On Thursday, February 16, staff and students at Notre Dame College gathered in the school’s Mercy Stadium for opening mass.
Present was the Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay.
Bishop Mackinlay acknowledged how wonderful it was that the college was committed to beginning the year with an opening mass.
His message highlighted the college’s motto and this year’s theme ‘to seek, to see, to respond’.
He encouraged students to seek goals in their lives, to see with insight and in the life of the gospel and to respond to circumstances with generous and committed action.
The Bishop also reflected on the challenges the community faced during the flood events last year and how it was “encouraging” to see schools such as Notre Dame College supporting other schools that had been struggling.
“I have enormous appreciation for the way that communities like Shepparton and Mooroopna, Rochester and Elmore have worked to support the people in their communities who have been affected by last year’s floods,” he said.
The college also heard from its school captains, Ella Kightly and Lachlan Howard, and vice-captain Shelby Hutchins, who also reflected on this year’s theme.
Lachlan touched on the first part of the school’s theme, ‘to seek’.
Addressing his cohort he said that in their final year at the college, it was vital that they continued to seek new opportunities that may arise.
“Whether it be furthering your education, developing your sports, or your faith in God, we should always seek to improve ourselves, helping us reach our goals no matter how big or small,” he said.
“Seek the answer for how you can achieve these goals and face the challenge and enjoy each moment of it.”
Ella reminded students of the gratitude they should display after everything they faced over the past three years during lockdowns.
“If there wasn’t any better way to remind you of being grateful for everything around us and the freedom we have, I don’t know what is,” she said.
She ended by emphasising the need “to see” things, not just look at them but to see and perceive what they really are.
“Time does not stand still or move any slower for anyone; it is in your own hands to grasp every second for what it is worth,” she said.
‘To respond’ was the final part of this year’s college theme.
Shelby mentioned that “to respond” was a concept that could be interpreted in many ways.
“Responding in the image and likeness of God is key to our faith, to not just believe but to act, displaying Mercy and Marist values, which are the core of our college community,” she said.
“So, remember to respond to each situation by making the most of your time here at Notre Dame College, try your best, and when you make mistakes, respond to them by learning from them.”