Mission News

Prayers

We continue to offer our prayers for those who have died recently and their family and friends who are grieving: 

• Carl Webb, father of Hunter.  
• Antwone Davidson-Alberts’ mother.  

May those who have passed into eternal life rest in the peace of God and may the living who mourn their loss experience the support and solidarity they need to live each day. 

Gospel

Sunday 28 January - Mark 1:21-28 (Jerusalem Bible)

Jesus and his followers went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the Sabbath came Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.

In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and it shouted, 'What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.' But Jesus said sharply, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!' And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. 'Here is a teaching that is new' they said 'and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.' And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

While Mark’s Gospel here doesn’t reveal what Jesus taught in the synagogue that day at Capernaum, early in his ministry, it is clear he had impact. His message and method astonish the people, especially after they witness Jesus commanding the unclean spirit in the possessed man to “Be quiet! Come out of him!”. The exorcism frees the man from the force which has kept him captive. He has been given the gift of new life. 

After this initial episode, Mark’s Gospel tells of Jesus’ teaching and healing ministry to the poor, diseased and disreputable. Where other leaders and authorities are repelled by such social outcasts, Jesus will come close to them, share meals with them, and even give his life for them. Jesus’ authority is the authority of one who leads through merciful love, forgiveness and service. 

The people listening to Jesus in the synagogue were receptive, ready to hear and experience ‘something new’. In what unexpected ways might Christ be speaking to us into our everyday lives? As we settle back into our respective commitments and routines for the year, are we also willing to make space to listen to God?

We pray:

In the name of the Father, Son (+) and the Holy Spirit:

Creator God, We thank you for the gift of life and love. Guided by the light of your SpiritAnd inspired by the example of St Marcellin Champagnat,May we choose to live each day With simplicity, humility and modesty.

With Mary and the Saints we pray…

Marist Litany

Mary Our Good Mother … pray for us.

St Marcellin Champagnat … pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop … pray for us.

And let us always remember … to pray for one another.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Always Welcome!

Despite being a short week with Friday’s public holiday, there was still a lot happening on our first week back. It was delightful to see the students back on the grounds, welcoming new arrivals at assembly, making their way to their classes, familiarising themselves with timetables and teachers, all the while dealing with the oppressive summer heat.

Last Thursday, while some members of the Mission team were preparing for today's Inaugural Mass, others were welcoming our 2024 Year 7s to our Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin. Throughout the day, students took time to visit with their house groups to focus on all things Marcellin, Marist and Mission. As they became familiar with features of the chapel, students were encouraged to recognise it a place where they are always welcome: be it for Wednesday or Friday Masses, year level liturgies or even just for some quiet reflective time. Of course, this invitation is extended to everyone in our Marist community. Often the antidote to “it’s been a busy week” is to take time for stillness, simplicity and presence in a sacred space.

Inaugural Mass

Mass Times

Wednesday Morning 8:00am and Friday 1st break in the College Chapel

St Vincent de Paul

Vinnies meetings will start up again for 2024 on Thursday of Week 2 during break 1B in Room 801.

Our Vinnies group aims to serve the community in a range of practical and valuable ways. All students are welcome.

All Abilities Cricket Program

All Abilities Cricket will start up again for 2024, running every Friday 4:00pm-5:00pm from February 9 – March 1. Any Year 11 or 12 students interested in volunteering their time to help, please contact mates@marash.qld.edu.au.

Stationery Aid – Collecting Now! 

Stationery Aid collections are very welcome at any time. Please use the blue bins located outside the Mission office to donate any unwanted stationery items – please refer to the list for acceptable.

The Stationery Aid MATES ministry will start up for 2024 on Friday morning of Week 2 (2nd February) from 7:30am in Room 801. 

Students are welcome to come along and help sort, clean and organize stationery.

For more information visit the Stationery Aid website: https://stationeryaid.org/ 

Tread Lightly

The Mission team will be continuing to receive donations of old shoes for Tread Lightly this year. 

Please leave your old school/sports at the Mission Office in the tub provided.

Tread Lightly give old shoes a second life, reducing landfill in the process! To find out more, visit: Tread Lightly – Together we can step into a better future​ (asga.com.au)

Rosies

Rosies is an amazing outreach program Marist has been privileged to participate in for many years, and are grateful for the opportunity to continue this year. 

The program kicks off in Term 2, we are looking for interest from Year 11 and 12 students. Please email mates@marash.qld.edu.au to sign up or visit the Mission Office.

Marist Youth Ministry Game Changers 

Join Game Changers in 2024! 

Game Changers is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program for students in Marist Schools from Years 7-12. These tracks are founded in the stories of Jesus, Mary, and Marcellin.

Please email mates@marash.qld.edu.au if you are interested in this program or visit the Mission Office.