Year 8 Retreat

The Year 8 cohort took time out of their busy daily routines to go on retreat on either Monday 2nd or Wednesday 4th September at the Monahan Centre in Queenscliff. The theme of the retreat was Loving our Indigenous Neighbour and focused on our invitation and responsibly as students at a Catholic and Jesuit Partnership School to love and treat others as we would expect to be treated, in particular our Indigenous Australian neighbours.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola firmly believed that improving your ability in something requires practice and repetition. He said that if you want to improve your ability to solve maths equations you need to do practice mathematical exercises that exercise the head. If you want to improve your relationship with yourself, others and God, you need to exercise the heart. If you want to improve your ability to play a sport skilfully, you need to engage in skills exercises. If you want to serve others in a more meaningful way you need to practise and exercise giving freely to and not asking for anything in return.

“For pilgrims, strolling, walking, running are exercises in love, in prayer.”- Andrew Bullen SJ

For Ignatius, it was important to be “fit” in these areas, in particular our head, heart, and hands as these determine how we love others and express that love through service to our neighbour. In light of this, students participated in four sessions that reflected the head, heart, hands and body. These sessions explored historical and contemporary challenges that indigenous Australians have witnessed, how our hearts respond to these injustices, how our hands can creatively serve our neighbours, and how our bodies can respond to a call to action.

The day concluded with a Mass said by Fr Gerry Healy SJ whose homily explored the story of the Good Samaritan and the need in our world today to unconditionally love our neighbour. That is, all of humanity regardless of race, gender, ethic background or religion.

Special thanks to staff for leading the sessions, especially Ms. Blair Shaw for her yoga presentation, Ms. Leeanne Irving for her fantastic catering, Fr. Gerry Healy SJ for celebrating the Eucharist and the students for their respectful and attentive listening and participation. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on living a more just and loving life.

Mrs Deborah Hodge Year 8 Coordinator and Ms Alicia Deak Ignatian Coordinator