By Jenni Kennedy
Staff from each of the three offices gathered on Tuesday, January 19 for a welcome Mass at St Mel’s Church in Shepparton South. Bishop Shane Mackinlay presided at the Eucharist, concelebrated by Very Rev. Brian Boyle, the Episcopal Vicar for Education and Parish Priest, Fr Peter Taylor.
It was the first time since the impact of Covid-19 that Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd staff were able to gather as a faith community, making sure the required health and safety protocols were adhered to.
A Commissioning Ceremony for new staff took place during the Mass. Bishop Shane presented each new staff member with a candle, commissioning them to the ministry of education and educational leadership within the Church community. Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Paul Desmond presented the Catholic Education Sandhurst Vision Statements to new staff, calling on them to lead with vision, innovation and with a spirit of empowerment.
Catholic Education Sandhurst welcomes the following staff to the office in 2021:
Julie Chaplin – Finance and Administration Officer
Joan Coldwell – Project Officer: School Advisory Councils (.8)
Samantha Dowling – Assistant to the Director: People and Culture
Maria Ford – Education Officer: Spirituality and Faith Formation
Georgia Gordon – Education Officer: Primary Religious Education
Carla Jeffrey – Assistant to the Director: Early Childhood Education and Care
Kim Saunders – Risk and Compliance Officer
Louise Feiss – Speech Pathologist
Staff who commenced during 2020
Jill Mannix – Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
Monique Chalker – Procurement and Contracts Officer
A formation day took place via video conferencing the following day, with presenters Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Fr Brian Boyle EV on the writings of Pope Francis in “Fratelli Tutti”, the Holy Father’s Encyclical of Fraternity and Social Friendship.
‘There is no need for me to stress the benefits of dialogue. I have only to think about what our world would be like without the patient dialogue of the many generous persons who keep families and communities together. Unlike disagreement and conflict, persistent and courageous dialogue does not make headlines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine,’ said Pope Francis (198 Fratelli Tutti).
Our Pope provides such wisdom and thoughtful reflection during this time of uncertainty. Fratelli Tutti were the words used by Saint Francis of Assisi as he proposed a new way of life for his brothers and sisters. This saint of fraternal love, simplicity and joy inspired Pope Francis to write the Encyclical, Laudato Si and now, Fratelli Tutti, which is devoted to fraternity and social friendship.
‘In his simple and direct way, Saint Francis expressed the essence of fraternal openness that allows us to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives,” said Pope Francis (1 Fratelli Tutti).
We remember the writings of Pope Francis and the love he shares with all the world as we commence our work in 2021. May this year be a fulfilling one for everyone in our schools and offices as we set about delivering the very best learning outcomes for those entrusted to our care.
Photograph courtesy of Jenni Kennedy.
