2024 ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ 3: Faith and Mission | ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ College

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Faith and Mission

ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ the Feast of St Dominic

On the morning of Thursday, 1 August our College community will celebrate the Feast of St Dominic with a Mass at St Dominic’s Church. Over eight hundred years ago, St Dominic founded the Dominican Order and because of this, ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ College exists today.

This is a significant event in the life of the College where we pause, reflect and give thanks for St Dominic’s commitment to living out the Gospel message and for his vision in creating the Dominican Order. It is a firm expectation that all students attend this event in full winter uniform with a crossover tie. As parents and guardians, we request your support to ensure students' attendance at this event. Please refrain from making appointments at the beginning of the day and do not endorse a late start or unnecessary absence on this day.

ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ is a Catholic school in the Dominican Tradition where attendance at Mass, and the celebration of our Catholic and Dominican heritage is a vital aspect of our unique ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ identity.

Invitation to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass

Each Thursday morning commencing at 8.00am, ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ College staff gather in our beautiful Chapel to celebrate Mass. Mass is led by our College Chaplain, Fr Kevin Toomey. This sacred time provides us with the opportunity to come together, pray together, and experience a gentle and reflective start to our day. Mass usually ends by 8.30am.

I would like to extend an invitation to parents and guardians to join this prayerful community gathering. You would be very welcome. There is no need to notify the College if you are planning to attend, please just sign in at Main Reception. If you would like further information, please contact Director of Faith and Mission, Bronwyn Ilott at bilott@siena.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, please call Main Reception to speak to me.

Who was Antonio de Montesinos?

Charlotte L speaking at the 2023 Antonio de Montesinos Public Speaking Competition

Each year, ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ College hosts a Public Speaking Competition in honour of Antonio de Montesinos. In naming the event after him, we recognise and celebrate the power of words to speak out against injustice, and move people’s hearts and minds. This event is held at school during Week 8 of ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ 3 and is open to students from all year levels. Students are encouraged to contact Debating and Public Speaking Leader, Charlotte L for further information regarding this competition.

Antonio de Montesinos was a Spanish Dominican friar who worked as a missionary in Hispaniola in the sixteenth century. He is known for being one of the first Europeans to speak out against the treatment of indigenous people by those who colonised them. His public admonishment of the Spanish people was delivered to the congregation in a sermon in 1511.

An extract of the Sermon appears below, denouncing the mistreatment of First People of America by the Spanish: "Tell me, by what right or justice do you hold these Indians in such cruel and horrible slavery? By what right do you wage such detestable wars on these people who lived mildly and peacefully in their own lands, where you have consumed infinite numbers of them with unheard of murders and desolations? Why do you so greatly oppress and fatigue them, not giving them enough to eat or caring for them when they fall ill from excessive labours, so that they die or rather are slain by you, so that you may extract and acquire gold every day? And what care do you take that they receive religious instruction and come to know their God and creator, or that they be baptised, hear mass, or observe holidays and Sundays? Are they not men? Do they not have rational souls? Are you not bound to love them as you love yourselves?"

Supporting Vinnies in ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ 3

In ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ 3, ÄÚÉäÊÓƵ College is supporting the work of St Vincent de Paul. Throughout the term, our Dianella House Captains will be raising awareness about the work that Vinnies does to support those in need. Students and their families can support Vinnies in several ways throughout the term:

  • Clothing Donations: Donations of clean, warm clothes in good condition can be deposited in the Vinnies Clothing Cube in the Undercroft. This is an opportunity to take stock of wardrobe items and donate those no longer worn to someone who may need them. Donations are passed on to Vinnies Op Shops, where goods are sold to fund the work of Vinnies.
  • Homewares Donations: Vinnies are also seeking donations of homewares to sell at their Op Shops. The following items have been requested:
    - Decorative crockery and ceramics
    - Artwork, sculptures and ornaments
    - Candles, ambience and soft furnishings
    - Vases, bowls, pottery and dishes
    - Picture frames and prints
    - Cookware, Tupperware and storage items
  • Bake Sale: If you are a member of Dianella House, bake something for the Bake Sale in Week 5. All students can purchase baked treats from the Dianella Bake Sale in Week 5. All money raised goes directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
  • Rug Up Day: For a gold coin donation, students will also be invited to wear warm casual clothing for our annual Rug Up Day. Date to be confirmed.

Bronwyn Ilott

Director of Faith and Mission
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