Mission News

Prayers

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

We pray for the repose of the soul of:

• Des Edgar, grandfather of Aiden O’Reilly(7F) and Christian O’Reilly (5R).
• Denis Ryan, uncle of Archie Ryan (11D) 

May perpetual life shine upon them and may they rest in peace. 

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

Ozanam Leadership Program 2022 Graduation

At St Stephen’s Cathedral last Wednesday evening four Marist students graduated from the Ozanam Leadership Program, which runs from February to December and is organised by the St Vincent De Paul Society. The program is underpinned by the Society’s Vincentian Charism of servant leadership and its mission, vision and call to put faith into action. Open to students in Years 10 and 11 the program consists of 10 points of contact throughout the year, including a 2-day outdoor retreat, leadership development days, mentor catch-ups and community advocacy initiatives. The very enjoyable graduation evening involved students from Catholic Colleges all over Brisbane and their parents and guardians. 

The Ozanam Program outcomes which our students experienced include: 

• Developing interpersonal skills that align with our collective values
• Creating a community of belonging that identifies and develops individual and collective strengths, while building resilience to overcome challenges
• Understanding and develop communication skills, including; conflict resolution, how to have difficult conversations, giving and receiving feedback and communicating emphatically and authentically
• Advocating with knowledge and discernment through social justice initiatives
• Practical application of leadership skills through wider Society programs and initiatives
• Creating new friendships with other passionate community-minded young people
• Providing volunteering opportunities to put skills into action through Society programs such as KIDS Camp, Buddies Days, Soccer Stars (16 years and over)
• Give back to school communities as a way of acknowledging the continued support they provide the Society
• Help to develop school students to become leaders within their community
• Provide opportunities for schools to have a representative actively engaging with a leading community organisation

Our four students are members of the College St Vincent De Paul conference and were chosen by St Vincent De Paul QLD following a selection process. 26 students were offered a place in the program. Thank you and congratulations to Xavier Leung-Dias (11), Alessandro Jorquera (11), Ethan Torrens (10) and Ashley Kani (10). Thanks also to these boys’ parents who supported their son’s involvement in the program throughout the year. We look forward to the graduates making a substantial contribution to College life and St Vincent De Paul next year and beyond. 

Ozanam Leadership Program Graduates 2022

Photo: Head of Mission, Luke McMahon with Ozanam Leadership Program 2022 Graduates (left to right): Alessandro Jorquera (11), Ethan Torrens (10), Xavier Leung-Dias (11) and Ashley Kani (10). 

Chaplain’s Corner

Reflection for 19 October, Wednesday of 29th week of Ordinary time. Richard Hutton and Frank Kendig have written a book called Life Spans, or How Long Things Last. The book is filled with unusual facts. For example, the shoes of an average major league baseball player last two months. The stick of the average hockey player lasts two games. The boots of a combat soldier last two months.

The life span of things are fairly predictable. Life spans of individuals are less predictable. Today’s gospel reminds us about how unpredictable life is. It warns us to use our time on earth selflessly and productively. It ends: “Much is required from the person to whom much is given.”

How are we using our talents and time?

Are we using them exclusively for ourselves?

“Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you do hold well.” Josh Billings.

Mary, Our Good Mother, pray for us.

St. Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us.

St. Mary of the Cross, pray for us.

And may we always remember to pray for one another.

Stationery Aid 

Run solely by volunteers, Stationery Aid collect, sort, clean and deliver donated stationery items to students in need. These items can be used or unused items. Started by one of our very own Marist families it is a great way to repurpose stationery items. 

We are delighted to welcome Stationery Aid as part of the MATES program. The Stationery Aid collection bin can be found outside the Studies office. 

Stationery Aid is offering volunteering opportunities in the holidays if any Marist College students or families are interested in assisting. For further information about volunteering or about Stationery Aid please contact Alison Schutt Founder of Stationery Aid at alison@stationeryaid.org 

Term 4 Mass Schedule