Easter Reflection
In the words of Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv Bishop of Parramatta, Holy Week is “the most sacred, grace-filled and transformative time in the Church’s liturgy. The … Holy Week ceremonies that culminate in the celebration of Easter are a powerful re-enactment of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Everything we believe and hold dear is grounded in this paschal mystery.”
I thank the students who had the courage to enact the Stations of the Cross at our Easter liturgies, providing a focus for all staff and students to reflect on the Easter mystery.
“Easter gives us the meaning, strength and power to transform the world in which we live. Easter provides us with the horizons of hope within which we strive for the full realisation of the reign of God.
“At the heart of the Easter message is the summons to a new future against the background of entrenched hopelessness. As with Mary and the disciples, who were emboldened to move from the shadows of crucifixion into the light of the resurrection, the Church today must be a pioneer leading humanity to new dawn of greater justice, equality and fraternity.”
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
150th Jubilee – Diocese of Sandhurst
This year we celebrate the 150th Jubilee Year of the Diocese of Sandhurst, which was highlighted at the annual Chrism Mass on 26 March in Sacred Heart Cathedral (see article below). Bishop Shane’s Easter Message shares this story, from the discovery of gold in 1851 and the arrival of Dr Henry Backhaus shortly afterwards, to the establishment a little over twenty years later of the Diocese of Sandhurst in 1874. This Easter marks the 150th anniversary of that event. There is, of course, much to celebrate as we reflect on this journey, including providing schools for the education of young people and the generous service of priests, religious, and countless volunteers and staff. Of course, the pioneering Sisters of Mercy have been woven throughout this story since their arrival in Bendigo in 1876. Plans are underway for our own 150th Jubilee celebrations in 2026.
Mercy Education Ltd (MEL)
Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has a new MEL Board representative supporting us and attending the College Advisory Council. Karen Jongebloed, Deputy Board Chair and Board Director plans to visit in May, tour the College and attend the Advisory Council meeting.
Welcome Back
We look forward to welcoming students for the first day of classes next Tuesday, 16 April. I trust that all in our community have had a restful break and are looking forward to another busy and rewarding term, within and beyond the classroom. The College’s co-curricular offerings are an important part of the education offered by Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and we encourage students to make the most of these opportunities to grow beyond the classroom, represent the College and gather as a community during Term 2.
Mr Brian Turner, Principal
