Principal's Post

You may have noticed the word ‘Synodality’ pop up in relation to Pope Francis and our newly appointed pontiff Pope Leo XIV. The word tends to be associated with an assembly of people collaborating - usually church leaders alongside the laity. The process of Synodality involves listening. One person speaks and everyone else listens. Truly listens. Not waiting for their turn to speak.

Once everyone has had their turn of speaking there is dedicated silent time for thinking, pondering and mulling over what has been heard. We, as Catholics, allow time for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts - we call this discernment. Both Pope Francis and now Pope Leo are strong advocates for synodality and promote a diversity of people around the table - no matter their faith, gender and story. Synodality promotes dialogue with another.

FCJ College promotes the key behaviour of “Listen as an opportunity to change one’s mind”. This is inspired by our characteristic of Gentleness. Listening requires a humility and curiousity to learn. Good teaching allows time for listening and wondering. Listening is an inclusive practice.

Tomorrow, students within our representative council will pose questions to Bishop Shane Mackinlay. And then they will listen. Bishop Shane is the Pope’s representative in the Diocese of Sandhurst. Bishop Shane will then reciprocate - posing questions of our students. Then listen. A dialogue occurs. The benefit of listening counteracts a world of competing monologues.

This same spirit of mutual listening and learning is echoed beautifully in our Let’s Find Our Voice (LFOV) program, which is flying through rehearsals at the moment. Year 7 students and elders of our community are learning from one another in a shared space of creativity and expression. Our choir master, Cathy Burton, challenges singers to listen – not just to themselves, but to each other – to achieve harmony and synchronicity. Whether through spoken word or song, the principle remains the same: true dialogue begins with attentive listening.

We hope you find FCJ College a place of dialogue, where we are continually seeking ways to listen, learn, and grow together.

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Pro Deo Semper

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Joseph Mount

Principal

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