Dean of Mission – Marg Marriott
The Parish of St Aloysius Cronulla celebrated the Centenary with a Mass last Friday evening with the Archbishop Anthony Fisher presiding. There was a generous reception after the Pontifical Mass which was well attended. We were so proud to have 31 students present looking resplendent in their uniforms together with the College Leadership Team and several staff members. Amelia Buhagiar led one of the prayers and our wonderful young ladies were so warm in their welcoming of the parishioners and special guests. Cyan McKinnon and Olivia Middlemiss and I went to Stella Maris to interview long term parishioners of the parish as part of the Living History Project and it was a delight to record their memories and stories of the parish.
It was an honour to accompany five Year 10 students to Bendigo for the AMSSA Mercy Student Conference last week. Our young women earned praise from the Qantas crew, the Mercy Sisters and the staff of the various Mercy schools for their excellent representation at the event which included: Presentations, a clothing swap, social justice action activities, a visit to the Great Stupa of Compassion, Mass at Bendigo Cathedral, a Conference Dinner at the Town Hall and an extensive trip through the Central Deborah Gold Mine. It was non-stop action for three days and our representatives were warm hearted, generous and responsive in their participation. Special mention to Kadee Kordovolos who proclaimed the Word so beautifully and to Sarah Barrett who processed our College Candle at the Cathedral Mass. Amelia Gray gave a great account of the trip to the OLM community at our assembly this week.
It was a real source of joy to present the Mercy Excellence badges to our Year 10 students today who have achieved 25 hours in one or more Value Area. It is inspirational for the whole OLM family to witness some young women who have already accumulated over 75 hours of service this year. Congratulations to Mia Paige Russell, Sophie Hammon, Peta Gover, Ella Paff, Sarah Barrett, Kadee Kordovolos, Amelia Gray and Alana Krizmanic for their achievements of service.
Further to recognising the great contribution of our students, Mark Speakman, the Member for Cronulla announced in parliament the names of the MAG girls who have contributed so much this year to the St Vincent de Paul Appeal. The students were presented with certificates in recognition of this at the College Assembly, by our local St Vincent de Paul Appeal Representatives, John and Imelda O’Neil.
Deacon Adrian Sunyato will undertake his Ordination to the Priesthood on Thursday 11 July at St Mary’s Cathedral at 7pm. Whilst we understand it is in the school holidays, we would really love to have a great representation of OLM students in uniform and their families present. Deacon Adrian has brought so much heart to our OLM community. Please contact Mrs Marriott if you are planning on attending. The first Mass that he celebrates is called a Thanksgiving Mass and it will be at St Aloysius Catholic Church, Cronulla on Saturday 13 July at 5pm and everyone from OLM is invited to attend. Again, please contact Mrs Marriott if you are planning to attend in uniform as we would like to recognise your efforts. We would hope that many more could be present for this Mass as it is closer to home. We presented Deacon Adrian with a Roman Missal at our assembly this week and a card with many best wishes from our community.
The work on our House symbols is getting closer to the next stage of completion. We are grateful to the Year 7 and Year 10 students for their work in submitting ideas on their Reflection Day and to the other year groups who did so as part of an RE lesson. We have had a great participation in the survey to capture your feedback and are looking forward to the launch in time for Mercy Day.
Next term the OLM family will support the Charitable Works Fund, which provides important ministry to seminaries, Catholic Care, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, prison chaplaincy and many other important works of mercy with the Olympic themed Green and Gold Mufti Day on Friday 9 August. On this day some students will be hosting a sausage sizzle to raise funds to support Children’s Cancer research and the Book in a Day Project. Be sure to order your $5 meal deal (a sausage sandwich and a can of drink) in the Library in Week 2 during recess.
For the Feast of the Assumption, students will be asked to specify via a Google Form whether they will attend the 9:15am Mass at St Aloysius Cronulla or 9:15am at Our Lady of Fatima. Buses will bring the students back to the College after Mass.
AMSSA Trip Diary
The Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Assocition hosted a Student Conference at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and Sacred Heart College Kyneton from Tuesday 25 June – Thursday 27 June.
We are so very proud of these students, whose contribution to the OLM College community has resulted in their selection to attend this conference and we are excited to give them the opportunity to represent our community at this event.
Mrs Marg Marriott
Day 2 of the Mercy Conference –
Our Mercy Conference delegates enjoyed a morning at Catherine McAuley including a presentation from Sr Sally Bradley from Mercy Works. The afternoon was spent 64 metres underground in the Central Deborah Gold Mine followed by gold panning.
We were so proud of our own Kadee for her proclamation of the First Reading at the Conference Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. We were then treated to a special dinner at the Bendigo Town Hall.
Marg Marriott, Dean of Mission