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Prayer
Peace be with you all!
Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ,
the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock.
I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts,
in your families, among all people, wherever they may be,
in every nation and throughout the world.
Peace be with you!
It is the peace of the risen Christ.
A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.
A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all, unconditionally.
Today’s reflection includes the first greetings of our new Pope Leo XIV to the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome last week. The election of Robert Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome last Thursday concludes an extraordinary time for the Universal Church. As the first American Pope and one with profound links to Latin America, Pope Leo promises to continue Pope Francis’ commitment to the Other, to ensuring that the world’s poor and vulnerable remain at the centre of the mission of the church.
Embracing our local and national communities
Although the life of Sacred Heart College is normally very diverse and exciting, the last couple of weeks have included a range of particularly special events:
Last Friday, the John Arthurson Atrium hosted almost 500 students and family members for the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. On a delightful crisp and sunny morning, the space was full of excited conversations, lovely music and the very privileged sight of families enjoying a meal together. A big thanks to all who contributed to the organisation of the morning but especially Ms Janet Monaghan and her team of senior hospitality students.
Over the next couple of weeks, the College’s commitment to ongoing and unconditional reconciliation with our nation’s First Peoples is a special focus. Thursday morning, the College gathered for the annual Makarrata assembly led by our student leaders; the assembly explored a range of contemporary issues and opportunities for our school community including the work towards Treaty in Victoria, the Lake Mungo immersion (detailed below) and the upcoming national Reconciliation Week (May 17 – June 3).
Last week, a group of SHC students and staff travelled to the Murray River and Lake Mungo in New South Wales representing the College’s first immersion experience of this type. The immersion was led by Red Earth and provided both students and staff profound insights into the connections between Australia’s First Peoples and the lands on which they live(d). I encourage all Sacred Heart College community members to read the personal accounts of our Lake Mungo crew in the next couple of newsletters.
Under beautifully sunny late Autumn skies, the school gathered at the Bendigo Athletic Centre for the annual College Athletics Carnival. The enthusiasm and energy of all students was a joy to behold. Special congratulations to the College’s Year 12 students whose costumes and leadership were of particular note on the day.
Bereavements: Your prayers are asked for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently. The Foskett family on the passing of Brian Foskett, Grandfather of Angus Y10F, and the Bosanko family on the passing of Judith Walsh, Aunty of Dylan 10B, Rhys 10A and Mitchell 12A.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
