Loving God, help us to focus on what we can do for others so that we learn the genius of ‘it is in giving that we receive’. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear Families/Carers,
What a change five weeks can bring. Who would of thought at the time of our last newsletter that our country and the world would be so focused on the current unprecedented issue at hand. During this time, I have had the privilege of speaking with a number of students, staff and families, regarding their individual journey through the evolving situation that is COVID-19, the challenges they face and how this is impacting their day to day lives. For each person and their family this is different, but they all talk about the uncertainty to everyday life that COVID-19 brings and at times the fear and anxiety that comes with this.
I have also seen the other side of this and the incredible strength of the Ave Maria Community, the random acts of kindness and how we come together to support each other in a time of need. I believe that this is a strength of our community and one that we can be proud of. It is this that exemplifies the call of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, that is, our call to serve, to respect, to accompany, to have a heart full of goodness and to love truth. As a community we will continue to work together to support each other through this difficult time and to provide for the wellbeing and education of your daughters. As you will be aware, we have established the community@avemaria.vic.edu.au email address for families that need to make contact with us during this time. We have also published a list of key contact phone numbers which have been distributed to families via email and can also be found on PAM. I encourage all families to make use of these avenues of communication when needed, particularly, given the changing financial circumstances of some families. We are committed to the ongoing support to our families and will communicate with you in a timely and appropriate manner as the situation evolves.
In concluding I would also like to share with you a prayer that was recently shared with me.
God of ordinary people, we want to hear your voice.
May we welcome your voice in the health professionals, political leaders and community agencies.
May we welcome your voice in the homeless, jobless and fearful.
May we welcome your voice in our families, our schools, our friendships.
We do not always welcome the voices of prophets because they make us uncomfortable with the ways things are and the way things could be.
This is our God, whose people we are.
Amen.
Many thanks to the Ave community for your continued support. We wish you all a Happy Easter and a healthy and safe break.
God bless, and as a community may we continue to Strive for Truth through Love.