Mission News

Prayers

Following Sunday’s memorial for All Souls, we keep in our prayers our loved ones who have died. As we continue to miss and mourn them, we trust that they are at peace with God whose love is everlasting.

We continue to pray for our hardworking Year 12 students as the continue exams. May they sustain the energy and effort they need to do their best.

Community Mass

We will celebrate Mass on Monday and Friday first break & Wednesday at 8am. All welcome! This Tuesday, Foley students celebrate a House Mass during PG. 

Gospel 

The Commemoration of the All the Faithful Departed – Luke 7:11-17 (Year C) (JB)

Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. 'Do not cry,' he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, 'Young man, I tell you to get up'. And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, 'A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people'. And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.

Gospel Reflection

In Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 7:11–17), we encounter a deeply moving moment: Jesus approaches a grieving widow whose only son has died. Surrounded by mourners, she walks in sorrow, carrying not just the weight of loss but also the fear of isolation—her son was her last family. Jesus sees her, feels compassion, and says, “Do not weep.” Then, in a miraculous act, He raises her son to life.

This passage reminds us of the power of presence and compassion. Jesus doesn’t wait to be asked. He notices her pain, steps into her story, and responds with mercy. We are invited to do the same in our own lives—not with miracles, but with attention, empathy, and care.

Each day, the staff of Marist College Ashgrove walk alongside students who may be carrying invisible burdens—grief, anxiety, loneliness, or uncertainty. Our role is not only to teach but to notice, to respond, and to offer hope. Sometimes, a quiet word of encouragement, a moment of patience, or a simple act of kindness can be life-giving.

In a school community, we are also called to be present to one another as colleagues. Just as Jesus saw the widow, may we see each other—not just in passing, but with genuine care. May we create a culture where compassion is not an exception, but a daily practice.

And so we pray:

+ Loving God,

As we begin this day, we ask for hearts that notice and hands that serve. May we be present to our students, attuned to their needs, and generous with our time and care. Help us to walk gently with those who are hurting, and to offer encouragement to those who feel unseen.

Grant us the wisdom to work and to teach with purpose, the strength to lead with integrity, and the grace to support one another as colleagues and companions. May our work reflect Your compassion, and may our school be a place of hope, healing, and belonging.

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.+

Beat the Heat - Soft Drink Sale

The sun is expected to shine this Thursday! Perfect weather to stop by the CLE Undercroft during first break and grab a refreshing soft drink.

Each drink is just $3, and all profit supports the 2025 Christmas Appeal. 

Paddington Community Centre visit

On Monday, a group of Year 7 Ignatius students visited the Paddington Community Centre. There they played games, including Uno, and enjoyed the company of the elderly visitors. It’s always a pleasure to visit the centre and our Marist students are unfailingly warm and friendly. Everyone enjoys the chance to connect.

Marist Brothers Community visit

During Term 3 and 4, small groups of Year 8 students have been visiting the Marist Brothers who live in community on the college grounds. Last week, Ephrem students had the privilege of meeting Kevin Burke, a brother of Br Roger Burke. Kevin, a gentleman in his 90s, recalled his own school days at Marist, which began with the first intake year in 1940. He even flawlessly recited “The Fancy from Fontanelle”, a poem he’d learnt and still remembered from his time at Ashgrove, some 80 years ago!

Our students are to be commended on the way they conduct themselves during these visits, and the interest and respect they show in conversations with the Brothers. Gilroy students will visit next week. Our thanks goes to the Marist Brothers, especially Br Daniel Hollamby fms, for so generously inviting our students and providing morning tea. It’s wonderful to continue the connection between Marist students and brothers. 

Marist College Christmas Appeal

27 October – 14 November

To all who have contributed so far to our annual Christmas Appeal, thank you for your generosity! The appeal continues until next Friday 14th November and will raise much needed funds for The St Vincent De Paul Society and Downs and West Community Support. Both organisations make a real difference for those facing hardship; hardship which often is most keenly felt during Christmas. 

How do I give?

Students are encouraged to bring in Grocery Gift Cards or donate online via Monitor or Humanitix. No cash donation please. Students, families and community members can donate using this link:

2025 MCA Christmas Appeal Donation Link

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

Following their training, our newest Extraordinary Ministers of Communion were commissioned during our Friday Mass for All Saints and All Souls. Our students expressed their commitment to this special ministry which will ensure they play an important role during our upcoming whole school Masses. We would like to acknowledge these wonderful students for their willingness to lead through service to others, especially in this holy and sacramental way.

Immersions 2026

The 2026 Immersion applications are now closed, however if you are a current Year 10 student and interested in next year’s immersions, please contact Clare Locke, Campus Minister: lockec@marash.qld.edu.au.

Stationery Aid 

Volunteers are always needed at our Stationery Aid sessions, , especially at this time in Term 4 as we continue to prepare the book packs for the start of next year. See you Friday 7:30am in Room 801! 

Reminder, if you have excess stationery, you’d like to get rid of, please drop it into the yellow bins outside the Mission Office! To find out more and to check the list for what can be donated, please visit: https://stationeryaid.org/.