Mission News

Prayers

We remember in prayer those who are unwell at this time and the people who care for them. We ask God to welcome into eternal life the people we have known and loved who have died and all those who have gone before us.

Community Masses

Wednesday 8:00am and Monday and Friday 11:45am Masses will be held this week. All are most welcome as we continue through Lent.

Reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent

Excerpt from Luke’s Gospel, 2nd Sunday of Lent (Luke 9:28-36 JB)

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' - He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, 'This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him'. And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.

For Peter, John and James, the Transfiguration is a truly mystical, perhaps even fearful experience: an epiphany. The mountain top is traditionally understood as being close to God, while the presence of Moses and Elijah confirms Jesus’ place amongst the prophets. But as the voice from the cloud would suggest, Jesus is more than this: he is ‘the Chosen One’. After the instruction ‘Listen to him’, Jesus is alone and the disciples hold silence. It is from a place of silence that we are all called to deeply listen – to Christ within us, Christ calling us.

Monday beginning this second week of Lent also happened to be St Patrick’s feast day. The words from the old hymn “St Patrick’s Breastplate” speak of the strength that comes from Christ. This prayer is for our students tackling assessments, NAPLAN, exams and other challenges in these last few weeks of term. It is a prayer for all those recovering from Cyclone Alfred, and for all those who are unwell or struggling in any way. We pray we will arise each day with the strength Christ gives us. 

“I arise today, through the strength of heaven; light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock…

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ wen I arrive, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me…

I arise today, through a mighty strength…of the Creator of Creation”

Mary our good mother – pray for us

St Marcellin Champagnat – pray for us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – pray for us

And may we always remember – to pray for one another.

Amen +

Birthing Kits

Last Thursday 13 March, we were honoured to welcome representatives from Zonta whose partnership with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia gave our Year 12s the opportunity to assemble birthing kits. After watching an instructional video, students worked cooperatively together to fold pack around 500 kits! Each kit contained a large plastic sheet, gloves, gauze, scalpel, string and soap—items all critical to safer birthing for mothers and infants. Students were themselves wearing gloves to ensure all the kits were hygienically packed. It was a valuable lesson in understanding how outcomes for mothers and babies so begins and ends with safe and hygienic resources.

We’d once again like to thank our wonderful students, staff and families who donated towards the birthing kits, making this initiative possible. A special thanks goes out to Mrs Maddie Henry – Acting Head of Foley and all the Foley student leaders for driving this initiative.

Lenten Fundraising Day Rescheduled – Thursday 24 April

The Marist Lenten Fundraising Day has once again been rescheduled to Thursday 24 April due to exams and Cyclone Alfred. We’ll continue to promote this in the next couple of weeks.

We are immensely grateful we are still able to hold our Lenten fundraiser to support Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS), whose school rebuilding projects rely on the contributions of donors such as our amazing Marist Ashgrove families!

It is a cashless day, so make sure your ID cards are topped up and ready to enjoy the delicious food and fantastic games on offer. 

Rosies: Friends of the Street – Seniors Signup

Any Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in attending a Rosies outreach this year, please fill out the form located in the Student Cafe notices. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is Rosie's mission to ensure that no Queenslander feels left out or disconnected from their community. Rosies aims to provide friendship and unconditional acceptance to those doing it tough with a warm smile and a hot drink.

If you would like more details, please contact mates@marash.qld.edu.au

Stationery Aid Friday Mornings

Come along to help out Stationery Aid this Friday morning 14 March from 7:30am in Room 801. We’ll continue to get exercise books ready for packs. Students are invited to come along to help out and earn MATE points in the process.

Donating? Good quality unwanted stationery is most welcome and can be placed in the blue bin outside the Mission Office. 

To find out more and to check the list of what can be donated, please visit: https://stationeryaid.org/ 

Environment Group

Attention Green Thumbs! Environment Group is planning to raise native Australian plants that will feel right at home wherever you are! We then are planning on having two plant sales this year for all members of the Marist community.

To start this project, we would greatly appreciate any donations of native cuttings or pots. Our next few Environment Group meetings will be in the Science Greenhouse where we are going to learn a little more about raising natives and then will tend to them over the coming months.

If you are able to assist our project, please email the coordinator of the Environment Group; Kathryn Badini (badinik@marash.qld.edu.au)