Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

A small but enthusiastic group of students and staff joined in the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service outside the Narthex at midday on Wednesday, 10th October. Following our Pentecost celebration, the Chaplains wished to celebrate the end of the 2007 academic year with a shared Thanksgiving Celebration at the Clayton campus. Mid October is a busy time of the academic year, but for those of us who attended, it was a great opportunity to join in the prayers, readings, reflection and hymn singing. The sausage sizzle which followed proved an enjoyable opportunity for a "getting to know you" session. Our special thanks to the Chaplains for this enterprise, to those who took the time to share in the occasion and especially to our musicians lead singers and banner makers. A considerable amount of hard work went into the organising of this event and we felt truly blessed at the outcome of our endeavours.

Thanksgiving Mass with Archbishop Denis Hart

On Sunday, 7th October, we welcomed Archbishop Hart into our midst for the Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the end of the academic year. A large congregation filled the large chapel at Monash to near capacity as we joined in the Eucharistic celebration. By special request, Archbishop Hart asked to have his photo taken with our choir! It repaid the dedication of this group of students and staff who make our weekly Sunday celebrations so joyful and prayerful. We are fortunate to have had the presence of so many Victorian Bishops visiting the Clayton campus during the 2007 academic year and look forward to extending similar episcopal invitations in 2008.

Joint Catholic Doctors and Catholic Lawyers Seminar

A group of approximately 50 participants comprising students, staff and professionals enjoyed a stimulating seminar in the Narthex of the Monash Religious Centre on 14th September 2007. The event was organised by Catholics on Campus and the Catholic Doctors and Catholic Lawyers Associations. The purpose of the evening was to provide a forum for the those present to learn more of the ethical issues which can confront us in our professional lives. Guest speaker Marcia Riordan, from the Respect Life Office, described the works undertaken by her secretariat. Her talk helped us to realise how much we can be influenced by popular culture and the media and that the Respect Life Office can be the means of helping us to find ready information on the Church's teachings and how the Church can offer assistance to people who can be, at times, placed in very difficult and sensitive situations.

Anna Krohn from the John Paul 11 Institute chose as her topic "Living a Virtuous Life". Anna's philosophical talk was coloured by ample examples of everyday life and incidents which challenge us to live virtuously. Examples included the action and example of the father of three who chose to go to the assistance of a woman being mistreated and thereby lost his own life. Similarly, we saw the courage of the young mother and doctor who courageously chose the life of her baby by delaying what might have been lifesaving chemotherapy for herself.

The social interaction which followed the talks was very much appreciated by all present and we look forward to our next opportunity to join together for such a spirited occasion.

Our Lady's Birthday Celebration

On Tuesday, 4th September, members of the Monash praesidium of the Legion of Mary welcomed staff members and students to a luncheon celebration in honour of Our Lady's birthday, which was to be celebrated on Saturday, 8th September. Most of the guests regularly attend the 12.10p.m. Mass in the Religious Centre. We invite staff and students to become members of the Legion or to join us for daily Mass in the Small Chapel.

CoC Dinner with the Melbourne Catholic Lawyers

On 3rd August it was our good fortune to be able to send five students from Monash University Catholics on Campus group to attend the Melbourne Catholic Lawyers Dinner. Bishop Anthony Fisher O.P. was the keynote speaker. Occasions such as this dinner afford our students the opportunity of meet other law students and to be mentored by members of the law profession. From the point of view of the Catholic Lawyers, it affords the chance to ensure that their work and achievements are being passed on to like-minded law students. Thanks to Lyn Saldanha and Pranita Fernandes for these photos.

Baptism Pictures

View the album here.

On Sunday 22nd July Bishop Hilton Deakin was main celebrant, assisted by Monash Chaplain, Fr. Peter Hoang O.P. for the second semester Commencement Mass. A large group of staff, students, family and friends gathered together to celebrate this important occasion. It was a joy for Catholics on Campus to welcome new members into our Church community. Their commitment inspires members of the congregation in our own faith journey. We are grateful to our Bishops for joining us at Monash on these key occasions throughout the academic year.