6th August, 2013 Reflection Ever generous God, You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy. With confidence in your generous providence and joining with Saint Mary MacKillop we ask that you grant our request. We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness. Ever generous God hear our prayer. We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen. (Feast of Mary of the Cross is Thursday 8th August)
Opening of St Catherine’s of Siena Church
Lone Pine
It was indeed a moment in time on Saturday night for those many people who count themselves as Parishioners in the Catholic Church at Melton. Archbishop Dennis Hart, together with eight concelebrating Priests, opened the new Church in front of a packed house of locals and special guests. The spire stands tall on Bulmans Road for all those who pass by and indeed anyone who visits Melton. A relic of Saint Mary MacKillop, who travelled these parts 100 years ago, was placed in the Sacred Oil Cabinet on the Altar of the new Church.
The College has been fortunate to receive a Lone Pine sapling to be planted in our school grounds as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers on August 6, 1915. As people would be aware the Lone Pine is a poignant symbol of the enduring ANZAC spirit. We will be writing more about this over the next two years as we approach 2015 - the 100th Anniversary of Gallipoli. For parents and students who would like to read more about the meaning behind the Lone Pine this webpage may be an interesting starting point: http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/lone -pine-from-seeds-to-a-living-memorial.htm Mark Sheehan Principal
St Catherine of Siena Church will be a gathering place for the Catholic people of Melton. We pray that the Church be a place of worship and faith as the present Parishioners gather to celebrate our Catholic heritage and hand on the legacy of past Parishioners to future generations.
Lone Pine, Gallipoli