The month of May reminded us of the lives of Mary, our heavenly mother, Blessed Edmund Rice and St Dominic Savio. We celebrated the Feast Days of both our Founders’, the College community is reminded of the liberating education that both Blessed Edmund and young St Dominic provided for the young of their times and how this has helped us transform the lives of so many young people who have walked through the gates of St Dominic’s College.
These significant feast days’ work in harmony with the Church’s season of Pentecost. The Church community celebrated the Ascension of our Lord, Pentecost and The Holy Trinity. These feast days helped in the transforming of the early disciples into men and women committed to the evangelising mission of Jesus. Through these encounters with our faith, we are also encouraged to be active in our Church and commit to its mission through our Founders’ and their work.
May also sees the Feast of Mary Help of Christians patroness of Australia (Feast Day: 24th May)
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts our love of Mary Help of Christians. Through her prayers and under her protection, may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace. Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens. Bless especially the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and their families. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us
On the 1st June we as a member of EREA and the Christian Brothers community celebrate the birth date of Blessed Edmund Rice. He was born in Callan, Ireland in 1762. Mary played an important role in Edmund’s development and this continued with the Christian Brothers. In 1816, Blessed Edmund encouraged the Christian Brothers “to offer special prayers to Mary Help of Christians”. Since this time Mary has been a significant figure in the lives of the Christian Brothers. Let us pray to Mary Help of Christians to help and guide us during times of need.
The first Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews provided many students with an incentive to improve their application to their studies and as a result improve their grades. A number of students, however, have yet to challenge themselves to improve and as thus have been meeting with their Pastoral Coordinator and myself. These meetings are design to assist the students in improving their current study habits so that they become positive contributors to the learning environment. The use of the College diary will assist all students in the organisation of their study program.
St Dominic’s is filled with students who constantly use their God given gifts and talents to support the College. Over the month of May there have been numerous students that have been involved in a variety of events that allowed others to witness these gifts. Events such as debating, MCS sports, social justice initiatives, provide an opportunity for all students to shine and allow the light of the Lord to immerse within us all.
Special congratulations to Nathan Cleary who has been selected for the NSW Rugby League Team. He exemplifies what it means to be a Dommies boy in using his God given talents. Nathan was a student who worked exceptionally hard in everything that he committed himself to especially his commitment to the values of the College. We wish Nathan every success in his chosen profession and I hope this provides encouragement for all our boys to do their personal best with the talents they have been given by God.
As we approach the half way mark of the term I encourage all students to be diligent in their application especially as we approach the next reporting period which will see our Semester Reports being finalised. These next few weeks with see many assessments due or examinations completed so having a good time management plan organised will help in successfully completing these tasks. Be diligent, be determined and challenge yourself to do your personal best.
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
