Mission News

Prayers

We pray for those in our community who are unwell or struggling in any way. We also remember in prayer those who have died, especially Jasper & Mitchell Benger’s grandfather who passed away recently. May Jasper & Mitchell’s grandfather and all our dear departed rest in the peace of God and may those who mourn them be comforted in their time of sorrow. Amen.

Community Mass

There will be no further Masses this term. Wednesday 8:00am and Friday 1st break Masses will continue in Term 3.

Gospel Reflection

Gospel from 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (16 June) Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowd, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time; he starts to reap because the harvest has come.'

He also said, 'What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.'

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.

So many good things happen out of sight. Seeds sprout without an audience. All they need from is the care, space and attention to allow it to happen. Our students are so much like these seeds in Jesus’ parable. Given the right environment and nurturing care, they can grow and fulfil the potential which has been there from the beginning, just waiting to find expression. We’ve seen our students grow and show their gifts in so many fields of endeavour this term, from sport to academia and arts. Another very important dimension of life at Marist is our MATES program. So many of our students diligently give hours of their own time supporting social justice and outreach activities at the college, from their membership of the Environment and Vinnies groups to Boarders’ Blitz, Stationery Aid, Fareshare and more. The MATES badges awarded at our end of term liturgy was a simple way to recognise the efforts and commitment of these students. Through their presence and commitment, each one of them exemplifies service and solidarity and walking in the way of Jesus.

As we take time over the holidays to rest, we can be reminded of another agricultural concept of “fallow” time. The seeds need good soil to grow, and letting the soil rest to replenish and recover is an idea we borrow in recognising our need to take a well-deserved breather. Our students and staff who have worked so hard will have the holiday period to (hopefully!) slow down and restore their energy, ready to begin term 3!

We pray:

Loving God, 

We thank you for the term that has now ended

For the challenges we have faced

And the successes we have enjoyed.

We ask that our Marist families and all families

Remain safe and well over the holidays.

May this be a period of rest and recovery for our students and staff Readying them for a joyful and productive third term.

We pray for our boarding students who are reconnecting with home.

Keep them in your tender care, loving Father.

We pray for our pilgrims travelling to Timor-Leste on immersion.

May they be travel safe and enjoy the hospitality they encounter.

We ask your comfort and protection for those

Who face stress and difficulties over this holiday period.

May we be a community who provides care and support

With a compassionate heart to all those in need.

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. + 

Vinnies Sleepout

Reflection by Mikael Pitot, Youth Minister

On Friday night, some of our Senior students participated in the Vinnies Sleepout at the college to raise awareness around the realities of homelessness. The night involved activities and workshops run by Vinnies Youth Staff and Volunteers, a soup dinner and our students and staff sleeping outside in the college with nothing but a piece of cardboard between them and concrete. The night ended with a liturgy in the chapel, where students reflected on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and what they had learnt throughout the night.

Thank you to the Vinnies Youth Staff and Volunteers who give up their time to educate our students on this important social issue.

Our Vinnies Sleepout students will share their new knowledge and understanding with the rest of the school at the beginning of next term.

A massive thank you to Veronica Harvey, The Youth Engagement and Development Coordinator - Western Diocese, who facilitated the activities for the night. We also thank John Hollamby, The Western Diocesan President, Kevin Bray, The St Johns Wood Conference President and all the Vinnies Youth volunteers who all attended and helped facilitate the night.

Thank you to the staff who attended the night also: Anna Nasr and Jorge Ruiz.

FareShare

Once a month we are now taking a group of seniors to work at FareShare Chairty Kitchen. FareShare’s mission is twofold: they cook up surplus food from Coles, Woolworths, Foodbank etc. – food that would otherwise be thrown away – into healthy and delicious meals for vulnerable Australians. 

Thank you to Year 11s Ignatius Hallman, Finn Brennan, Francis Schutt, Eamonn Kneen, Daniel O'Sullivan, Theo Acworth, Jayden Bush, Fletcher McMillian, and Ben Wex who help to seal up 3900 meals and cut up 200kg of chicken wings as well as 300kg of zucchini to be cooked up into a nutritious meal the next day.

If you are over 16 and would like to volunteer for FareShare, please email Ms Kathryn Badini at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au.

Year 12 Retreats

Retreats will take place Week 1, Term 3 from Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 July.

If you haven’t yet done so, please go into the Parent Lounge and ACCEPT your son’s attendance and update any medical or dietary requirements.  On Wednesday the 10th of July, students are to meet at the College bus stop at 7:30am for an 8:00am departure. Students will be told which retreat site they will be attending that morning.  Parents will be emailed that same day with their son’s retreat location and emergency contact details.

If your son has medication that needs to be administered whilst at retreat, you must complete the Request to Administer Medication During Camp Form that was emailed on Friday the 14th of June. Please contact the Mission Team if you have any questions – mission@marash.qld.edu.au.

Sony Foundation Camp – Calling all campers!

Sony Foundation Camp is back on campus over the September School Holidays with both Marist and Mt Alvernia Year 11 students will be taking on the role of companions for children with a disability.

However, for the camp to proceed, we need campers! We would love to support our local community so please reach out to your friends, relatives, neighbours or any family you know who might be in need of respite. We would love to assist!

Please visit our website – Sony Foundation Camp 2024 - Marist College Ashgrove (marash.qld.edu.au) to fill in an application form.

St Vincent de Paul and the Environment Group

Thanks to everyone for your support this term. The Bacon and Egg Burgers were a hit! We will be back with the burgers in Term 3.

Term 3 meetings of Vinnies and the Environment Group will continue alternating Thursday during break 1B in Room 801. All students are welcome.

Stationery Aid

Stationery Aid wrapped up for the term. Join us in Term 3  in Room 801 on Friday mornings between 7.30am-8.30am as we continue giving stationery a second life!

To find out more, visit: https://stationeryaid.org/