staff received a signed photo of the homeroom group and a small plant for their desk from the students to acknowledge the growth of each student throughout the program. We heard some powerful testimonials on the evening including: Lucas Ross, Hollins Eastgate, Kieran Foran, Anthony Zappia and Jayden Ashton
with his Mentor, Ryan Costello (2004) - Old Boy, who together built a bed for Jayden’s 2 year old sibling. Representing the staff, Mrs Sandra Hackett gave a brilliant speech from the heart and missed her basket weaving class to do so. The evening concluded with a video of the boys’ journey, and some final thanks as the Year 10 young men gave a resounding rendition of the Sub Tuum to close the celebrations.
Here is the story of Jayden Ashton and his Mentor, Greg’s old Boy (2004) Ryan Costello. “My mentor Ryan has been a close friend of ours for a long time. I felt it was best to ask Ryan to be my mentor not only because we have known him for a long time but also because he is an old boy of the College. Choosing Ryan also allowed him to come back to the College to see how the school has changed over the past 20 years. For the Rite Journey Project, Ryan and I worked on building and painting a new bed for my 2-year-old brother. It has had its challenges along the way with constant disruptions due to Covid however Ryan consistently reminded me that we could get through it together, so we can reap what we sow. Whilst working on this project with my mentor it has taught me many new things. For example, there is more than one way to skin a cat, in other words, there is more than one way to achieve something. I found this saying very inspirational as it is very relative to life in general. Throughout the project learnt how to use various tools, how to measure correctly, how to cut wood using various saws and how to prep and paint the frame to achieve the ultimate result. Overall, in my opinion I believe the thing I enjoyed most about this project was being able to spend time with my mentor and learning valuable life lessons along the way.” I personally congratulate and thank all the staff who have been involved in working with our young men in this program. It has required a sharing of time, and a sharing of self as they entered into strong and trusting relationships with their own stories of faith and growth. A fitting tribute was also paid to Mr Dan Goodhew, Year 10 Pastoral Leader, as the boys stood in gratitude for his gentle and humble leadership of the group. We look forward to following the journey of these young men: May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
