Newsletter 6: 17 May 2022
Dear Colleagues,
Last Tuesday the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat hosted a most engaging, and challenging evening with Father Frank Brennan SJ AO. Organised by the Marist Mission and Life Formation Team, and facilitated by Association Leader and Provincial Brother Peter Carroll FMS, the topic was Human Dignity – an Aussie value? The report of the evening can be found here. Brother Peter in his concluding remarks, reminded the 600 online participants that among his many awards and recognitions for advocacy and service, especially to Aboriginal Australians and Migrants, Father Frank has been classified by the National Trust as a “Living Treasure”. As we head to the Federal Election on Saturday, amid increasingly frenetic campaigns and media attention, the following reflective words from Father Frank’s Homily this week at Newman College, Melbourne University, are presented for your prayerful reflection.
As we go to the polls next weekend, let’s be prudent about realisable hopes and let’s keep alive all our hopes, even those achievable only in a life to come. And let’s have the humility to accept that whatever the strengths of our democracy, we as a nation are unlikely to achieve too many bold hopes for the enhanced human dignity of all on our planet, given our shared concerns about the national interest and national prosperity. Pope Francis is right when he says, ‘We know how unsustainable is the behaviour of those who constantly consume and destroy, while others are not yet able to live in a way worthy of their human dignity. That is why the time has come to accept decreased growth in some parts of the world, in order to provide resources for other places to experience healthy growth. Benedict XVI has said that “technologically advanced societies must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency”. We haven’t heard that from any candidates whether they be red, blue, green or teal.
The sound bites and sideshow atmosphere of the campaign are at times a misleading and unhelpful distraction from the human rights and voice Australians enjoy as citizens in a democratic country. This fundamental freedom, however imperfect it may seem at times, is important to highlight with our young people, in a spirit of respect and gratitude. In accepting our fortunate reality, may our minds and hearts turn to others in need here in Australia and abroad, especially our sisters and brothers in countries close to our shores.
Again Australian Marists are encouraged to support the vital work of Australian Marist Solidarity and particularly in this Sesquicentenary year of Marist education in Australia, the AMS project to build a Marist School in Timor-Leste. Just this week in conversation with Brother Peter Corr FMS, based at Baucau, significant progress with the project has been made in readiness for the development. Our support is vital to the realisation of this important new school in a country where the needs are great, especially among young people.
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has summarised the most recent policy positions of each party in regard to Catholic education and this helpful document can be accessed here.
Marist Schools Australia was recently informed that Mr Alan LeBroque, the popular Principal of Marian Catholic College in Griffith NSW will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2022 academic year. Alan has been involved in Catholic education for over 40 years as a teacher, Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal mostly in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga. A gifted educator, Alan's leadership at Marian Catholic College has seen a renaissance in all areas of College life. Flourishing enrolments, capital works, and improved student outcomes are among the many legacies of his leadership. Alan has been a charismatic and enthusiastic religious leader whose commitment to outreach and solidarity has animated the generous Marian Catholic College community. Over the past 8 years, Alan has seen the reconnection of the College to its Marist spirituality and traditions by leading the engagement of staff and students in formation programmes and other professional learning experiences. On behalf of Marist Schools Australia, thank you Alan for all you have done for thousands of teachers, students, and families in providing quality Catholic education with such dedication, joy, and passion.
The Catholic Schools Office in Wagga is leading the recruitment and selection process for the new Principal in which MSA Regional Director Dr John Robinson is engaged. The video linked HERE is brought to attention for sharing with Marist educators who may be interested in leading this wonderful College.