Mission
Ash Wednesday
The Lenten season begins this week with the observance of Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, either at Mass or at a special celebration, people receive ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us and is worn as an act of penance. As the persons who are distributing the ashes make the Sign of the Cross, they say, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel" (adapted from Mark 1:15) or “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return” (adapted from Genesis 3:19). The ashes are made of the palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.
Here at Shalom, Mass will be celebrated in Loyola Chapel at 8am, with ashes being taken to House areas for House Assembly gatherings later in the day. At these assemblies, students will lead a prepared Liturgy, including the distribution of the blessed ashes. Through this experience, we intend that students should grow in their understanding of the importance of this season to the Catholic community, while connecting with the themes of humility and contrition.
During Lent, we encourage support of Caritas’ Project Compassion. Please look out for further information regarding opportunities that students can get involved in to support this worthwhile charity.
Year 12 Induction
Last Thursday we celebrated our Year 12 Cohort through prayer and symbol.
Families joined in our celebration that was led by past student, Father Peter Doherty. Through prayer the students, along with their senior ties and badges, were thoroughly blessed by Fr Peter. Each student was ‘called by name’ to receive their senior tie and badge as their families watched on. In accepting these symbols, students pledged to embrace the opportunities and challenges that the year ahead would bring. This included focussing their energy and talents to inspire others to be men and women of action, following the example of Jesus and the House Patrons. The ceremony finished with the very engaging and uplifting College Captains’ Address.
Thank you to the many people behind the scenes who help make an event such as this come together. In particular, we thank Fr Peter for travelling down from his Parish at Gladstone. The College Captains took the opportunity present Fr Peter with a custom stole that celebrates his link to Shalom College.
Masses
Gathering as a community to participate in Mass is central to being Catholic. As a Catholic School, we provide opportunities for students and staff to participate in Masses, regardless of their own faith background or none. Therefore, each House will join with another, to celebrate a House Mass during one of their timetabled Assembly times in Term 2 or Term 3.
Each Religious Education class will also cohost a Wednesday morning Mass at 8am in our chapel. This Mass occurs during term time and is a Parish Mass, so it is open to all. The Mass finishes before the 8.40am bell. Religious Education teachers will email a notice to families prior to their allocated Mass, and we encourage attendance. Upcoming Masses will be hosted by our year 11 and 12 students.
Wednesday 5 March Ms Jenny Elphinstone's RAE 12B, F & G
Wednesday 12 March Mrs Sandra Freeman's SOR 12A & Ms Van Dalen's RAE 12E
Wednesday 19 March Mrs Nicole Harman's RAE 12D & RAE 11 A & E
Also, if you would like to join in other Parish services, the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg advertises Mass times at https://www.bundabergcatholic.net.au/mass-prayer/
Mrs Sandra Freeman
Assistant Principal - Mission
Sandra_Freeman@rok.catholic.edu.au