John Therry Catholic College eNewsletter

CHAMPAGNAT DAY

Today we celebrate Champagnat Day where Fr Marcellin Champagnat founded the Little Brothers of Mary in 1817 to bring education and an experience of Christ, to country children in France. He wanted to change the lives of rural children who were largely uneducated after the French Revolution.

The Little Brothers of Mary has grown to become the Marist Brothers of today and this year we celebrate 205 years of Marists across the world. 205 years of making a difference.

Marcellin is a great story, he hardly attended school himself, struggled in the seminary but persevered. As a young Priest, Marcellin was posted as assistant Parish Priest to the small village of La Valla, in the very mountainous and rugged area near where France joins Switzerland.

He was unconventional and took on jobs that many thought a Priest should not do. He was a man of action and deeds. He would roll up his sleeves and get stuck into the work that had to be done. He wanted to create family and to make a difference.

Marcellin must have been a strong man, he walked daily into the mountains, to the Hamlets and villages that he served, covering very tough terrain in very cold, often snowy and dangerous conditions. Moved by the Spirit, he walked through the mountain villages to talk to children about God – to make Jesus known and loved. To make a difference in their lives.

As students at John Therry, every single student and teacher is a member of the Marist family.

As we sit here today we need to appreciate that not only are we a Marist family, but a part of a wider worldwide Marist family. All over the world this week, in Marist communities the Sub Tuum (a prayer to Mary) will be sung. Part of the larger Marist family making a difference.

Next year we will be aiming to renew our connection to Vanuatu, under the supervision of Mr Martyn, we will prepare to send some Yr 11 on a life building experience. Those young people next year, students of John Therry, will have the opportunity to BE Marcellin, and reach out to the community at Port Orly. To make a difference.

A celebration like today does not just happen. A special thank you to Mrs Fenessy for her work in preparing the liturgy and to Mrs Scott for all the certificates and awards. (Applause) I think that we can sometimes be little casual in appreciating the gifts of these wonderful people.

To the staff – magnificent, dedicated and really caring about you -the students and your life chances, you also make a real and genuine difference. I am proud of your commitment to the greater life of the school - and that makes the difference to so many of our students. You truly are like the early Marists. Students can you please thank your teachers.

I also acknowledge you the students. Thank you for how you have participated this morning. Thank you for supporting each other in the difficult times.

Today we also recognize members of our John Therry family who have excelled in various areas this year and I congratulate all those who will be presented.

The last time I spoke to you I talked about being intentional – taking responsibility for your life and not letting it just happen. As I walk down the A block corridor each day I see the sign – What will you do with your one wild and precious life. (Repeat)

So I ask you that question. What will you do, will you be intentional and make a difference as Marcellin did? I believe that you can.

Thank you