Founder’s Day
For Catholics, the celebration of the Eucharist is understood as the ‘source and summit’ of our lives as a community and on Tuesday, during Founder’s Week, we celebrated Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord, acknowledging the legacy of the Christian Brothers in Wollongong and Edmund Rice himself. During his homily, Bishop Brian asked us to consider why we follow the example of Blessed Edmund Rice and offered that his power came from his willingness to ‘live his relationship with Jesus openly. We are like Edmund, committed to following the example of Jesus.’ We are called to be people of compassion, justice and peace; we are called to be light in the darkness, bringing hope to those struggling and in need. We are called to be a community that welcomes all, regardless of their background or circumstances.’
Mrs Knowles and Liturgy Prefect Ben Binoy were instrumental in preparing for the liturgy as well as Mr Bonaccorso, Mr Haybittle and Mr Pullella who assisted with the music ministry, along with the students. Liturgy literally means ‘work of the people’ and the readers, ministers, musicians, IT staff and House Prefects made our liturgy a work that demonstrated faith and tradition.
Certainly, this is our aim and on Founder’s Day; so we also take the opportunity to tell the story of our Houses. It is worthwhile reflecting on their meaning as they tell the story of our College tradition.
Waterford Morgan Woolnough & Brooklyn Faucett
WATERFORD, Ireland was where Edmund Rice spent his early adult life. He was a business man but after his wife died, he came to rely on family support to care for his daughter. He made some big life decisions to change his direction and to help those marginalized in his society. This reminds us that we must look to the signs of the times and follow the light of Christ in our lives wherever we find it.
Our symbols include the Lighthouse, Anchor and Celtic Cross. The colour blue symbolizes truth and loyalty, as well as the ocean that surrounds both Waterford and Wollongong – the lighthouse reminds us that in many circumstances we rely on the light of faith to help us ‘find our way’. Waterford is a House of hope and service to those in need, following Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
Our motto is Deus lux mea est [day-us lux me-ah est] God is my light.
RICE – Joseph Gveric & Kalani Thompson
Edmund was the 4th of seven sons of Margaret and Robert Rice who farmed 200 acres called ‘Westcourt.’ There Edmund met the founder of the Presentation Sisters, Nano Nagle, leading him to consider the religious life. Our symbols include the Shamrock, Chevron, Sword, Word of God and the Alpha & Omega.
The colour white represents purity and peace, the characteristics we endeavor to make central in our lives. In the Church, white signifies new life in Christ. At baptism, we are clothed with the white garment, and given the commission, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, …patience [and] love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Col 3:12-16)
Rice is a House of faith and inclusion, daring to be open to the calling of the spirit, following the Gospel, wherever it may lead.
Our motto is Officium ante Commodum: [oh-fish-ee-um ant-ee come-oh-dum] Service before self.
IGNATIUS – Jack Simmonds & Isaac Atinga
Edmund took the religious profession name of Ignatius after his Patron, St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Edmund founded a religious community called the ‘Society of the Presentation’ – later founding the Congregation of Christian Brothers and the Irish Christian Brothers.
Our symbols include the Scales, Rope and Pentecost Flame. The colour red symbolizes energy, strength and passion. It signifies a pioneering spirit and leadership qualities, promoting ambition, determination and confidence – to act in truth and love.
Men of Ignatius are called to be advocates of truth and justice, filled with the Holy Spirit, to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to stand up for the common good.
Ignatius is a House that calls us to contemplation and fidelity to the Gospel. Our motto is ‘Fortius quo fidelius’ – [fort-ee-us quo fih-dell-ee-us] strength through loyalty
CROWN Lucas Kirkland & Sam Jones
Christian Brothers College Catholic Boys high school opened in Crown Lane, Wollongong in 1926. The College started with one hundred students from Year 4 to the Leaving Certificate and the last class finished at Crown Lane in 1974.
Our symbols include the Train Track, Crown, Crossed Keys and Open Book. In the Bible those who serve God willingly with a true heart of love, are promised “ the crown of glory that never fades away” (1Peter 5:4). This Crown proudly symbolizes the crowning glory of a life lived seeking knowledge, truth and justice, following Christ the King of all creation.
Gold is the color of success, achievement and triumph. Crown House is guided by the truth, a commitment to liberation and the common good, especially considering the poor. The Crown motto is ‘Vita, Veritas, Victoria’ – [vee-tah, ver-ee-tass, Victoria] Life, truth, victory.
MCMAHON Blake Pearson & Taj Tegart
Br T.A. McMahon was the first Headmaster of Christian Brothers’ College in 1926. This House represents tradition and, above all, faithful service to God’s plan – putting others before self so that we can become men for others.
Our symbols include the Celtic Triquetra, Chevron & Lozenges and the Lion. The signifies unity in God. This is a protection circle; something that cannot be broken.
Purple symbolises royalty; the colour calls us to our most noble ideals. “…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people…”(1 Peter 2: 9). McMahon house is founded on love and a desire to make the world a place where all people can become all that God intends them to be.
Our motto is Semper Fidelis [sem-per fih-dell-us] – Always faithful
KEIRA Logan Doubell & Raul Siljeg
Edmund Rice College has been on this site at the base of Mt Keira since 1962. Our symbols include the Mountain, Five Islands & Rainbow Serpent, Cross and Hand.
The Mountain represents strength – groundedness – the earth beneath our feet and the many roads that take us on our life journeys. In the bible, God is revealed to people on mountains also representing our spiritual journey to become ‘closer to God’.
For First Nations people the mountains and landforms represent their connection to ancestors and commitment to care for the land. Mt Keira is ‘Geera, the daughter of Oola-boola-woo, the West Wind and known to locals as ‘Grandmother,’ so using this symbol reminds us that we are learning ‘at the feet of grandmother’. Green is the color of growth, spring, renewal and rebirth; it represents the natural world, reminding us that all God’s creation flourishes when we become peacemakers and stewards of God’s gifts. Keira is a House of solidarity, seeking to be steadfast and sure so that others can depend on them.
Our motto is ‘Audere est Facere [oh-dare-eh est fah-chair-eh] -To dare is to do
Mrs Hurley