I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep John 10:15
In the Church calendar, the fourth Sunday of Easter is known Good Shepard Sunday, and this occurred last Sunday. The Gospel reading for the Mass was taken from the Gospel of John. In this Gospel reading we are reminded that Jesus is the Good Shepard and says that he will lay down his life for his sheep.
On Good Shepherd Sunday, we remember Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who guides and cares for His flock with boundless love. We ask Him to bless our Church with devoted shepherds and faithful servants who will follow His example.
Let's pray for those who are discerning their calling, that they may listen to God's voice amidst life's distractions and respond with courage and openness. May they find clarity and peace in their journey of discernment.
We also lift up our current priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers in prayer, asking God to strengthen them in their ministry and fill their hearts with joy and purpose. We can support vocations in practical ways, whether it's through our prayers, encouragement, or creating opportunities for young people to explore their calling.
In the words of Pope Francis, "Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit." Let's join our hearts in prayer, trusting in God's promise to be with us always.
May – The Month of Mary, Mother’s Day and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
May is traditionally dedicated in a special way to honoring Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. By our devotion to Mary, we acknowledge how our relationships with women enrich our lives and how we are drawn closer to God through the example of Mary. We give thanks to our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, colleagues and women friends for the special way they bring the virtues of Mary into our world. Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example and inspiration to us all about the way to Jesus.
Mother’s Day and our devotion to Mary also calls us to consider the injustices perpetrated against women in our world. The month of May is also Domestic and Family Violence Awareness. Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is an annual event held each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available for those affected.
Our schools play an important role in the prevention of social problems such as domestic and family violence. As a Catholic school, we want to form active citizens for whom the morality and the long-term impact of their actions, is a major consideration.
We want to produce young adults for whom virtues like love, compassion and justice are not just good manners, but are lifelong values. Knowledge by itself is not enough; proper human formation demands that the acquisition of knowledge be joined to the teachings of the Catholic Church and of developing good values and character.
In the context of Mother’s Day and the month of Mary, we at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, want to produce good young men and women who are not only good husbands and wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers but who are also prepared to take a stand against social problems like domestic violence.
I would like to wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday 12 May.
ANZAC DAY
As we come together on to celebrate Anzac Day, we pause to reflect on the profound significance it holds for us as Australians and New Zealanders. Anzac Day, observed on the 25 April each year, commemorates the brave servicemen and women who have served and sacrificed for our nations in times of conflict and peacekeeping missions around the world.
At Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, we take great pride in instilling values of courage, compassion, and service within our students. Anzac Day provides a poignant opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of these values and honor the legacy of those who have gone before us. Our College Captain and Deputy Captains were actively involved in the Caroline Springs Anzac Day Dawn Service, laying a wreath at the War Memorial site on Lake Caroline.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by the Anzacs, we are reminded of the importance of courage in the face of adversity. The courage displayed by these individuals, often in the most harrowing of circumstances, serves as a powerful example for us all. It challenges us to confront our own fears and challenges with resilience and determination.
Moreover, Anzac Day serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity. The Anzacs demonstrated unwavering compassion for their fellow comrades, risking their own lives to ensure the safety and well-being of others. Their acts of selflessness inspire us to cultivate empathy and compassion within our own lives, reaching out to those in need and standing in solidarity with the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities.
In closing, let us strive to embody the spirit of courage, compassion, and service in all that we do, both within our school community and beyond and pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who have served our nations with bravery and honor.
Lest we forget.