Mission News

Prayers

We lift up in prayer our staff and students during this final week of the term. May the dedication and hard work of the students be reflected in their exam results and assessments. We ask for a restful, safe holiday and a joyous Easter celebration for everyone.

We also continue to hold the family and friends of Talis Mark in our thoughts and prayers. Grant him eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him

Community Masses

Wednesday 8am and Monday & Friday 11:45am Masses will be held this week.

Gospel Reflection

Excerpt from Gospel read on 4th Sunday of Lent. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (Year C) (JB)

'While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found." And they began to celebrate.

Sunday’s Gospel was the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, it serves as a poignant reminder of God's unconditional love and the transformative power of repentance. The narrative centres around two sons and their relationship with their father, symbolising various aspects of the human condition and divine grace.

The younger son represents those who stray from their spiritual path, seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures. His journey into a far-off land and subsequent downfall reflect the emptiness that often accompanies a life lived apart from God. This part of the story resonates with many who have experienced moments of rebellion or disconnection from their faith.

In contrast, the elder son symbolises the attitude of self-righteousness and resentment that can arise from adherence to rules without understanding the heart of the Father. His inability to rejoice in his brother's return highlights the danger of pride and the challenge of embracing grace for others.

The father in this parable epitomises divine love and forgiveness. His actions—running to embrace his wayward son and celebrating his return—illustrate the depth of God's mercy. This unconditional love serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may stray, we can always return home to a loving God who eagerly awaits our repentance.

At its core, the parable teaches us about the importance of humility, the beauty of reconciliation, and the joy of forgiveness. It invites us to reflect on our own lives, encouraging us to embrace grace and extend it to others, just as we have received it.

+ Dear Lord,

We come before You with grateful hearts, reflecting on Your boundless love and grace demonstrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Thank You for being a compassionate Father who welcomes us back, no matter how far we wander. Help us to recognise our own moments of straying and to find the courage to return to You in humility.

Guide us to embody Your love in our relationships, extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us, just as You forgive us. May we celebrate the return of those who seek reconciliation, remembering that every soul is precious in Your sight.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-righteousness. Let us rejoice in the grace offered to others, fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding. May we always remember that Your love knows no bounds and that You are ever ready to embrace us when we turn back to You.

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.+

Anzac Day Liturgy

On Wednesday the 23rd of April (Term 2/Week 1) during our Period 5 normal assembly time, our College will hold an Anzac Liturgy in the Champagnat Theatre. Students and staff will come together to pray and acknowledge those men and women who have served our country with courage and valour. All are welcome to join.

Marist Mothers' Retreat

On Sunday we hosted our annual Marist Mothers Retreat at the Marist Centre. Presented by Br Neville Solomon & Campus Minister, Clare Locke, participants were invited into a Marist Spirituality through the overarching theme of Pilgrims of Hope. Drawing on the experience of St Marcellin and his brothers cutting the rock to build L’Hermitage, the place through which the Gier river flowed, the retreat was symbolically and ritually grounded in rock and water. Together we explored ideas and questions of hope, purpose, and the story of God’s immense love for us through scripture, song, poetry, prayer and story. It was a reflective, gentle retreat experience and an opportunity we look forward to offering to Marist mothers again next year.

Year 7 Class Masses

Over the last week and continuing this week, our Year 7 RE classes have been attending class Masses. The theme for the Mass has been ‘Celebrating Community’, a theme that links to the Year 7 RE curriculum for Term 1. By coming together in worship and celebration, our students can experience what means for people of faith celebrate their faith in community. The students are to be commended on by their respectful and active participation in the Mass. It has been important to note that regardless of whether students are Catholic, they are always welcome to contribute to our college Masses and Liturgies, celebrations which are so central to Catholic life.

Primary Can Drive

Earlier this term, our Primary school students took part in the Primary Can Drive, bringing in cans of soft drinks to support Australian Marist Solidarity. These cans will be used to raise funds for improved facilities at St Joseph’s in the Solomon Islands, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students there.

We are excited to share that our Primary students collected an incredible 5,744 cans, an increase of approximately 2,000 cans from last year’s total! A special CONGRATULATIONS to 5 Blue and 6 Maroon for leading the way with the highest number of donations in their respective grades.

A massive thank you also goes out to Michael Connolly, Anthony Graham, all the staff in the primary school and our Primary families for their generosity and overwhelming support of this initiative.

Lenten Fundraising Day Rescheduled - Thursday April 24th

The Marist Lenten Fundraising Day has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 24th due to exams and ex-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 ready to enjoy the delicious food and fantastic games on offer.

Inside a blessing: Prayers, Poems and Reflections

Our talented Campus Minister, Clare Locke has written a book! She was recently interviewed by Christ Life Connect News. The interview and more information about her book “Inside a blessing: Prayers, Poems and Reflections” can be found HERE.

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 ROSIES'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

Stationery Aid will return next term with more for our helpful student volunteers to do! We are very grateful to the boys who make a conscious effort to come along from 7:30am Friday mornings and lend a hand. 

A reminder that donations of good quality unwanted stationery is always welcome and can be placed in the blue bin outside the Mission Office. 

To find out more and to check the list for 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 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 co-ordinator of the Environment Group; Kathryn Badini (badinik@marash.qld.edu.au)