Introduction
A common and recurring request from many students and staff at the College is, "Can you explain the customs and traditions of our Catholic events and rituals?" While some members of our College community are familiar with the Catholic Church and may attend Mass in a local parish, many others are new to being part of a faith community and have many questions. In today’s newsletter, and in those to come, I will begin to unpack some frequently asked questions and, hopefully, provide a "Catholics 101" guide! So, let’s start from the beginning by defining religion and exploring what we know about God.
Religion can generally be understood as a relationship with what is divine (divine meaning something related to God). A religious person acknowledges something divine as the power that created them and the world.
So, what do we know about God? When we speak of God, we must keep in mind that we naturally perceive God through our human lens and limited notions. Therefore, everything we say about God comes with the understanding that our language cannot fully capture God’s greatness. What we do know about God is through the example of Jesus, which is a radical call to social justice, inclusivity, humility, forgiveness, peace, love of neighbour, and personal transformation.
Rock legend Nick Cave recently appeared on ABC’s Australian Story, where he shared deeply personal insights about the grief of losing his sons and his lifelong interest in religion. Cave described grief as a "void" that filled him with "more compassion towards the human predicament" and made him "less embittered." Reflecting on religion, he said, "I’ve always had a religious temperament, even as a child, but never felt the need for it." He added, "And I think after Arthur died—not immediately, but over time—instead of feeling anger or rejecting those beliefs, I felt a gradual movement towards a religious life that I’ve found extremely helpful." To see the full interview, click here.
Catholic Identity News
After a long hiatus due to COVID, the College is pleased to announce the return of our Immersion Programme for 2025. This programme is available to Year 11 students (2025) and aims to immerse them in another culture. The College will be partnering with Catholic Mission to offer two immersion experiences in Thailand in June/July 2025. More information will be shared with our college community in the coming weeks.
We have a busy period ahead for students involved in Youth Ministry at the College. This year, students in Years 7-12 can choose to participate in either Game Changers or Terra Tomodachi. Our Year 11 Game Changers will embark on a 2-day City Solidarity Immersion from Wednesday, 4 September to Thursday, 5 September. With a focus on social justice and outreach, the trip will include visits to SisterWorks in Richmond and St. Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy to observe these programs in action. Students will also attend a Marist Connect Night on Wednesday, joining Game Changers from other schools for a meal and a youth event gathering. Our Year 10 Game Changers will head off on a Leadership Camp in the last week of Term 3. This camp will be held at Marcellin College in Bulleen, with other Year 10 Game Changer students from Victoria and South Australia.
Terra Tomodachi, our sustainability group, will be going on a day trip to Euroa Arboretum and Gooram Falls on Wednesday, 11 September. This group does an amazing job of promoting environmental stewardship and caring for creation around the College. Students will enjoy a day in nature, learning about landscape restoration and gaining an appreciation of the beautiful surroundings.
Song - Joy by Nick Cave
Nick Cave has lost two children in the span of seven years. Grappling with overwhelming grief, Cave’s music on his new album Wild God explores how his beliefs and identity have been forever changed. Immersed in spiritual themes, religious imagery, and allegorical storytelling, his song "Joy" reveals Cave at his most vulnerable.
Book
An author I find myself returning to often is Richard Rohr. Father Richard is a Franciscan friar and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. His book Falling Upward has recently been revised and updated with a forward by Brene Brown, an American professor, social worker, author, and podcast host. Rohr’s books give an honest and challenging perspective to living in right relationship with God. If you are new to spiritual literature, Richard Rohr is a great place to start. Rohr recently appeared on Brene Brown’s Podcast ‘Unlocking Us’.
Scripture
For our Year 11 Game Changer students embarking on their City Solidarity Immersion this week, the following passage from Matthew’s Gospel will be a focus of reflection as they ask themselves how they are giving life giving to others.
Matthew 25:35-40
"For 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.'"
Prayer
Christ Has No Body- Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Amen