“Lent is a season of our cleansing“
Sunday’s Gospel presents us with a very different Jesus to the one we have met over the past two Sundays – an “angry” Jesus. The Gospel does not actually use that word. Jesus would have been well aware of the many changer’s cheating people within the temple. This would have ‘hurt’ Jesus. He provides the interpretation for his act of cleansing the Temple. Jesus’ “zeal” for God
’s House is driven by the fact that the Temple was not being used for the purpose for which it was built. “Does not the scripture say: My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples? But you have turned it into a robbers’ den” (Mark11:17)
The Church must be a reformer, but she is always in need of being reformed. This is what Christ criticised in the church of his day. Our Church is a living body with Christ at its head. Each part is sacred. Therefore, Lent is the season for cleansing. Like the Jerusalem Temple, we have been harmed by commerce and worldly attachments. Lent, then, is a time to restore prayer and holiness to our lives, so that Jesus may speak with his voice and touch with his healing power.
Collection for Caritas Australia has continued into week three with strong amounts from all Houses. As part of my personal commitment to raising monies to send students back to high school, I have pledged $15 for each House. I would encourage all families to be mindful of the worthwhile purpose of our fundraising. Week three also introduces us to Bayan, a 12-year-old Syrian girl, living with her family in Jordan. She is a keen student, who has her sights set on a career as an ophthalmologist. I would encourage to read and listen to Bayan’s story and support Caritas Australia to help students like Bayan.
The link is http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion/weekly-stories/week-3-bayan
Living the Gospel values was alive and well amongst our community on Open Day. The manner in which both staff and students engaged with the prospective families was a testament to all those members, both past and present. There were over 900 people visiting our College throughout the day and what they saw and heard from staff and students was most impressive. The frequent compliments on our volunteers was extremely pleasing as it truly reflects the students that we develop and help mould during their time at the College. Thank you to all the staff and students for their support of St Dominic’s College during this significant day in the College’s calendar.
The Swimming Carnival was an outstanding success with Tench House winning the overall event. Congratulations also to the Age Champions for their achievements throughout the carnival. It was a colourful event with all students actively participating for their House.
Being actively involved in the College provides each child with a greater appreciation of their community. As a player within our basketball and cricket teams, one can but marvel at the talent that is on display each week at our MCS games. Congratulations to all the teams who successfully won their semi-final games last week. We wish all our teams every success in the Grand Finals. May your talent be on show again and may you play with the sporting spirit that truly reflect St Dominic’s College.
Our sporting achievements continue with the following students being selected for a number of different representative teams. Congratulations to:
Brian Fonacier (Y11 Rice), Sean Doolan (Y12 Tench), William Oldfield (Y12 Dhurak), Aaron Riley (Y12 Surawski) and Mrs Walsh – manager (Dhurak) for their selection in the MCS Baseball Team.
Special congratulations to Trent Weir (Y12 Rice) for his selection in the NSW CCC Cricket Team and Aaron Riley (Y12 Surawski) for his selectin in the NSW CCC Softball Team. This success continues for David Pletkan who was selected for the NSW CCC Tennis team over the weekend.
Community Service is an active part of the College. Last Friday our Clean-Up Australia campaign saw students from Y12 to Y7 clean up Kanangra Reserve. The students were supported by Mr Turner, Mr Levy and Mr Bourke. Thank you to Mr Culican for his organisation of this community awareness event and to all participants, both staff and students, for their contribution to making Australia clean.
The P&F Wine and Cheese Gathering on Friday 2nd March was an exceptional evening with staff and parents interacting in a social environment. The amount of chat was most pleasing as people laughed and enjoyed a most wonderful evening. Thank you to the Mr Hine and the Year 12 music students who played beautifully throughout the evening. Thanks also to all the staff who attended the evening making the parents feel so welcomed to our community. In particular to Jen Horne who assisted with the set up and welcome. An evening such as this doesn’t just happen. Rather it requires the dedication of individuals who have a strong connection and love of the College. Special thanks to Fiona and Ray Campbell for their ongoing support of the P & F. It is much appreciated by the College community.
Please keep in your prayers Mr Lal and his family has they grieve the passing of Mr Lal’s father in New Zealand. We also received further sad news that Fr George O’Mara, parish priest of Corpus Christi Parish, Cranbrook died after a two year battle with cancer. Fr O’Mara was a former student of St Dominic’s College.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
Dominus Mea
Let Your Light Shine
Mr M. Ronchetti
College Principal
