Each year students continue to amaze me in how they can rise to an occasion and perform beyond their own expectations. As we commence Week 6, I am comforted with the knowledge that our students continue to be resilient, strong, courageous and determined in their pursuit of their learning. During these challenging times, let us keep all students and staff in our prayers as they continue with teaching and learning online.
Trial HSC assessments commence Wednesday, 18th August online
After a significant delay and a change in the format, the Trial HSC assessments will commence this Wednesday through an online capacity. The Year 12 students have been diligently working towards completing these assessments to the best of their ability under new circumstances for both students and the College. Our teaching staff have developed a new online approach in the delivery of these assessments. Therefore, I ask the St Dominic’s community to join me and pray for our students as they undertake their final school-based assessments.
The month of August – a time of prayer and reflection
If we were at school, August is traditionally a time where we celebrate and acknowledge students who have achieved in a variety of academic and cocurricula activities. These moments provide all students with a sense of belonging to something great and thus contributing to the traditions established sixty-one years ago. In 2021, these looks significantly different to previous years, however, through our Waterford Program we can continue with some of these celebrations in an online capacity. Though this is not our preferred mode, we know the importance of remaining connected with each other and value the contribution of all our community to the learning and wellbeing of all its members.
Throughout the month of August within the Church, we celebrate and acknowledge several significant people and events that support our role in the mission of the Church. May our Blessed Mother Mary and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop support us as we face these turbulent times and may our faith keep us in the palm of their hands.
Feast of the Assumption
Each year on 15 August, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast day commemorates the death of Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven before her body could begin to decay-a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time. Because it signifies the Blessed Virgin’s passing into eternal life, it is the most important of all Marian feasts and a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics.
The Gospel for this holy day recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the Angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recognition of the roles they and their unborn children will play in God’s plan for salvation. Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God’s history of showing favour upon the people of Israel.
Therefore, today’s Gospel highlights Mary’s faith. Mary’s faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people’s history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to all. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God’s plan of salvation.
Around the world, this is a very significant day with many celebrations planned. Today, more than ever, we need to look to Mary for guidance and encouragement as we are challenged by this epidemic. May we as the community of St. Dominic’s come together during this feast day to share in the love for Mary. May we also continue to devote ourselves to Mary so that we are open to God’s plans for us.
Vocations Awareness Week (1st – 8th August)
During National Vocations Awareness we were reminded to pray for vocations of all those who are baptised. We, the Laity (those baptized Christians who do not profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in a religious community or who are not ordained deacons, priests or bishops) hold an important role in the life of the Church. We, the laity, are encouraged to use the unique gifts God has given us to bring Christ to those we encounter and share in the mission of the Church. This is more relevant today than ever before as we support each other through this crisis.
Vocation Prayer
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Lord Jesus, Following you is a bit like jumping in at the deep end. Help me as I discern how I can best be me. Be close to me as I search out which way of life is best for me. Give me your grace to trust in God, your Abba, and to walk the path that draws me closer to you. You know my deepest desires. Give me the courage to follow with a ready will and open heart. Amen |
St. Mary MacKillop Feast Day – 8th August
“God Will Take Care of Us All.” During August, we also remember St. Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, for her dedication in caring for the poor and destitute. Underpinning all of her activities was her faith in divine Providence. In all the challenges she faced, and the crosses she endured, she never doubted the unceasing protection of ‘our good God’. During these challenging times let us pray the prayer to St Mary MacKillop together so she can protect us and keep us safe.
Prayer to St. Mary MacKillop
Ever generous God, You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and constant in bringing hope and encouragement especially to those who were disheartened, lonely and needy. With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop we ask that you grant our request.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Current lockdown restrictions review date – Saturday, 28th August
We remain hopeful that over the course of the next two weeks the NSW Government will provide some clarity on how the rest of Term 3 will look for all students in NSW. However, with the current rate of infections and increased restrictions to the Greater Sydney Regions, it remains unclear when we can expect students from Years 7 –12 can return to face-to-face teaching. The College continues to plan for the contingency that Online Learning may continue for the remainder of Term 3. Further correspondence will be issued once a more definite response is known closer to 28th August.
Please continue to follow the NSW Health Advice as we continue to support each other during these turbulent times.
My prayers are with all the St Dominic’s Community.
Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever
Yours sincerely,
Mr Michael Ronchetti
College Principal
