Reconciliation Liturgy

Last Friday was the end of the third week of Lent and the College held a Reconciliation Liturgy in the Chapel led by Fr. Wayne. Stones and bowls of water were used to symbolise being free and cleansed, celebrating the loving embrace of God when we turn toward him and away from our sins.

Resources for Lockdown from The Catholic Diocese

The Catholic Diocese (via Amy Armstrong) has put together some resources for lockdown:

https://www.cdd.org.nz/lockdownresources

Pray with the Pope:
https://clicktopray.org/pray-with-the-pope/

Also, here is a link to the St Patrick's Parish new Facebook page. Fr Wayne shared his Mass on this page. Please share this with your friends and others who are interested.

https://www.facebook.com/St-Patricks-Parish-Oamaru

Temporary Suspension of all Masses due to COVID-19

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops have been carefully considering the steps they need to take with Mass and other public liturgical gatherings because of the strong Government restrictions on public gatherings to counter the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Effective immediately, all Masses are to cease until further notice. Churches may remain open seven days a week for private prayers and reflection, but parish priests should ensure that numbers of people present remain small and follow Ministry of Health social distancing guidelines to stay at least 2 metres from each other.

Funeral services may continue but they must be brief and only with small numbers of close family and friends allowed. Those attending must also follow Ministry of Health guidelines for social distancing.

Baptisms, weddings and other public liturgical gatherings already planned may proceed but only with very small numbers of close family and friends present; again, those attending must follow Ministry of Health guidelines for social distancing.

Public liturgical gatherings not yet planned must not be approved and should be delayed until further notice. Funeral services will continue but with small numbers; these services will also meet safe practices and must be brief.

While this announcement today will disappoint many people, but it will also be welcomed by others. It also follows identical moves by Catholic bishops in many other countries. Pope Francis is himself setting the international Church example by not celebrating public Masses.

Your bishops and a number of dioceses are looking at live-streaming of Mass. Online resources for those who wish to pray at home, especially on Sundays, and to follow daily Mass online are offered at www.nlo.org.nz or on your local Diocesan
website.

We again emphasise to all parishioners the importance of good practices of hygiene, including regular washing of hands, covering coughs and sneezes with elbows not hands, staying at home if sick, and keeping a reasonable distance from other people when in public.

The official public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic is changing quickly and frequently. The primary concern of your Bishops is the safety of all parishioners, clergy, families, friends, staff and visitors to our many and varied premises.

We will continue to send updates as soon as new developments happen.

✠ Patrick Dunn, Bishop of Auckland and NZCBC President
✠ Steve Lowe, Bishop of Hamilton and NZCBC Secretary
✠ John Dew, Cardinal Archbishop of Wellington
✠ Paul Martin, Bishop of Christchurch
✠ Michael Dooley, Bishop of Dunedin
✠ Michael Gielen, Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland

St Patrick's Basilica 125th Anniversary

Last Friday 8th November SKC Junior school students bused into the St Patrick's Basilica to join with St Joseph's Primary school in a special Mass to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Basilica's opening.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Dooley with Chaplain Fr Wayne Healey. Students from both schools combined to share in the congregational Mass ministry's as well as combining choirs.

For a number of students it was their first visit inside the historic Basilica and a chance to see its impressive Oamaru stone architecture up close.

St Kevin's College Ownership Changes Hands

After 92 years as proprietor of St Kevin’s College, the Christian Brothers have transferred ownership to Bishop Michael Dooley and the Diocese of Dunedin.

On Monday we welcomed our guests alongside the College to honour the change of ownership. A big thank you to Bishop Michael for the smooth transition and officiating the ritual handover ceremony.

📷: Michelle Buckham

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Our College Chaplain, Father Wayne, is recovering from surgery, so Bishop Michael Dooley celebrated Friday Mass today. As the College is preparing to move to Diocesan Proprietorship later in the year, it was an ideal opportunity to work through some of the practicalities involved with the changes. I am pleased to reassure our community that Bishop Michael has indicated there will be no significant change associated with moving to the Diocese.

It is also pleasing to confirm that the PPTA rostering home of Year 10 on Tuesday has been called off. We are hopeful that a way forward can be found that minimises the impact on learning for our students.

Finally, keep Fr Wayne in your prayers as he recovers from his back surgery.

Manaaki te atua ia koutou

Ngā mihi nui
Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Ashes to Ashes

During last week's Mass we commemorated the Christian holy day, Ash Wednesday. Father Wayne, our school chaplain, blessed the ashes of the burnt palm from last Easter.

The ashes were shared as crosses upon the foreheads of our students and staff, as a sign of God's forgiveness for our sins, dating back to the 5th century.

Thank you to Anna Taylor, student photographer, for capturing this special occasion. 

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Welcoming the new Bishop

Students and staff welcomed the newly-appointed Bishop of Dunedin, Michael Dooley, to the College on Friday. The visit took place during Mass, where Bishop Dooley concelebrated with Father Wayne. 

His first visit to the school, Bishop Dooley took the opportunity during his homily to thank the school for the welcome he received, and was presented with a momento by Assistant Principal Jo Walshe. Following Mass, Bishop Dooley was given a tour of the school and he remarked how impressed he was with the school and its facilities.

Principals Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

The Mercy Cup and St Bede's Interschool Tournaments have been and gone for another year. Congratulations to all our sporting teams who participated. Our teams always play with excellence, honesty and integrity, whether they are victorious or not.

We were honoured to have the newly-appointed Bishop of the Dunedin Diocese, Michael Dooley, join us at Mass on Friday.  The visit was a first for Bishop Dooley and he was most impressed by the school, the facilities and the warm welcome he was given by the students and staff.

May God bless you all

Paul Olsen, Principal

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

On Thursday, we farewelled Ms Cathy Keep after 9 years' of service to the school. She was honoured with a full-school haka, acknowledging her hard work, commitment and joyful attitude. We wish you all the best for your exciting new position.

PICTURED: The school perform a haka for Ms Cathy Keep

Mrs Nicola Simpson will be taking on her role until a permanent position can be found. Mrs Simpson has a background in Journalism and the Creative & Performing Arts, and we are excited to have her on board. She can be contacted at nsimpson@stkevins.school.

Our Mandarin teacher, Mr Leon Lee, treated us to a magical cello performance at Mass on Friday. Mr Lee played You Raise Me Up, accompanied by Mrs Trudy Foster on the piano. It was a truly gifted performance.

Finally, congratulations to the SKC Young Enterprise team, whose recycled paper fire brick won "The Pitch" in Timaru on Thursday. The event is a Dragon's Den-like competition where Young Enterprise teams in Timaru and Oamaru pitch their business ideas to a group of investors. The team, Year 13 students Broady Taylor, Liam Elliot, Daniel Ruddle and Cameron Dodd, competed against 6 other secondary school teams and took out the top prize of $200. Well done boys!

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Dominican Excellence Awards

Yesterday staff and students gathered in the College Chapel for our Ash Wednesday Mass to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. We also celebrated ongoing academic excellence at the College with the Dominican Excellence Awards where, once again, we acknowledged the students who had gained Merit or Excellence Endorsements in their 2017 studies.  Thank you Mrs Buckham for this lovely photo of Mr Olsen and our Excellence and Merit students.

Academic Blues were awarded to the following Excellence students:
Sarah Dodd, Anna Craig, Laura Preston, Rebecca Whittet, Tandia Gooch, Connie Metcalfe, Georgia Oakes, Samantha Jorgensen, Gemma Dowling, Levi Sherman, Eli Winders, Cara Anderson, Tessa Blakely, Socrates Catapang, Amy Coutts, Hannah Cunningham, Joshua Gibson, Kayleigh Gill, Lily Hill, Bridget Hunter, Faraz Hussain, Breidy Johnston, Caleb Jopson, Alyx McDougall, Rata McMullan, Brylee More, Serena O’Brien, Benjamin Sew Hoy, Duncan Watt.

2017 Graduates Amy Hunter, Imogen Brew, Ami Wallis, Diane Vidallon, Lily Graham, Jayde Pickworth, Holly Malcolm, Georgia Dyson, Adam Sew Hoy and Brinkley Botting were also acknowledged for their Level 3 Excellence Endorsements.

90th Reunion

The long weekend saw 350 Old Boys, Old Girls and staff return to Redcastle for the St Kevin's College 90th Reunion.  Beginning with a jovial Meet and Greet on Friday evening, Saturday morning saw the Old Girls v Students netball game at 10.30am and the Old Boys v students rugby-10's kick off on Murray Field at 11.30.  Mr Olsen addressed all of the attendees at the Official Welcome after lunch before our College Prefects proudly showed off the College and all of it's recent (and not so recent) developments over the years, stopping at the Redcastle for decade photos and an afternoon tea hosted by the Home & School.  The formal Dinner and Dance was the main function of the weekend and the Dining Room was full of music till the wee hours.   A Memorial Mass was held on Sunday before the Farewell Lunch, with Br Murray having the honour of planting the Reunion Memorial Tree.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE MEMORIAL MASS AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE IN THE COMING DAYS!!!

We share part of Mr Olsen's speech from the Sunday Lunch and again express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organisation and running of all of the weekend's functions.

"It is my final duty of the weekend to thank a number of people who have made the reunion possible.
Firstly Ms Catherine Keep the Reunion Coordinator. Your hours of dedication have truly paid off. We are grateful for the time you have spent on this task. You can finally relax knowing you have done a splendid job.
Secondly Mrs Sandra Olsen, my long suffering wife and Alumni Coordinator. Thank you for managing the enrollments and pulling it all together.
Pozzobons Catering for Friday's nibbles, a superb meal last evening and today’s lovely luncheon.
My loyal and supportive staff, our Student Leaders, College Prefects who acted as tour guides, talented students and passionate Home & School for your generous contribution to the reunion.
All the suppliers, entertainers, helpers and behind the scenes teams that have made this event possible.
To you THANK YOU
Finally I wish to thank you, our guests, for your ongoing support of this fine College. Without your help and support through attendance at these type of events and membership of the College Foundation, the College would be shadow of its former glory." - Paul Olsen

Bishop's Shield 2017

A team of public speakers and actors traveled to Dunedin to compete in the 74th Bishop's Shield, hosted this year by Kavanagh College.   Accompanied by their coaches the team rose to the occasion and represented the College with tenacity and spirit!  On the Saturday morning our Junior Debaters (Bethan Ardouin, Rhea Ratgali and Scarlet Smith - coached by Mr Matt Harris and supported by Louise Laming) took out the competition, claiming the Coral Paris Trophy.  Bethan was also awarded Best Speaker in Junior Debates and the Dominican Cup.  Sunday saw Joel Kunnethedan place second in the Junior Scripture and Eli Winders first in the Senior Scripture-Psalm/Sight Reading, for which he was presented with the Nora Brophy Cup.  Congratulations to all of our Bishop's Shield team!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT SCARLET SMITH'S AND MRS BUCKHAM'S PHOTOS FROM THE WEEKEND

ANZAC Day Commemorations 2017

Once again ANZAC Day fell during the school holidays so our commemorations took place yesterday with the College community gathering in the Chapel for a special liturgy. 

We were once again joined by Mr Kevin Howard (an Old Boy of the College) and following a procession to the Grotto and Magee Memorial Lawn two wreaths were laid (one by Holly and Adam, the other by Mr Howard) in front of the Roll of Honour. Thank you to Mr Andrew Hayes, who played the Last Post and Reveille, and to the Combined High Schools Firing Party and Guard for being part of our commemorations.

CLICK HERE to view more amazing photos from Emma-Kate Newlove and Mrs Buckham

Retreat Week - Year 9

In a new initiative we are delighted to welcome eight of the Christchurch Catholic Youth Mission Team for five days of retreats across all year levels.  Year 9's met today, Year 13 on Tuesday, Year 12 on Wednesday, Year 11 on Thursday and Year 10 on Friday morning.  It will culminate with Mass on Friday where the Youth Team will lead the music.  They are being hosted at the College Hostel.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE THE RETREAT WEEK ALBUM

Teachers Commissioning Mass

The College House colours adorned the Chapel this morning with students ready for the annual Swimming Sports.  We began the day however with a special Mass during which our new teachers and those from St Joseph's were commissioned by Bishop Colin who joined us for the occasion.

He also presented certificates to Mr Farrell, Mrs Dooley, Dr Maret, Mrs Leong Son, Mrs Burton and Mr Mullally for studies which will further enhance the Religious Studies classes.

Thank you to Bishop Colin and Father Wayne, and also to Helen Mulheron for the music during today's Mass.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM TODAY'S MASS

Prayers Please

Last week the College family suffered a blow when Mrs Yvonne Tohill, mother of Year 13 student Ryan (Anthony) Tohill, died after succumbing to illness. The school wishes to acknowledge her passing and will be sending staff and students to attend the funeral tomorrow.  

The death of a parent is a significant disruption at any stage of our lives, but to lose a mother at a young age is especially devastating. We ask that the College community keep the family in their prayers at this time.

Paul Olsen - Principal (on behalf of students and staff)

Edmund Rice Feast Day

At today's Mass staff and students celebrated the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice, who's life of service saw the founding of the Christian Brother organisation.  Thank you to Father Wayne for your words on the Holy Trinity, and to Mrs Foster and Mr Farrell for leading the music.

Visiting Celebrant

At our weekly College Mass on Friday we were delighted to be joined by Father Gerard Aynsley.  He is an Old Boy of St Kevin's and is the Vicar General of Catholic Education in the Dunedin Diocese.

Easter Liturgy

Yesterday the Top Six lead the Easter Liturgy in the Chapel, focusing on the Stations of the Cross.  Modern imagery was used to recreate the path of Jesus on the day of his crucifixion.  Father Wayne concluded the liturgy with his words of wisdom reflecting on the Stations in today's world.