Mission News

Launch of Christmas Appeal

Each year the College runs a Christmas appeal that supports families supported by St Vincent de Paul and Downs and West Community Support. Donations can be made by Gift card or by the Monitor payment system.

Prayers

We pray for all in our community who are sick or suffering. 

• Julie Ward (staff member)
• Riley Grace (OB 2020)
• Maria Oliver (mother of Old Boy Tom and James)
• Michael Bathersby, father of Chris Bathersby

We pray for our country and our world still living in this pandemic and we remember the many who have suffered and are suffering through COVID-19.

May our loving God, with Mary and Champagnat, walk with all members of the Marist family. Amen

 Head of Religious Education

With the retirement of Mr Paul Mitchell at the end of Term 3, we are pleased to welcome into the role, Dr Danielle Lynch. Danielle was asked to reflect on the place of Religious Education within the life of the College and the potential it has for influencing our young men.

I am excited to be leading the enthusiastic team of teachers of Religion at Marist College. This is a team of dedicated witnesses to Gospel values with skills to help students explore the teachings of the Catholic faith in their context. This team shares Jesus’ and St Marcellin’s concern for upholding the dignity of those they meet and teach, especially those on the margins.

My association with Marist schools began 2015, when I moved from the UK to St Augustine’s College, Cairns, as Head of Religion. In my time in Cairns - in that role and the three years as Director of Mission – I found the Marist charism resonated deeply with my own sense of spirituality and faith. I spent last year – mostly in lockdown – as Head of House at Marcellin College in Melbourne, before the possibility of a move back to sunnier climes arose! The Marist Association and Marist Schools Australia has helped shape my sense of who I am. As a musician, theologian, and teacher, my work has also included leading formation and professional development for teachers and teaching theology at tertiary level.

I have always been interested in investigating and discussing big questions and the ways and resources of culture through which we explore these. This search for meaning – or theological search in St Anselm’s definition of ‘faith seeking understanding’ – has driven my own academic work, especially my PhD which explored what music contributes to theology, and my teaching. I hope to inspire in students the same curiosity, to question and challenge, to think critically about potential responses to these questions, and to discern how to live well.

For me, this discernment is what makes Religion the most important subject in the curriculum. It is an opportunity to grow holistically. Our beliefs and values impact all areas of our lives. Understanding the sacred texts, traditions, and teachings of the Catholic faith, as well as other faiths with which the Catholic tradition is in dialogue, gives students the opportunity to think critically about how these might make a difference in their own lives. There are golden threads running through the RE curriculum, including the invitation into different forms of prayer and the invitation to work towards justice in society. These not only allow students to develop knowledge and understanding, but are also fundamental to a healthy spiritual life, and offer practical ways in which to engage in the mission of Jesus.

We offer a warm welcome to the Religious Education Faculty of Marist College and wish Danielle the very best in leading and promoting this essential component of College life.

Christmas Shopping with Downs and West Community Support

Take the stress out of Christmas shopping by getting a head start on it at the Downs & West Community Support charity stall. 

Commencing on Wednesday 27 October to Friday 29 October – a variety of beautiful handcrafted gifts and gift packs for children and babies, together with an assortment of handmade Christmas crafts and decorations will be available for sale. We shall also be conducting a Raffle consisting of a selection of Christmas items.

All proceeds go to supporting individuals and farming families in Southern Queensland struggling through the impact of drought, fires and COVID-19.

The stall will be at the Brookside Shopping Centre, Mitchelton and will be located outside Terry White Chemist and TK Maxx from:

• Wednesday 27 October 8:30am – 2:30pm
• Thursday 28 October 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Friday 29 October 8:30am – 1:00pm

For any further information please contact John Hollamby on 0418 244 523.