MLMC | Mount Lilydale Mercy College

Dear members of the Mount Lilydale Mercy College community,

Welcome to the month of November and with it two very important celebrations which in the rich tapestry of Catholic traditions, stand out: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. As I reflect on the history and importance of these solemn occasions, I am drawn to the profound spiritual significance they hold for us as Catholics. These days are about honouring and praying for the departed, but they are far more than that. They are also about embracing the continuum of life, and the hope that lies beyond our earthly presence.

(1) All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Historical roots: All Saints Day, also known as the Feast of All Saints, traces its origins back to the early Christian Church. Its celebration on 1 November can be attributed to Pope Gregory III in the eighth century when he consecrated a chapel in Rome to all the saints. The day was established to honour all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. On the following day, All Souls Day, Catholics remember and pray for the souls of all the faithfully departed. These observances reflect a deep intertwining of faith and reverence for the departed souls that have been a cornerstone of Catholic spirituality and life.

All Saints Day and All Souls Day beautifully remind us of our connection with the saints who have gone before us and the souls who await their eternal rest. In remembering the saints, we find inspiration in their holy lives, seeking to emulate their virtues and draw us closer to our God. Through our prayers on All Souls Day, we extend our love and compassion to those departed on their journey towards God's presence.

A source of hope and comfort: All Saints Day and All Souls Day offer solace to the grieving and hope to the despondent. In commemorating the saints, we find encouragement in their perseverance, reminding us that holiness is attainable. In praying for the departed, we find comfort in the belief that our prayers can aid their journey and that one day we, too, will be remembered in the prayers of the living. These two days also help us to build a bridge and remain in relationship with those who have impacted our lives and remain in our hearts with eternal love.

(2) Relationships and building bridges

Last week, I read a lovely story about relationships and building such bridges. Like all good stories it started with “Once upon a time” and I will retell it as I remember it, rather than verbatim.

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side. They had previously shared machinery and helped each other without trouble. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding, and it grew into a major difference with an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on the elder brother’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I am looking for a few days of work”, he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?”

“Yes!” said the elder brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbour, in fact, it’s my younger brother and we don’t get along. Last week he dug a wider passage for water into his farm. But he ended up creating a very wide creek in between our farms and I am sure he did it just to annoy me. I want you to build me something so that I do not have to see his farm.”

The carpenter said: “I think I understand and I think I will be able to do a job that will please you.” The elder brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

At sunset when the elder brother returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The elder brother’s eyes opened wide, and his jaw dropped. It was not what he had even thought of or imagined. It was a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, a fantastic arched bridge with beautiful handrails. And to his surprise, his younger brother across the creek was coming to meet him with a big smile and arms wide open to hug him.

“You are really kind and humble my brother! After all I had done and said to you, you have still shown that blood relations can never be broken! I am truly sorry for my behaviour,” the younger brother said as he hugged his elder brother. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I have a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on”, the carpenter said, “but, I have many more bridges to build!”

(3) Restorative practices

This story reminds us that there is no shame in admitting to making a mistake and importance of rebuilding relationships, but it also reminds me of another great carpenter who walked this earth preaching stories of the importance of love and forgiveness in our lives. It also reminds me of the importance of restorative practices within our College community.

Restorative practices play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and respectful educational environment. Unlike punitive approaches, restorative practices focus on repairing harm and restoring working relationships when conflicts arise. By encouraging open communication, active listening, and empathy, these methods empower us all to take responsibility for our actions and understand the consequences of our behaviour.

One of the key advantages of restorative practices is their ability to address underlying issues that may lead to conflicts, such as misunderstandings, emotional distress, or social pressures. By acknowledging these and having a structured conversation, restorative practices foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. This approach not only reduces disciplinary incidents but also promotes a positive College culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Furthermore, restorative practices enhance social and emotional skills, teaching crucial life lessons in conflict resolution, empathy, and forgiveness. These skills are not only valuable within our College environment but also serve as a foundation for future interpersonal relationships and interactions. These are life skills and as a College that approaches educating in a holistic manner, restorative practices enable us to explicitly teach skills that may not be taught traditional fields of education.

It is our hope at MLMC that by incorporating restorative practices within our College, we help to equip our students with the tools they need to navigate complex social situations, develop emotional intelligence, and become responsible, compassionate members of world, both locally and globally. By prioritising restorative practices, we can create an atmosphere where learning flourishes, and students thrive academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

(4) Community Forum Group

The next meeting of the CGF is scheduled for Thursday 16 November at 7.30pm.

Agenda items may include:

operation of CFG moving forward
dates for 2024
Master Plan/Stage 4 building
College partnerships.

If you wish for anything to be added to the agenda or you wish to attend, please contact Marilyn Ryan via email to principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au.

We are always looking for community members to join the CFG.

(5) College Advisory Council

The College Advisory Council plays a very important role in the operation of the College and I am always interested to hear from community members who may wish to join the Council. If you would like information about the College Advisory Council or if you are interested in joining it in 2024, please contact Marilyn Ryan via email to principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au