27 April 2021

Principal’s Reflection

Our ANZAC Liturgy at school on Thursday was very moving. Personally, I’ve always loved the commemoration of the ANZAC tradition. In our liturgy at Shalom, we had a very strong Kiwi connection which reminded our students of the very close relationship we have with New Zealand. The first conflict in which Australian troops fought was the Boar War. New Zealand was with us there. Our troops are currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq – New Zealand troops are with us there. They have been with us in every conflict in between. The ANZAC tradition began at Gallipoli and grew at Amiens, Kokoda, Long Tan & Kapyong and in so many other battles. We have so much for which to be grateful and proud of the sacrifice made by so

many men and women in uniform. Along with the significant battles, the ANZAC tradition is powerfully built in other ventures together. Peace Keeping in the Sinai, Bougainville, the Solomons and Timor. The humanitarian efforts after the Tsunami in Indonesia, Bush Fires, Floods, taking Covid medicines to PNG. Our military forces are extraordinarily multi-skilled. 41 Australian soldiers died in Afghanistan trying to ensure that in that very poor country, young women could go to school, people could get medical care and people could live more safely. War is an awful experience anywhere. Women and children are most at risk and the commemoration of ANZAC Day is our commitment not to repeat the mistakes of war and to giving peace a chance. Lest We Forget.

Respectful Relationships Advisory Group – as I am currently the President of the Qld Catholic Secondary Schools association, I have been invited, along with Ms Catherine O’Kane, the Principal of All Hallows School, to represent the Catholic Secondary sector on this Ministerial Advisory group. The aim of this group is to advise the Minister on ways in which schools can do more to educate our young men and women about cherishing respectful relationships. Last week we saw three more appalling cases of failure in this area in Australia where men hurt women and children. This issue is a significant one for schools and the nation as a whole. I spent some time with Catherine O’Kane last week talking about the approach we might take in this group. She shared with me that one action the girls at All Hallows took towards the end of last term was to march around the outside of their central Brisbane campus in solidarity with marches across the country. This ‘action’ was positive and generally well received. She did, however, share with me some of the Social Media posts that were directed at the AHS girls and were far less than positive – some from some of the male friends of the All Hallows’ girls:

“Rape is bad, but it’s not that bad”
“It is because of women like you that men want to kill themselves”
“Stop hating on men”
“How many other publicity stunts are you going to pull… Your stats are lies!”
“Stop man bashing”
“#MLM” [men’s lives matter]
“You have made it up – the stats are wrong”
“What about the abuse of men”
“All your actions are publicity stunts”
“Typical girls exaggerating”

Society has such a long way to go in this area. This is, mostly, a male problem. Blokes need to do a whole lot better. We often hear that the ANZAC tradition is about the defence of who we want to be as a people, of our way of life. I hope that we can channel that ANZAC spirit in calling and demanding our men treat women respectfully – 24/7, 365 days a year.

Summer Finals are on Thursday,Shalom will be very well represented in the finals this week with 20 teams participating.

Footloose – tickets are now on sale for what will be a sensational production. Thank you to all who continue to respond to requests for ‘fixtures & fittings’ for the Musical. None more so that Ms Sue Freebairn who donated a huge range of ex-wedding dresses! Thanks so much.

Bundy Big Bingo is on every Wednesday evening at the RSL in Quay St. I have begged this year for parents to support this. Thanks to those who put their names forward. This group have supported Surf Lifesaving and Shalom for years. Recently, we received a donation of $18,000 from the Carswell Family who manage this enterprise. They are fantastic!

Flu Season Reminder

As you are aware every year Queensland experiences an influenza or flu season. As we enter this season it is timely to remind parents and care-givers not to be complacent about flu. Queensland Health advises that where possible, people need to be vaccinated for the flu every year.

Flu is a virus more serious than the common cold and can be spread through talking, coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include sudden fever, dry cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose.

If your child has flu-like symptoms, the following is advised:

• Keep your child home from school;
• Ensure your child washes their hands regularly with soap and water or sanitiser gel;
• Encourage your children when coughing or sneezing, to cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately;
• Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest;
• Consult your doctor if you are concerned about their symptoms.

Queensland Health Guidelines advise that individuals displaying flu like symptoms should stay at home until such symptoms have passed (normally 5-7 days).

Families should also reinforce the recommended protective actions listed above.

Increased awareness and ongoing attention to prevention and control measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, are steps that we can all promote to reduce the impact of influenza.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
McmahonD@shalomcollege.com

Newsletter Articles

Tutoring

Term 2 tutoring has begun, please refer to the updated tutoring timetable below.

Mrs Kim O’Shea-Hard
Assistant Principal – Staff
Kim_Hard@shalomcollege.com

Curriculum

Share your views on new QCE system processes

Following the initial implementation of the new QCE system in 2019 and 2020, the QCAA is conducting a post-cycle review of its processes and procedures. Current Year 11 and 12 students and their parents/carers are invited to have their say by completing an anonymous online survey by Friday 7 May 2021. The survey can be accessed at the link below.

Every Day Counts

The relationship between teacher quality and student achievement is mediated by the amount of time students spend in the classroom. Irrespective of the reasons for absences, non-attendance affects student outcomes. (AITSL - Attendance Matters, 2019)

The Diocese of Rockhampton has produced the following information brochure to illustrate the importance of student attendance and how this counts every day towards student achievement. At Shalom we believe that every day does count and we place great importance on student attendance.

Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal – Curriculum
Gail_Norris@shalomcollege.com

Administration

Interim Report Cards – Published 23 April 2021

Interim Report Cards were published on Parent Lounge on the 23 April 2021 as advertised in the school calendar. These reports can be accessed through Parent Lounge in the Academic Reports tab. The report cards show indicators for Application and Progress for each of the student’s subjects however will not contain PC comments as they did previous to 2020. For any clarification over results issued, please contact the classroom teacher.

Mr Brendan Maher
Assistant Principal – Administration
Brendan_Maher@shalomcollege.com

Mission

Easter Liturgy

Even though the COVID scare impacted our attendance we still commemorated the Easter story at the end of last term. During this Liturgy we remembered the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection but also thought about how we today have the power to crucify people or to raise them up. Students acted out scenarios where people are hurt, isolated, bullied, shamed and forgotten, all common in our world today, some even in our school. Even some of our staff got involved. As we reflected on these issues our amazing singers sang “Were you there when they crucified our Lord.” To finish people from the crowd came forward to ‘lift up’ our hurt people, demonstrating that we can make a truly positive difference in the lives of those around us. The Easter Story is still relevant today.

ANZAC Day Liturgy

As a whole school, at our ANZAC Liturgy, we remembered the Australian and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who served. Last year we couldn’t join together to do this, so this year felt extra special.

We began our ritual with a Maori welcome ceremony and the entrance of the Catafalque Party. Some of our senior students lead us in prayer, with the help of our students who are in the Cadet corp. Fay Hu played a beautiful rendition of the Last Post and Reveille on her violin followed by the entire orchestra and choir performing the New Zealand and Australian Nation Anthems. We are very blessed to have so many talented staff and students at our College.

After the Liturgy Mr McMahon interviewed Sergeant Steve Dotter who shared with us some of his experiences serving overseas. This was very interesting and it reminded us that ANZAC Day is not just about the past.

Thank you to the many people who contributed to this event.

Mrs Mary Taylor
Assistant Principal – Mission
TaylorM@shalomcollege.com

ANZAC Day

Student Drivers

Parents and Carers of Year 11 & 12 Students

If your child has obtained their Provisional Licence and wishes to drive to and from school,you are required to fill out a Permission to Drive Form and return it to Student Reception for approval by Mrs Elizabeth Austin-Campbell. Once approved the details will be placed on our School Register.

Thanks to those Parents who have already completed this form for their child.

Mrs Amanda O’Mara
Executive Assistant to the Principal/ Enrolment Officer
amanda_omara@shalomcollege.com

Absentees

FOR ALL ABSENTEES

Preferred option is Email absentees@shalomcollege.com or Phone Absentee line 41558181

ALL student absentees should be notified to the office by 9am each day. If no notification has been received, an absentee text message will be sent out to parents to advise of the student’s absence.

SCASA - Term 2 2021

Shalom College After School Activities (SCASA)

Shalom College is offering students the opportunity to participate in organised after school activities conducted by coaches and teachers. SCASA also includes a light afternoon tea from 3.15 pm for the students and all activities will conclude at 4.45 pm.

Days

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the 3 available afternoons for SCASA.

Dates

SCASA commences in Week 2 of each Term and continues for 8 continuous weeks of each Term.

Times

3.00 pm - School lessons completed.
3.15 pm - Roll Call and afternoon tea (supplied) at College tuck shop and set up time for coaches
3.30 pm - Activities/ Coaching starts (various venues within school grounds)
4.30 pm - Activities/ Coaching finished
4.45 pm - Students help pack up and return equipment and picked up by parents at front of school.

SCASA Activities - see below

Monday -

Option 1 - Netball with Charlotte Boge (SC or Hangar)
Option 2 - ABC's and Minor Games with Fiona Stevenson (Oval or Hangar)
Option 3 - Basketball with Thomas Laycock (SC or Hangar)
Option 3 - Running Training with Mat Grills (Oval)

Tuesday

Option 1 - Dance with Abby McMillan (Dance Studio)
Option 2 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill, Lockie Capell and Kael Yunus (Hogan classrooms)
Option 3 - Touch Football and OzTag with Riley Dingle (Oval)

Thursday

Option 1 - Next-Jenner-ation Running training with Rebecca Jenner (Oval)
Option 2 - Tennis with Brendan Maher (Tennis Courts)
Option 3 - e-Sports with Gavin Hill, Lockie Capell and Kael Yunus (Hogan classrooms)
Option 4 - Junior Book Club with Louise Hume ( Beeralem Resource Centre/ Library)

* e-Sports = electronic Sports
* ABC's = Agility, Balance and Coordination skills and games
* Book Club - "Join with likeminded people to read and discuss great books. Throughout the term, we will read two books as a group and complete a variety of fun activities reflecting on the novels we have read." Mrs Hume.

Cost

The SCASA Fee is $20.00 per term for each student.
This is to help cover the afternoon tea and instructors/coach costs.
This flat fee of $20.00 is for one, two or all three afternoons activities.
This is to encourage participation in SCASA activities.

After completing the SCASA sign on google form, at approx. week 3 of term - you will receive an invitation on Parent Lounge regarding SCASA.

Please wait until week 3 of term then login to Parent Lounge to give permission for your child to attend SCASA and pay the $20.00 fee.
Once there click on the ‘Tours and Excursions’ tab and you will find a link to SCASA Term 3 - Here you will be able to give permission for your child to attend and pay the fee.
Please also check your contact details and phone numbers are current, as we will be using this information to contact you if needed.
It is very important that all information in Parent Lounge is current as teachers will use this information in case of an emergency and to support the welfare of your child.
Please make sure that you click SAVE before logging out.
If you require assistance with Parent Lounge login, please contact the College Office.

Other school sporting teams will continue to have their own training sessions as usual under the direction of their coaches e.g Strength and Conditioning training, Rugby League, Netball, Touch Football etc.

This SCASA program is designed to give extra opportunities for Shalom College students to become involved in supervised physical activities after school.

Please complete the student and parent details in the google form below

REMINDER - no confirming phone calls are made by the school to confirm you are in the program - as once you sign on and you receive an online response - your child has been registered and please turn up starting week 2.

SPECIAL NOTE - Once an activity is full - I will omit it from the selections below - so it cannot be selected.

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Shalom Cross Country

Congratulations to Lingiari House, the Shalom Cross-Country Champions for 2021. Adams House 2nd place and Chisholm House 3rd filled the minor placings.

We had one new record -
Girls 12 years Layla Collins (Adams) 15.21 minutes

Old record was 15.59 minutes set in 2015 by Jade Garland

Age Champions

Mr Simon Gills
Sports Coordintaor
GillsS@shalomcollege.com

Stepping into Sports

Stepping into Sports is a FREE sports program for children with ASD. It's designed to help introduce kids with ASD to sports, allowing them to try it out in a friendly, supportive environment. The program is designed to teach fundamentals of the sports and increase social interactions. it's designed for children between the ages of 12 to 18 years. Each term 2 different sports are offered, this term's sports are soccer and basketball. School holiday sports programs will be offered for the next 2 school holidays.

A link is provided below for an autism seminar that parents might be interested in. The seminar is on 30 April 2021 and gives strategies to help kids with ASD.

Stepping Into Bundaberg Sports - Term 2 - Soccer

STEPS Autism Treehouse introduces Stepping into Bundaberg Sports! Calling all 12-18 year old school kids with ASD to come and try a variety of different sports in 2021 all for FREE! It’s a great way to learn new skills, make new friends and boost confidence and self-esteem in an inclusive, fun, safe and supportive environment. Spaces are limited so register now! Book now for Term 2 Soccer. Contact Jenny Goodchild for information on the school holiday clinics. 21/04/21 - 19/05/21

Stepping Into Bundaberg Sports - Term 2 - Basketball

STEPS Autism Treehouse introduces Stepping into Bundaberg Sports! Calling all 12-18 year old school kids with ASD to come and try a variety of different sports in 2021 all for FREE! It’s a great way to learn new skills, make new friends and boost confidence and self-esteem in an inclusive, fun, safe and supportive environment. Spaces are limited so register now! Book now for Term 2 - Basketball. Contact Jenny Goodchild for information on the school holiday clinics. 03/06/21 - 24/06/21

STEPS Autism Treehouse - Presents Sue Larkey

This year STEPS Autism Treehouse will be hosting the STEPS Bundaberg Autism Seminar on Friday 30 April. Join us for this special event with keynote speaker Sue Larkey and hear the latest information on autism and Asperger’s syndrome for families and professionals. • Practical Strategies for School and Home • Behaviour Strategies for School and Home • What to do, When to do, Why to do!

Footloose the Musical

Are you ready to cut Footloose?! Kick off your Sunday shoes!

Tickets for the College Musical 2021, Footloose went on sale this morning at 10 am.

Performance dates are as follows:

Thursday 17 June 7:00pm
Friday 18 June 7:00pm
Saturday 19 June 7:00pm

Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for students/concession

Book fast to avoid disappointment, it is sure to be a fantastic show!

Ms Cassie Hoiberg
Performing Arts Coordinator
Cassandra_Hoiberg@shalomcollege.com

IT Department

Did you know you can read more about the apps and games your children are downloading on the new Cyber Safety Hub?

Providing parents with a wealth of information on popular apps such as TikTok and Snapchat, and trending games such as Among Us and Fall Guys, be sure to visit the link below for advice on keeping your family safe online.

Mr Matthew Mills
IT Manager
millsm@shalomcollege.com

Pathways

CQU Regional Medical Pathway Information Session

CQU are holding a Regional Medical Pathway online information session via Zoom on Thursday, 6 May at 4.30 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about how medical students can stay local.

From Term 1, 2022, CQUni's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)  will provide a provisional direct entry pathway into the University of Queensland’s (UQ) regionally-based  Doctor of Medicine  program.

If you would like to learn more about this pathway from the convenience of your own home, register here at the link below.

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

The 2021 Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo will be staged on May 21 & 22 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. This Expo is Queensland’s largest careers, training, education and employment event and is open to all students, graduates, job seekers and career changers.

The event will showcase a vast range of organisations comprising of education and training organisations, government and industry bodies and locally based and national employers who can deliver guidance, clarity and opportunities in relation to future career options.

There will also be:

Interactive hands-on areas for trades
Information on 100’s of real jobs covering many industry sectors
Career workshops and resume advice services
Informative seminars and dynamic stage content to inspire and educate
Give-aways and visitor competitions

For further details go to the link below.

Police Recruiting Seminar (An extremely rare opportunity in Bundaberg)

Are you interested in becoming a Queensland Police officer?

Every day, police work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the Queensland community. There are numerous opportunities to engage in interesting and challenging roles on and off the frontline, and all over the state, including coastal cities and rural and remote towns.

There are several different pathways to become a QPS officer but they all require a shared understanding of serving the community. Not sure if you meet the requirements or what is involved in the process? Then come along to our next Bundaberg police recruiting seminar to see if it is the right career for you.

Sergeant Meg Owens and local officers will be on hand to explain entry requirements and give an insight into their own experiences as Queensland Police Officers.

All attendees must register so click here to book a seat at the link below.

Spots are limited so book in early so you don’t miss out!

When: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 6pm
Where: Bundaberg PCYC, Bundaberg West

For further information please see the following link:

Queensland Ballet Unite Immersion Weekend

Teens are invited to join Queensland Ballet on 1 & 2 May for a special immersion experience, curated for 13-17 year-olds of all skill levels.

In the two-day program teens can learn from experts in health and well-being and build confidence with an empowerment workshop together with developing business skills to enable future opportunities. Students will also get an exclusive look behind-the-scenes with a special wardrobe workshop and dancer Q & A session. Participants will not only enjoy ballet, but hip-hop classes as well, led by expert Teaching Artists.

To find our more information on the schedule and cost go to the link below.

The Pathways Team
Mrs Liza O’Donnell, Mrs Kathy Laing & Mrs Julia Fox
Liza_ODonnell@shalomcollege.com
LaingK@shalomcollege.com
Julia_Fox@shalomcollege.com

Quiet Achiever

Last Thursday we celebrated as a school a moving and thoughtful ANZAC Remembrance Service. During the ceremony we stood in silence united as a school remembering and giving thanks for all the brave men and women who have fought for our country. This was done accompanied by the playing of The Last Post and Reveille on the violin by McAuley Student Fay Hu. Her flawless, talented playing moved the hearts of all attending.

Fay is such a talented, conscientious and thoughtful person who brings her quiet but powerful presence into all she is involved with in both McAuley House and the Shalom community and it is for this reason we recognize her as our McAuley Quiet Achiever.

Ms Paula Van Dalen
McAuley House Coordinator
vandalenp@shalomcollege.com

Team Photo Schedule

Please see link to the Team Photo Schedule for all Summer Sport Teams as well as Rowing, BDSSS Swimming and Cross Country Team and T20 Cricket.

All photos are taken at Mackillop 2 at either Lunchtime or Afternoon Tea.

Students are to wear formal school uniform - including ties for Boys.

Please encourage student to place their team photo date in their student record book.

Year 7 Camps 2021

Year 10 Camps 2021

National Championships

Athletics

Year 12 Student Kharla Hills competed last week at the Australian National Athletics Championships at Sydney’s Olympic Park. Kharla claimed a bronze medal for Long Jump ( 3rd best in Australia) 5.58 m, placed 4th in Triple Jump, narrowly missing a Bronze medal as well as competing in the 200m sprint. This is a fantastic achievement, congratulations Kharla!

Kharla Hills

Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships

Three Shalom staff members recently competed at the 2021 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Maroochydore. Mick Harris from Bundaberg SLSC, John Davis from Moore Park SLSC along with Kylie Giles from Elliott Heads SLSC. Their impressive results are below.

Mick Harris 8th in the 55-59 age group 2Km ocean swim in 25.57 minutes
Mick Harris 1St in 2Km Beach run
John Davis 6th in the 65-69 age group 2Km ocean swim in 39.02 minutes
John Davis 5th in 1 Km Beach run
Kylie Giles 4th in Beach flags 40-44 age group
Kylie Giles 6th in beach sprints

Congratulations to Mick, John and Kylie on your awesome achievements!

Mick Harris

Australian Youth Surf Lifesaving Championships

Year 9 Student Kobi Holden recently competed at the 2021 Australian Youth Surf Lifesaving Championships at Maroochydore. Kobi made the Australian Final of the under 14 Ironman finishing in 10th place after being in medal contention late in the race and made a small but crucial mistake. He was one of only 2 QLD competitors in the 16 person final. Fantastic effort Kobi!

Kobi Holden

Queensland Championships

Table Tennis

Over the holidays Year 10 Student Tahia Zia competed at the QLD State Junior Table Tennis Championships. Tahia has been selected for the Under 17s Girls Queensland team. Congratulations Tahia!

Tahia Zia

Basketball

Last week Year 7 Students Jethro Suosaari, Lukkah Blogg-Redgard, Tye Critchlow, Kai Belford, Madeline Holmes and Lara Gruening competed in the U/12 Wide Bay Basketball trials in Kingaroy. Both Girls and Boys teams from Bundaberg went through undefeated throughout the trials. All the Students displayed great sportsmanship and had so much fun!

Back row -Jethro Suosaari, Lukkah Blogg-Redgard, Tye Critchlow & Kai Belford
Front row – Madeline Holmes and Lara Gruening

Swimming

Congratulations to Year 8 Student Kasey Krueger. Kasey has been selected in the QLD School Sport Swimming Team, there are no Nationals this year, so this is a QLD Merit Team. Congratulations Kasey!

Mr Peter Robinson
High Performance Program
After School Activities
Peter_Robinson@shalomcollege.com

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

MONDAY to THURSDAY - 8:00am – 12:00pm

FRIDAY – CLOSED

Size 12 and 14 Navy jackets are now in stock

Mrs Leanne Barker
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator
barkerl@shalomcollege.com
Phone : 41 558 121

Term Dates for 2021

Term 1: Wednesday 27th January - Thursday 1st April (10 weeks)
Term 2: Monday 19th April - Friday 25th June (10 weeks)
Term 3: Monday 12th July - Friday 17th September (10 weeks)
Term 4: Tuesday 5th October - Friday 3th December (9 weeks)

Parent and Carer Tuckshop Volunteers

At the start of each school year we ask parents to indicate their availability for volunteering in the College tuckshop.

Life is busy and forever changing, so for this reason we have set up a booking system that will not only accommodate our very much appreciated regular volunteers, but also families who may not be able to commit on a regular basis and who may have a day here or there throughout the year to come along and lend a hand and support our students. The beauty of this system is that you can select your day and manage your booking, so if something comes up, you can quickly and easily go online to reschedule or cancel. Your booking will generate a confirmation email with links to manage your booking, it can be synched with your calendar and an SMS is sent the day before as a reminder. Of course, we are also here to help - simply contact Shalom College on 41 55 8111.

For those of you who are regular volunteers your shifts have already been added to the schedule for this year and you should have received an e-mail for each booked shift.

Shifts last from 2 to 3 hours (school drop off to around 11.30 am).

No experience required!

Tuckshop

Breakfast

Breakfast is now available in the tuckshop for purchase each morning 8:00am – 8:30am.

Items include

Bacon & Egg Muffins - $3.50
Ham & Cheese Croissant - $3.50
Porridge & Cereal - $3 (self-service option with milk and bowl & cutlery are supplied)
Fresh Fruit - $1 (seasonal fruits such as; Bananas, Apples, Mandarins etc.)
Plus, the already available items of Yoghurt Pots, Up n Go drinks & Flavoured Milk

Students who train before school need to consider utilising the breakfast menu to replenish energy lost during their training sessions, however must be dressed appropriately before entering the tuckshop and must not be late for class.

Shalom Sunday Markets

Shalom Markets will continue to operate (with restrictions) until further notice!

• Fresh food stalls fruit, vegetable & local food products
• BBQ and tuckshop are operating, social distancing practices are in place
• Social distancing to include gaps between stalls (all outdoors)

SHALOM MARKETS 6AM TO 12PM EVERY SUNDAY!

Markets Tuckshop Roster

New volunteers are DESPERATELY required for the Markets Tuckshop or BBQ, if you have any queries please contact Leanne via email – barkerl@shalomcollege.com

Markets BBQ Roster

Community Notice Board

Rice Trivia Night

Shalom Rowing High Tea

Join Shalom Rowing for our first fundraising event for 2021.

Pick up your glass of bubbly on the way through to the beautifully decorated tables ready with delicious nibbles and steaming teas. There will be fashion parades, as you are entertained by the dulcet tones of Matt Barker as well as gift bags for everyone, raffles and lucky door prizes. All proceeds of the event go directly to the purchase of new racing boats for the Shalom Rowing crews.

Come alone or fill a table for a wonderful afternoon of food, entertainment and gathering of friends, old and new.

Love Bites

Youth Support

Headspace

Link to Survey below

Find Out More below

The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg

Office Hours: 9:00 - 1:00 Monday to Friday
Parish Office: Rossolini Place Level 1, 66 Woongarra St
Ph: 07 4151 6666 PO Box 79 Bundaberg QLD 4670
Email: sbundaberg@rok.catholic.net.au
AFTER HOURS: Anointing of the sick for medical emergencies
phone 4151 6666 and follow the prompt
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF MARY MOTHER OF CHURCH

Current Parish Bulletin

Letter from the Bishop

Curent Roster (Term 1, 2021)

FOCUS by: Fr Peter Tonti
Parish Priest

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

The Easter Season is the time of Hope, Joy and Peace
In the midst of darkness and fear where truth is difficult to find and identity is questioned Christianity offers our world a deep sense of hope, joy and peace. This hope, joy and peace depend upon our understanding of the identity of Jesus and ourselves. Recall at Caesarea Philippi the question Jesus asks: “Who do the people say I am?” (Mark 8:27). This challenging question is not asking what he is like or even what his teachings are, but rather, who do people say I am?!
The Gospels are not first and foremost interested in the moral teachings of Jesus but, rather, who he is. Today we tend to emphasise the humanity of Jesus. In an attempt to make him real we locate him in history and present his wonderful ethical teachings. But who is he? Today we need to return to the four Gospels and recognise that Jesus is clearly presented as speaking and acting in the very person of God. Just some examples are:
Jesus says to the paralysed man, “My son your sins are forgiven”. And the bystanders remark, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy. Who can forgive sins but God alone? (Mark 2:4-7).

From the Sermon on the Mount: Jesus says, “You have heard it said, but I say …” In the first century the listeners would have rightly been taken back. The Sacred Torah given to Moses says “but I say”! This amounts to blasphemy. Jesus is claiming the authority of the one who spoke to Moses!

In reference to himself Jesus says, “You have greater than the Temple here.” (Matthew 12:6). For the first century Jew the Temple was the dwelling place of God. The holiest possible place because the God of Israel lives there. How can Jesus be the dwelling place of God!?

Referencing his own teaching Jesus remarks, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35). How would we respond if an author, at their book launch, made that claim? Who can honestly say such a thing about his own words except the one who is himself in person the eternal word?

Unless you love me more than your mother and father, more than your very life, you are not worthy of me.” (Mathew 10:37). Maybe love God more than … but to make that claim about yourself!?

All four Gospels mention Jesus calming the storm on the sea. The Jews in Jesus’ time were familiar with God’s power to still the storm. Just one example of many is Psalm 107:
Then they cried to their Lord in their trouble
And he brought them out from their distress
He made the storm be still
and the waves of the sea were hushed.

· Jesus walks on the water (John 6:14-21) refers to the very beginning of the Book of Genesis when the Word/Breath/Spirit (Ruach Hebrew) of God hovers over the surface of the chaotic waters. “Who is this man that even the wind and the sea obey him.” (Matthew 8:27). The implication being that this is the one, who in his own person, is doing what God alone can do!

Jesus compels a choice. A decision in which no other religious founder or figure does. The Gospels demand a choice. If he is who he says he is then we must give our whole life to him. If he is God then my heart, my soul and my mind must belong to him. The Alpha and the Omega. If he is not who he says he is then he is a fraud, deluded and self-absorbed. “You are either with me or against me”. (Matthew 12:30). The choice takes time and contemplation. We need to experience the wounds of Christ and realise the Resurrection.

The Divinity and Humanity of Jesus come together without mixing, mingling or confusion. There is no suppression or eradication of Jesus’ humanity but rather the enhancement and elevation of it. We join with Thomas, My Lord and my God. (John 20:28).

The God of Christianity comes, not to overpower, overwhelm or strike down us ‘mere mortals’ but as one of us. In the story of the Burning Bush (Exodus 3-4), the bush is on fire but not consumed. When our God comes to us our beauty and integrity are enhanced not overwhelmed. This makes Christianity the greatest humanism ever proposed. There is no philosophy, either ancient or modern that offers a greater humanism. We proclaim the divinisation of our humanity. In Christ our humanity is raised up, enhanced beyond our imaginings, by the presence of God.

Christianity is far from the oppressive religion that so much of our media and present-day commentary and interpretations claim. We need to know and proclaim our identity going forth with the incarnational confidence to proclaim the greatest possible humanism. We must not be ashamed of Jesus in today’s brokenness but rather journey life with confidence and the deepest joy. Life amidst the challenges and sufferings of our time is raised up through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

(Based on Robert Barron The Identity of Jesus, Focus Seek Conference 2021.)

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