Mission News

Prayers

With heavy hearts, we join in prayer with the St Laurence's College community as they grieve the tragic loss of 2 beloved students. May our Lord provide consolation and strength to all in this time of immense sorrow. 

We pray also for Arthur Finch, the Father of Hermitage Boarding Coordinator, David Finch. May Arthur and all who have died be received into the abundant and everlasting Grace of God.

Community Mass

All are welcome to attend Mass in the Chapel this Wednesday at 8:00am and Break 1B on Friday. This Wednesday we celebrate our Year 5 Welcome Mass. We encourage our sports teams to attend on Friday as a prayerful preparation for the weekend competition. 

Year 7–12 RE Classes continue to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) throughout Term 1.

Thanks to our Rush House students and Head of House, Scott Minogue for your attendance at last weeks House Mass .

Gospel

Sunday’s Gospel; Matthew: 17 1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Gospel Reflection by Daniel Bull 

The second Sunday of Lent is a prefiguration story, giving us a hint of the glory that awaits us at Easter. Jesus, with his three closest friends climbs a high mountain, for prayer and reflection, a common religious practice in the ancient world. On the high place, Matthew tells us that Jesus is transformed, and that the reality of God’s presence is graciously revealed to the disciples. 

It’s a story of encounter and presence. Peter, overawed by the glowing splendour of Christs’ true post-easter essence, embraces the encounter in a state of surrender, simply saying “it is good for us to be here”. He is open to the moment – to the encounter with God. The story continues with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, who represent Law and Prophecy respectively. Peter is jilted to action at this appearance, but is settled by the voice from the clouds, who simply encourages him to be still in the presence of the Lord. 

This is a complicated story. The Early Church Fathers encouraged the faithful to read it in two ways. As a literal event in the life of the Messiah, but also as a narrative that carried great symbolic weight. In the Old Testament God is revealed on Mount Sinai as fire – on this mountain he is revealed in the face of Christ. Moses represents Jewish Law, and Elijah Jewish prophecy. Jesus is seen as the Law and Prophecy itself – the final encounter they both prefigure. In the Old Testament the cloud was the symbol of God’s presence in the tabernacle – Jesus is now the tabernacle himself. 

This is a story for Lent – It asks us to be like St. Peter – open to sitting still in Jesus’ presence with an openness to what he is saying to our own hearts. Our student leaders’ theme for the year is “presence”. On the Mountain God exhibits lifesaving grace, by revealing his true self to us.  As we move through the second week of Lent is God calling you to be more present – to sit in stillness with a heart that is open to the transfiguring power he can work in your life?

All Abilities Cricket Program 

Over the past three weeks, a group of our students have had the privilege of being involved in the All Abilities Cricket Program at Valley District Cricket Club.

Each week, the boys travelled down to assist Kaz and her team in delivering cricket sessions designed to support players of all abilities. The focus was on inclusion, encouragement, and creating a positive and supportive environment where every participant could enjoy the game.

Our students played an active role in helping run drills, supporting skill development, and most importantly, building relationships with the players. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved, with plenty of smiles, teamwork, and great moments shared across the sessions.

We are grateful to Kaz and the Valley District Cricket Club for welcoming us so warmly. The program has been a valuable opportunity for our students to grow in empathy, leadership, and service.

We look forward to the program starting up again in Term 4 and continuing this wonderful partnership.

Marist Brothers Visits

Small groups of Year 8s have been visiting our resident elderly Marist Brothers this term. Last Wednesday, students from Ignatius House dropped by for some morning tea which was preceded by a challenging quiz delivered by Br Martin. A former science teacher, Br Martin’s ten questions left adults and students alike scratching their heads! Jimmy, one of our Marist students, came away with the win. We’re grateful to be able to visit the Brothers to keep our connection strong.

Marist Mothers Retreat 

Marist Mothers are invited to a gentle, reflective retreat facilitated by Br Neville Solomon fms and Clare Locke (Campus Minister).

To register, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-marist-college-ashgrove-mothers-retreat.

Staff Spirituality Day 

On Monday, staff gathered for the Marist Spirituality Day, taking time to reflect on the 2026 theme Full of Grace: Transform the World with God’s Love. The sessions were led by MLF team members Justin Golding and Br Tony Leon whose gentle encouragement invite us to reflect and share on God’s grace in our lives. With gratitude to the Social Club for breakfast to start the day, and to Fr Tini who lead us in a celebration of Eucharist to conclude our time together.

Stationery Aid 

A reminder that Stationery Aid sorting sessions now take place weekly on Wednesdays during Break 1 in Room 801 (behind the chapel) – Students from any age group are encouraged to attend. 

To find out more about the wonderful things Stationery Aid are doing, visit their website -https://stationeryaid.org/ 

MATES 

Please note our MATES email address has changed. Please send all MATES enquiries to mcamates@marash.qld.edu.au