Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer

We Will!

The scene for our 143rd year is set. The red and black banner that proudly hung as a backdrop for our Opening Mass was the creation of our Year 12 leaders. The banner is far more than a backdrop for last Friday’s celebration. It represents the pride, passion and purpose of our Senior class, who last Friday committed themselves to standing ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with their peers, their buddies and each member of the Terrace Family.

What are we called to do when we stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with one another? The messages and stories shared at our Opening Mass and Year 12 induction provided us with some answers, as well as some challenges. Most pointedly, was the final line in our Frist Reading:

But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. 1 Timothy

Furthermore, our Gospel for our celebration last week provided us with some very practical advice with respect to how we should treat one another:

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25

Taking time as a community to consider and celebrate how our faith can be a source of reflection and inspiration should not be taken for granted. The commitment and dedication displayed by our parents, students and staff with making last week’s Opening Mass and Year 12 Induction possible is indicative that we don’t take this for granted. Rather, we deeply value coming together as a Terrace Family, centering our attention on forming men of faith and learning.

With all that has occurred in these first few weeks, let us not lose sight of the commitment we made to each other last Friday (if you weren’t there, here’s your chance!). We were called to commit ourselves to being courageous and humble with enabling each other to the best we can be. This was, and will be, our commitment throughout the course of this year:

As members of the Terrace family, will you work together to provide an education that liberates young men to believe in hope and possibility? We will!

As members of the Terrace Family, will you open your hearts to the truth of the Gospel and by word and example support your sons and students as they strive to model their lives on their brother, Jesus? We will!

As members of the Terrace Family, we have been gifted the commandment to ‘love one another as I have loved you’. In building an atmosphere of care, inclusion, hospitality and diversity, will you welcome everyone to the table Jesus sets for us? We will!

As members of the Terrace Family, will you support the Gentlemen of Terrace to know the wisdom of serving God through humble actions of justice, compassion and solidarity within our own community and for those most in need in our world?We will!

The Good News of Terrace – Our first Year 12 Kairos program in full swing