Welcome back to our final term which commenced with Catholic Mission Month which was about raising awareness of the life-giving work of lay and religious missionaries around the world with the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move.” Catholic Mission aims to encourage everyone to share the message of love and hope not only through their words, but also through their actions. In response the Faith Team led weekly prayer services and looked for further ways to inspire our College community in faith and mission.

We celebrated World Teachers’ Day on Friday 27 October. In the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Hats off for teachers,’ a lovely morning tea was hosted and for a bit of extra fun, we invited teachers to wear a hat. We had a surprise visit from our student leaders who put together a powerful presentation which gave thanks for the dedication and commitment of all our teachers. This day is also an opportunity to remember the young people who are at the heart of all we do.

We had an overwhelming response to our staff Operation Christmas Shoe Box Appeal with over 50 boxes filled with toys, stationary, clothes and care items. We dropped them off this week and look forward to discovering the destination country of our shoeboxes. A sincere note of thanks for all involved in making a real difference this Christmas.

Thank you for your ongoing support with our early Advent in Action Appeals. Our local Vinnies Conference and CatholicCare Victoria rely on our support to make up hampers to be delivered to those in our area just before Christmas. Each class was given an empty basket with the hope to fill this up by the end of November. Remember for many, our donations can be the only gift items they receive at this time of year. We certainly need the support of all our families. If you would like to drop off any extra food items, donate money or provide any vouchers you can via our Front Administration Office or please feel free to contact me aseveri@msj.vic.edu.au

November we enter the month of Remembrance traditionally a time in which the Catholic community remembers those who have died and pray for those grieving or missing their loved ones. It commences with Solemnity of All Saints Day (1 November) and the Commemoration of the All Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day – 2 November.) This month should serve as a valuable reminder of who we are and what we are made for. There is a Mexican saying that people die three times: the first is when they die; the second is when they are buried; and the third is when they are forgotten. Celebrating during this month of remembrance is one way to never forget those who have gone before us. We will host weekly prayer services and encourage our college community to visit the Chapel to pray for loved ones or friends. I’ve included an All Soul’s Day poem by John O’Donohue, the last paragraph is particularly inspiring.

https://becketmonk.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/all-souls-day-poem-by-john-odonohue/

May we also continue to keep in our prayers and thoughts the people of Palestine and Israel and the ongoing conflicts elsewhere. With your compassionate generosity, we can help provide emergency support to people displaced and affected by the most recent hostilities. To donate to Carita Australia Gaza Crisis Appeal

https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/gaza-crisis/

Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity