Taking a Leap of Faith
written by Dean of Identity and Community, Mr Lachlan Heshusius
One of the few creatures on Earth that can out-jump Michael Jordon is the Impala. This is an African deer with a supercharged spring. It has a vertical leap of over 10 feet and can broad-jump over 30 feet. You would think that the zoos of the world would find it impossible to keep such an animal enclosed. Not so! It’s rather easy. The experts discovered something about the Impala. It will not jump unless it can see where it is going to land. Therefore, a solid wall even six feet tall is a sufficient enclosure. Lots of students and indeed adults, have the Impala problem. They won’t take a leap of Faith unless they have all the answers in advance about where the leap will take them.
We see this when young people choose not to trial for a sporting team out of fear of not making the cut. We see this when young people choose not to volunteer with their House-In-Action charity out of fear of not knowing any of the other volunteers. We see this when young people choose to not put their hand up to ask a question, or answer a problem, out of fear of embarrassment or getting it wrong. This list can go on and on. The driving force behind each inaction; fear.
There's a realm of awe-inspiring experiences that stirs us like fear, but in a different way. Known as mysterium tremendum et facinans in Latin; meaning an overwhelming, captivating mystery—an emotional, breathtaking awareness of the divine's beauty, vastness and truth. In other words, it's the kind of feeling that makes you stop in your tracks, realising there's something bigger than you out there—something beautiful and powerful, waiting to be discovered and it can shape the way you see the world and your place in it.
Our job as educators and parents is to call our young people to experience and engage in the mystery. Sure, Google, ChatGPT, Instagram and Snapchat all give some answers and insight into life and people. But it is only in taking a leap of Faith over that six-foot concrete wall, unsure about where you will land, that you will truly gain meaning and purpose.
Perhaps, that leap of Faith may begin this term, by your son signing up to be engaged in one of our Faith-In-Action programs. Currently Heads of House are busy calling on students to support various initiatives and opportunities. Please encourage your son to express his interest with his Head of House. Additionally, a Microsoft Form will be sent to students next week for expressions of interest.
Callan House - 42 for 42
This is a not-for-profit organisation which was founded by ex-Army veterans, whose aim is to help struggling veterans and their families, by building a memorial dedicated to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Students can assist by selling poppies leading up to ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, and by participating in the 4.2km College walk.
Duhig House - St Brendan's Moorooka
This is a Catholic Primary School that share similar values and Catholic ideals as our own school. Students can support through volunteering at the community BBQ’s twice per term and their annual Stationary Drive collection which goes towards supporting the educational needs of this community.
Hogan House - Eat Up
Eat Up make and deliver thousands of fresh sandwiches and donated snacks directly to schools for the one in five Aussie kids experiencing hunger. Students can support by constructing packed lunches at our afternoon events and gifting them to this program in support of these children.
Kilian House - Rosies
Rosies aims to provide friendship and unconditional acceptance to those doing it tough with a warm smile and a hot drink. Students can support Rosies through their engagement with the Rosie's van events of a nighttime.
Nagle House - MND And Me
MND And Me is program that supports people and families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Queensland. Students can support through a variety of interactions with the organisations such as selling raffle tickets and socks, with the raised money going towards the foundation.
Rice House - The Romero Centre
The Romero Centre was established in response to the needs of people arriving in Australia seeking safety and human rights. Students can support through their annual collection of pantry items and by engaging in the ‘Romero Walk’ and visits to the centre.
Sion House - Emmanuel City Mission
Emmanuel City Mission aims to serve the most vulnerable of Brisbane. Students can support by volunteering at the fortnightly breakfasts held at ECM before school, or by donating coffee/tea/sugar/long-life milk during the annual appeal.
Treacy House - Care Kits for Kids
This is where Care Kits provides two days of practical essential needs (new backpacks of new clothes, toiletries, stationery/activity supplies, books, toys and quilts/wraps) to children in need. Students can support through the donation of items, the purchasing of backpacks and the through the collection of various items to support these children.
Waterford House - The Queensland Children's Hospital School (QCHS)
The school offers world class educational programs to school-aged children affected by hospitalisation, including patients and family members of hospitalised patients across Queensland to ensure educational continuity for all. Students can support through active in engagement in educational experiences, the development and upkeep of their community garden and school play based learning each fortnight during school hours.
Xavier House - Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane
Ronald McDonald House gives seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families. The College looks to support Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane through the collection of various food items to fill the hamper stocks of the house and through the engagement of safe play with the residents of their Kids Club each term.
Remember, the call to Faith begins with the words, "Do not be afraid." The rationale for acting with audacious courage comes from the fact that we know we cannot do it with our own power alone.