One of my favourite scripture passages is from the Gospel reading from Matthew 16:13-20, where we encounter a moment of profound significance. Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter’s response, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," is a declaration of faith that forms the cornerstone of our Christian identity. In this exchange, Jesus affirms Peter’s role as the rock upon which He will build His Church, a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and commitment.
This Gospel challenges us as a school community to reflect on how we recognise and respond to Christ in our lives. It is a call to deepen our faith and to express it through our actions—particularly in our relationship with our Catholic sister school, St. Francis Kizinga in Uganda.
Our partnership with St. Francis Kizinga is a powerful expression of our College motto, 'Live Fully, Act Justly'. Through our feeding program, we provide breakfast for the students at St. Francis, ensuring that they have the nourishment they need to start their day. Our building program, which has seen the construction of three classroom blocks and the provision of furniture and stationery, is a testament to our commitment to justice and equity, providing our brothers and sisters in Uganda with the resources they need to thrive.
In living out our motto, we are called to recognise the presence of Christ in others and to respond with compassion and generosity. Just as Peter was entrusted with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, we too are entrusted with the responsibility of making a positive impact in the world. Our support of St. Francis Kizinga is more than an act of charity; it is a reflection of our shared values and our commitment to living out the Gospel in tangible ways.
For our students, this partnership provides a valuable lesson in what it means to Live Fully and Act Justly. It is an opportunity to see firsthand, the difference that can be made when we put our faith into action. It teaches them that living fully means embracing the fullness of life that Christ offers, and acting justly means standing up for the dignity and well-being of others, especially those in need.
As we continue this school year, let us keep the question Jesus posed to His disciples in our hearts: "Who do you say that I am?" May our answer be evident in the way we live out our faith, in how we support our sister school, and in our daily interactions with one another. Let us strive to be a community that embodies our motto, living fully and acting justly in all that we do.
I encourage you all to pray for our brothers and sisters at St. Francis Kizinga, and to consider how we can continue to strengthen this important relationship. Together, let us build a school community where Christ is at the centre, guiding us to live lives of purpose, compassion, and justice.
Farewell to Fr. Maurie
As Fr. Maurie Cooney steps into retirement, our staff had the privilege of hosting a special thank you morning tea in his honour. The event was a heartfelt gathering, attended by staff who wished to express their gratitude for Fr. Maurie’s many years of dedicated service and his significant contributions to the parish and school communities.
Fr Maurie thanked the community and emphasised the ‘companionable’ relationship CRC Caroline Springs has fostered amongst our priests, staff and families to further the mission of the Church.
For the past 7 years, Fr. Maurie has been the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart/Emmaus Parish, where his pastoral care extended to the communities of Sacred Heart Primary School, CANA Primary School, and Emmaus Catholic Primary School. He has also been the President of the Association of Canonical Administrators for the Catholic Regional College Federation.
As we bid farewell to Fr. Maurie, we extend our deepest gratitude for all he has done for the Archdiocese of Melbourne and our community. We pray that he will have a peaceful and fulfilling retirement, filled with the same joy and love that he has so generously shared with us over the years.
