Mission News

Prayers

We pray for all in need in our community.

We pray for all those effected by the devasting Earthquakes. 

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 

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

Emergency Earthquake Appeal 

You would have seen in the media the shocking stories coming from Turkey and Syria after the devasting Earthquakes of recent days. 

As Marists, we are called and created to connection, to give hope and to be hope. 

As a first response, and an immediate form of aid to the people of the region, including the Marist Brothers community living and working in Syria, we are holding an emergency fundraiser in the form of a Blue and Gold free dress day this coming Friday 17 February. This Marist community has agreed to assist with this Marist Schools Australia initiative.

Over the weekend, the General Director of International Foundation for Marist Solidarity Andrea Rossi, provided some information about the assistance being prioritised. He wrote: “Examples of the types of intervention that can be supported include: 

1. Water supply, construction and/or repair of sanitation facilities, provision of health services, medicines, 
2. Construction of emergency shelters and initiation of emergency food programmes;
3. Distribution of emergency non-food items (such as: tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, buckets, jerry cans, cooking utensils); 
4. Protection and support activities for the local population, refugees or displaced persons. 

100% of the funds will go to humanitarian aid. Management fees and expenses are not allowed. Exclusion criteria are established in order not to allow the purchase of weapons, armaments and any goods that may pose a threat to the protection of the individual.”

We encourage the families of this Marist community to support the appeal efforts. The students are encouraged to donate on Friday 17 February. 

Marist Anniversary - Lost in the Snow

Stories are an important part of life. Through stories, we communicate how to act towards one another, what we value and what is possible in a fun and interesting way. Below is a Marist story that reminds us of our trust in our good mother Mary and our faith in a God who loves us.

In the very early days of the Marist Brothers Marcellin received news that one of the young brothers, who was working at a school far away was very ill. 

When Marcellin heard he immediately set out on foot to make the 20km journey over rugged mountain terrain to visit him. 

He was accompanied by 22-year-old Br Stanislaus and all went well until a heavy snowstorm hit them on the return journey. 

They became lost in the heavily wooded slopes and after hours of walking through the blizzard, darkness and exhaustion overcame them. 

Marcellin helped Br. Stanislaus along as he struggled with the bitter wind. Soon they could go no further and as they sheltered under a tree it became apparent that Br Stanislaus would soon die of exposure to the cold. 

They knelt in the snow and said the Memorare (a prayer) to Mary and could hardly hear themselves above the howling wind. 

They had just finished the prayer when they saw what looked like a lantern moving in the distance. 

A farmer called Mr Donnet had a random (in that he did not do this every night) idea to check his stable by an outside door even though he had access to the stable from inside his house. Whatever the farmers motives or inspiration, his lamplight saved the two men.

As they warmed their frozen limbs gratefully by Mr Donnets fire, Marcellin and Br. Stanislaus were convinced that their prayer had been heard and that Mary had saved them. 

The lost in the snow story became a cherished image and story that helped the early Marists along when times became difficult, as they did and can do for us. 

The prayer they prayed The Memorare is a popular prayer to the Mary dating from the fifteenth century. It is named from the first word of the Latin prayer - memorare meaning remember - and it addresses Mary in her role as intercessor (someone who assists and provides for us) in all our needs and difficulties. This is a very Marist way of praying.

Marists continue saying this beautiful prayer in union with millions of Christians around the world and throughout the centuries who have turned to Mary as the Good Mother. 

The Memorare (new version)

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who turned to you for help was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, and aware that I am not perfect, I turn to you for protection for you are the good mother.

Lenten Period

Next Wednesday 22 February is the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. Lent is often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. This means that it’s a time for personal reflection that prepares people’s hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.

As a Catholic community the three main things people focus on during Lent are prayer, fasting (abstaining from something to reduce distractions and focus more on God) and giving, or charity.

Prayer during Lent focuses on our need for God’s forgiveness. It’s also about repenting (turning away from our sins) and receiving God’s mercy and love.

Fasting, or giving something up, is a very common practice during Lent. The idea is that giving up something that’s a regular part of life, like eating dessert or scrolling through TikTok, can be a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. That time can also be replaced with more time connecting with God.

Giving money or doing something good for others is a way to respond to God’s grace, generosity and love. For example, some people spend time volunteering or donate money they would normally use to buy something, like a doughnut for afternoon tea.

Spending time during Lent praying, fasting and giving can make Jesus’ sacrifice on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter even more meaningful.

As Marists we take seriously the need to connect with God and others. Traditionally here at Marist College Ashgrove we work very hard to raise funds to give to peoples and communities that are in need of our help, our solidarity. By raising funds we are making a statement that we are all created equally by our God and so we all share the responsibility to walk beside one another, support one another, and stand together.

Next Tuesday 21 February we begin raising funds with our Shrove Tuesday pancake stall 

Next Friday 24 February is the annual Fundraising Day. This will be a free dress day.

Throughout break one there will be food stalls and activities, this is a great opportunity for the students to be involved and show support for our fundraising efforts and our Lenten appeal. 

Lent – let’s prepare, let’s make a difference. We are created and called to do so.

Tuesday Morning Reconciliation

Students, parents, staff, and other members of the College community are welcome to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr Tini is available every Tuesday morning in the College Chapel.

Wednesday Morning Community Mass 

Students, parents, staff, and other members of the College community are warmly invited to Mass on Wednesday mornings in the College Chapel (every week during term time). Mass commences at 8:00am.