Alleluia, Alleluia
‘I am the living bread from heaven, says the Lord;
Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Alleluia, Alleluia
Maintaining an exercise programme requires determination, commitment and time to reap the benefits of the programme. When we observe athletes of any kind, we see the final product of all the hard work that goes into an exercise programme. Physically preparing the body for the competition doesn’t necessarily guarantee the competitor success but at least they feel as though they have done all they can to ensure success. When the same athletes face challenges, they seek even greater determination to overcome the challenges. So how do we discipline ourselves spiritually? Who do we seek to assist us with the challenges of life? It is through the ‘bread of life’ that we are able to become strong and determined in living a life filled with love, peace and compassion. If we are well nourished, not only through our diets but through our spiritual wellbeing, our hearts are renewed so that we can continue in our spiritual journey. Let us imitate Jesus as ‘living bread’ so that we remain spiritually nourished.
Feast of the Assumption
On the 15th August, the College will celebrate the beautiful Feast of Mary’s Assumption. Sometimes Mary is presented as meek and mild, passive and subservient. The problem with this view is that it is impossible to reconcile it with the ten stories we have of Mary in the New Testament: the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, flight to Egypt, losing Jesus in the Temple, going to bring Jesus home from his public ministry, the wedding feast at Cana, being at the foot of the Cross and Pentecost. The New Testament does not demonstrate a meek woman, devoid of creativity and initiative. It shows a strong, noble woman who put her free will at the disposal of God’s will. That is what the feast of the Assumption celebrates: that because God will never be outdone in fidelity and generosity, he remained utterly faithful to Mary through death, as she was utterly faithful to him in life.
Parents are welcome to attend the Feast of the Assumption mass. The mass will commence at 11.45am. Mary was an inspiration for Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers and she continues to play a significant role in our lives today for she is the true embodiment of faith. Let us be more like Mary and bring Christ to those around us.
Please continue to pray for all our Year 12 students as they complete the Trial HSC examinations. While we are halfway through the examination period, there are still some stressful days ahead for all the students. A reminder to Y12 parents that there is a special information evening on Monday 20th August that will outline the College expectations for the remainder of the term; outline how the ATAR is calculated; dismiss some myths about the HSC; help you support your sons through our Elevate study programme and how to apply for a Senior Reference.
The 2019 College Prefects will be announced after the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Wednesday 15th August. After a lengthy process lasting over a term, the names of the fourteen students have been finalised. It has been an extremely difficult process because of the quality of the 34 candidates. St Dominic’s College is truly blessed to have so many quality students who are coming forward as leaders.
Congratulations to all the students who entered into the Australian Mathematics Competition. This challenging competition provides students with a guide to their mathematical ability in comparison to the rest of Australia. St Dominic’s traditionally do exceptionally well and I look forward to this tradition continuing.
The College Athletics Carnival is on Tuesday 21st August. This is a compulsory school day. Parents are most welcome to attend and see their sons compete throughout the day. A note must be presented to Homeroom teachers on the first day following their absence.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
