Mass serves as a motivation

By Jack Miller, Year 10, St Augustine’s College

ON February 15, St Augustine’s College celebrated its commencement mass.

The Saints community, including current scholars, parents, staff and old boys, gathered in Lennon Hall to take part in our first liturgical event of 2018.

College principal Brother Darren Burge led the celebration and spoke of Christian symbolism. He described the significant role of Mary and St Marcellin as icons in the church.

He elaborated on their importance and described their presence in our daily lives. After psalms, college chaplain, Father Laurie Timms began his homily.

As a military man himself, it was fitting that he spoke about a navy vessel – America’s first nuclear aircraft carrier.

Father Laurie quoted from a speech given by the ship’s captain after its recent retirement.

The captain detailed the two sides of life which coexist in a naval vessel: below deck and above deck.

He likened it to the “above deck” nature of life at school and the “below deck” nature of home life and how the two interact.

Preceding the eucharistic prayer, we witnessed the induction by Brother Darren of this year’s student leaders.

Marist regional director Br Neville Solomon also made a visit and presented a superb and relevant gift – the complete history of the Marists. Before the breaking of the bread, senior homeroom teachers awarded badges to their Year 12 homeroom students and ties to the prefects of 2018.

The senior class, brothers, staff, students and parents pledged their commitment and effort to the school community. Four weeks into the routine of the school year, the ceremony was a welcome respite and a source of motivation for students and staff alike.