Anyone who regularly reads this ‘Reflection’ knows that I am something of a ‘Pope Francis Fan Boy’! I think he has been great for the Church I love and for the whole world. Like Jesus, he cops more than his fair share for calling for greater inclusion and compassion in the world. Last December, he went up in my estimation, again, when he wrote a document that said that he was happy for those living in same sex relationships to have such a relationship, blessed, by a priest or minister. He extended that thought to include those whose marriage might have fallen apart and are now in another loving relationship. Francis pointed out that blessings offered by the Church do not require moral perfection from those receiving them.

These blessings are intended to ‘tangibly demonstrate the closeness of God and of the Church to all of those seeking support in a journey of faith.’ Most of us wouldn’t think that there is anything radical or unnerving in that. As Francis went on to point out, many criminals receive a pastoral blessing with no controversy. Regrettably, the document that he wrote brought down moral outrage from many. Very sadly, more than a few Bishops around the world seemed to think this document was a sign of the western world coming to an end as we know it! The Catholic Church, amongst others, have clung to an understanding of same sex attraction rooted in a few carefully chosen verses from the Book of Leviticus. I, and I think Francis, would argue that these need to be read with the context of when they were written and by whom. Jesus came and welcomed all. He forgave all. He reached out to those most at the margins. He said nothing in regard to same sex attraction. Inclusion, welcome and compassion will, I hope, always be hallmarks of all Catholic schools in general and Shalom in particular.

Rev Peter Doherty Ordination – Thursday of this week in Rockhampton, Shalom past student, Peter Doherty, will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockhampton. Peter graduated Shalom in 1993. This is a big event for the Diocese and Shalom. We will have students joining with parishioners from Bundaberg attending the Ordination on Thursday in Rockhampton.

Year 7 2025 Information Night is on Wednesday night (Feb 21) at 7pm. If you have a child looking to attend Shalom next year or know of someone who does, please encourage them to attend. For our current parents, please remember that having a child currently here, does not automatically give a child in Year 6 entry to the College. The enrolment cut off date is April 19.

SCHOOL EASYPAY for School Fee Payments - A reminder about the new paperless direct debit system within TASS Parent Lounge which will efficiently and effectively manage all direct debit payments for the year. It provides a secure payment platform and increases flexibility by allowing families to manage and track their school payments throughout the year from within TASS Parent Lounge. It is important to note though if you wish to move to this direct debit payment system and you already have an existing direct debit set up through the college, please advise and we will cancel this original plan for you.

I’m very grateful to all of those families who ensure that fees are paid on time and schedule. Managing a business this size runs on being able to pay our bills. Your support is enormously appreciated.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com