Mission News

Mr Luke McMahon

Reflection

In the Champagant Centre on Monday 29 March the student body gathered in prayer and reflection on this most holy of holy weeks. 

 

Journeying through the Holy Week and Triduum story the boys were encouraged to be prophets of the word; present in all relationships; people of action and people of love.

We are reminded: “Love will always conquer hate.”

Professional Development Breakfast

Friday 26 March - Religious Education Faculty Professional Development

Last Friday as part of the Accreditation to Teach Religious Education requirements, Religious Education teachers and other College staff attended a PD breakfast on Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical Laudato si – On care for our common home. Conducted by Kerry Rush from the Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, the session enabled Staff to consider some of the fundamental propositions which Pope Francis has laid out in the document. More than just a treatise on the degradation of the environment, the document explores human exploitation of the environment as well as the philosophical, theological and cultural causes threatening human relations with the natural world and with each other. The sense of the interconnectedness of all life permeates the Encyclical. 

A few quotes from the Encyclical serve to illustrate its immediacy for us: 

 

“In this Encyclical, I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home” (#3). 
“The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth” (#21). 
“We seem to think that we can substitute an irreplaceable and irretrievable beauty with something which we have created ourselves” (#34). 
“The deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet (#48).
“One Person of the Trinity entered into the created cosmos, throwing in his lot with it, even to the cross” (#99)
“When we fail to acknowledge… a poor person, a human embryo… it becomes difficult to hear the cry of nature itself” (#117)
“The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume” (#204).

 

Through a combination of active listening, reflection, dialogue and reading attendees gained insight into the overall impact of Laudato si, the contents of which can be summarised in 10 points: 

  1. The spiritual perspective is now part of the discussion on the environment.
  2. The poor are disproportionately affected by climate change.
  3. Less is more.
  4. Catholic social teaching now includes teaching on the environment.
  5. Discussions about ecology can be grounded in the Bible and church tradition.
  6. Everything is connected—including the economy.
  7. Scientific research on the environment is to be praised and used.
  8. Widespread indifference and selfishness worsen environmental problems.
  9. Global dialogue and solidarity are needed.
  10. A change of heart is required.

(James Martin S.J. America: The Jesuit Review)

 

You can read or just dip into Laudato si – On care for our common home at the Vatican website at this link. This Professional Development was thought-provoking, inspiring us to make life-enhancing choices in our own lives and to challenge our students to do likewise. 

 

Thanks to Mr Gary Keown and the hospitality students for providing a delicious breakfast for staff. 

Reconciliation Years 5 – 9 Week 9 and 10

Our thanks to Fr Alatini who has made himself available to RE classes for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Vinnies Morning Yard BBQ Thursdays

The St Vincent de Paul morning BBQ’s will return in Term 2 on a Thursday morning. Both monitor and cash payment are available for the purchase of breakfast. 

Marist Solidarity Immersion Update 2021 (Year 11 Students and Parents) 

Solidarity immersions involving visiting and living as part of a Marist Community locally and nationally has been part of our suite of offerings here at Ashgrove for many years. This community supports (through the Lenten appeal and other fundraising events) Marist communities that welcome us.  Solidarity immersions engage with some of the most marginalised in our society. Marist Schools Australia have notified us due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID 19 we are unable to undertake these immersion experiences in 2021 (as in 2020). The communities we visit house some of the most vulnerable in our world. We appreciate the disappointment this will cause to students, families, staff and our receiving communities. We offer prayer and support for all. 

Lenten Appeal 

MCA Parents please note that as a College we commit to assisting our Marist brothers and sisters who share our Marist heritage but not our privileged way of life. Australian Marist Solidarity runs programs in Marist communities in the Asia-Pacific region. 

If you would like to donate directly on behalf of your son and family please click here or go to the MCA monitor link - http://bit.ly/MCAlenten 

 

Through the generous and compassionate concern of all those associated with our College community, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need our support.

Community Prayers

We pray for all in our community who are unwell and are suffering at this time. 

 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Diana Torrisi (father Frank Torrisi Deputy at St Patrick’s College, father-in-law of our colleague Silvana, and grandfather of Marcus MCA Old Boy 2017)

 

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

Events Term 2

  • Mother Son Wed Morning Mass - Wednesday 5 May (Week 3)
  • Mother Son Breakfasts (2) - Thursday 6 and Friday 7 May (Week 3)
  • New Staff Formation Day – Monday 10 May (Week 4)
  • MATES Free Dress Day – Thursday 13 May (Week 4)
  • Mass for the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat – Friday 4 June (Week 7)

Game Changers Report

Game Changers continues for boys in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11. Recently, our Year 8 and 11 boys participated in Regional Retreat Days. These days create opportunities for the boys to meet other students and to visit another Marist school. The Regional Retreat program includes mini-challenges, games and discussion, which saw our boys exchange ideas and share experiences with other Game Changers students.

 

Students in Year 10 will also have a Regional Retreat Day at the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 20th April. The Year 10 Regional Retreat will feature a variety of games, activities and discussion and will introduce our Game Changers students to students from other Marist schools across Brisbane. Any boys or parents interested in more information about the Year 10 Retreat can email Mr Burns (bursa@marash.qld.edu.au). 

 

Game Changers groups meet fortnightly on Thursdays during the breaks. Students can join at any time. To sign up, please contact Mr Burns or visit the Mission Office.

 

Game Changers 2021 Video

Year 8 Game Changes Highlight Video