Mission News

Reflection

For the Day Ahead

May God make my day a happy one!

Not by shielding me from all sorrow and pain,

but by strengthening me to bear it, as it comes;

Not by making my path easy, 

but by making me sturdy to travel any path; 

Not by taking hardships from me, 

but by taking fear from my heart; 

Not by granting me unbroken sunshine, 

but by keeping my face bright, even in shadows; 

Not by making my life always pleasant, 

but by showing when people and their causes need me most, and by making me anxious to be there to help.

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to me today.

Author unknown. Adapted.

Mission and Ministry  

While we cannot do all the activities that make up our MATES program at the current moment, this doesn’t mean we cannot be Marists in solidarity with others. Come and see us in the Mission Office for further details or to discuss MATES and possibilities for service and community engagement. 

Game Changers

Our two Game Changers groups in Years 7 and 10 have met for the first time this term. The groups reflected on the things they are grateful for from their time of home learning, and what they are grateful for upon returning to school. For almost all the boys, the answer was simply being back amongst their mates. 

During home learning, some of our boys expressed their thanks for the support of the College community:

Dear Parents, Carers, and families. It is in times like these with COVID-19 forcing students to work from home, that it is you that we need the most. Your care, your love and your compassion does not go unnoticed during this time of need. We as students, not only need to be thankful and recognise your sacrifice while in lockdown, but instead need to be thankful in all time and aspects of life. Your care knows no boundaries, your love has no limits and your compassion is endless. Although we may not always show it, we love you and the work you do for us and it is extremely appreciated. You all have done an incredible job so far and we know that you will not slow down for us. 

Thank You, 

(Sam, Year 10)

To every Marist parent I say thank you,

Thank you for being tough during this time of crisis.

Thank you for supporting your family here at Marist College Ashgrove.

Thank you for providing your son with the best education.

Thank you for taking drastic measures to protect your family.

Thank you for creating a learning environment from home.

Thank you for facing this constantly changing situation head on.

Thank you for keeping in touch with this great Marist community.

We will get through this together, Viriliter Age – Act Courageously.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and above all God Bless.

(Ethen, Year 10)

Game Changers groups meet fortnightly in Room 801 at First Break. Any students interested in joining can contact Mr Adam Burns (Youth Minister) for more information.

Wednesday Morning Mass

Don’t forget we are live streaming Wednesday morning Mass – check Facebook or the Student portal for the link and details. 

Don’t forget our Facebook page Marist College Ashgrove Living the Mission page has a weekly prayer

Chaplain’s Corner: June

As May leads into June and May being the month of Mary, it follows then that Mary leads us to her Son, symbolised by His heart. The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost. In addition to the liturgical celebration, many devotional exercises are connected with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Of all devotions, devotion to the Sacred Heart was, and remains, one of the most widespread and popular in the Church. 

Pope Francis’s intention for the month of June is “The Way of the Heart.” He asks: “We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.”

It is such a wonderful time to focus on God’s love for each of us. As the month begins it is important to look for fun activities and ideas to help draw each of us closer to Jesus, and also to teach our children about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and his promises. May the Heart of Jesus inflame our hearts so that we may be worthy of our Baptismal call to holiness.

The celebration of St. Marcellin Champagnat’s feast day reminds us that we are the bearers of his charisms and inspirations. 

 In love with Jesus and on fire with the Holy Spirit, Marcellin was able to see beyond his own comforts and challenges, to put his faith wholeheartedly in God. He believed that with Mary’s help he could move mountains and transform the dark, lonely and desperate in the world around him by making Jesus Christ known and loved.

As we honour Marcellin and the Champagnat Marists, Brothers and Lay people, who put his vision into practice right here in Ashgrove, let us resolve to live by the Kingdom Vision of Jesus. Let us discern, choose and act courageously. Let us above all endeavour to be faithful and humble servants of one another.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

St. Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us.

St. Mary of the Cross, pray for us. 

Mary, our Good Mother, pray for us.

May we always remember to pray for one another.