The Gospel reading last Sunday told the story of the lepers, cured by Jesus. We are familiar with this story as ten lepers, outcasts of society, called to Jesus to have mercy and “take pity on us.” Out of the ten only one of those who was cured came back to Jesus to thank him.
Sometimes in life we receive a ‘wakeup call’ that makes us stop and take notice of the gifts that we receive in abundance. Having a sense of gratitude for the many gifts we receive helps each of us to focus on how fortunate we are, rather than wishing for more and more.
For one of the men cured, the gratitude shown towards Jesus reflects his understanding that this gift has come from the love God has for humankind.
“Then he said to him, “stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Lk: 11-19)
STUDENT LEADERS 2020
The process of electing the 2020 Student Leaders has been completed and I am pleased to announce the following positions. I congratulate these young men and thank them for their acceptance of their leadership position and the many challenges that comes with leading.
College Captain Elect: | Max McCaul |
College Vice Captain Elect: | Tadgh O’Neill |
President Student Council Elect: | Murphy Woodger |
Academic Captain Elect: | Jack Dunbar |
Cultural Captain Elect: | Jose Lagrosa |
Ministry Captain Elect: | Isaak Collie |
Music Captain Elect: | Sean Kearns |
Sports Captain Elect: | Hamish Muir |
Crane House Captain Elect: | Will Stankunas |
Goold House Captain Elect: | Lachlan Galbraith |
Heavey House Captain Elect: | Hamish McKee |
Murray House Captain Elect: | Declan Ries |
I have assured these young men of the support of the staff and the wider community as they prepare to take up their important roles next year.
SUPPORTERS’ GROUPS
At this time of year most of our supporters’ groups have their Annual General Meetings and the election of office bearers for the next twelve months. Our College is significantly advantaged through the generosity of our many volunteers who give so many hours to support the education of young people. At the recent meetings I attended I was overwhelmed by offers to help the College through the donation of funding for a range of different resources. The College certainly appreciates the efforts of our supporters’ groups and the generous donation of funding.
CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
On Monday evening 28 October, Villanova College will hold its annual Celebration of Excellence at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). This evening recognises the academic achievements of our students and celebrates excellence across the range of activities offered at the College.
QPAC is a wonderful performance space and provides an air-conditioned and comfortable space for families and guests. Unfortunately, the venue has seating for approximately 1500 persons, so it is not possible to accommodate all the students and families of Villanova College.
Our Year 12 students are required to be in attendance for this evening and the families of our senior students have received correspondence from the College about this event. Students who are receiving prizes have also been notified and I invite their families to join with us on this evening to recognise their outstanding work. Families are most welcome to attend and enjoy a very entertaining and enjoyable evening. For further ticketing information, please contact Mrs Kath Underhill kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au.
I ask if a student is attending with his family that he wears the College uniform with tie. I am looking forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students at the 2019 Celebration of Excellence.
PRAYERS
The humanitarian crisis in Syria at the moment calls for mercy and compassion. Despite the actions of people in the past there are many men, women and children who need the support of the world to not allow the death of innocent people.
We pray that the leaders of the World will see the humanity of these people in the faces of the men, women and children.
You have made us for yourself O, Lord
And our hearts are restless until they rest in You.
God bless
Mr Mark Stower, Principal