Mission News

Prayers

We pray those who are unwell or experiencing difficulty in their lives. 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Michael Cule’s (Year 11 Foley) dad Antun Cule. Antun was a good friend to staff members and a generous supporter of our college. May Antun rest in peace and may his family and friends be comforted in their grief. May all those who have died recently rest in the peace of God’s eternal embrace. Amen.

Community Mass 

As we begin the term, we remind our community of that Mass is celebrated in the college chapel each Wednesday 8:00am and Friday 1st break. 

Gospel Reflection

Gospel from Mark 6:1-6 (JB)

Jesus went to his home town and his disciples accompanied him. With the coming of the sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, 'Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him? This is the carpenter, surely, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon? His sisters, too, are they not here with us?' And they would not accept him. And Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is only despised in his own country among his own relations and in his own house'; and he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

The people of Jesus’ hometown thought they knew him: he was a carpenter, a son, a brother. Not a healer, preacher and prophet! Prophets challenge and unsettle. They speak an uncomfortable truth. They act courageously. The unwillingness of people to truly accept Jesus and his mission inhibited the possibilities that faith affords. Like the people who couldn’t or wouldn’t see Jesus in a new light, we too can be limited by our assumptions and prejudices. We ask God to open our hearts and minds to see others in the light of love and possibility. May we be people of acceptance and hospitality, of faith and courage. 

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. + 

Timor-Leste Solidarity Immersion

Over the holidays, eight Year 11 students made the journey to Timor-Leste on immersion, representing Marist College Ashgrove beautifully and entering into the experience with joyful enthusiasm. It was a steep learning curve for our group, beginning with exploring the difficult historical context of Timor-Leste, with its struggle for independence achieved at immense cost to the population. We witnessed firsthand the incredible joy and resilience of the people, their pride in their national identity and their strong connection to family and community. The Timorese also LOVE football (soccer)! During our time in Baucau, we joined with Australian Marist Brothers as well as the young Timorese aspirants and postulants, sharing a meal, music and laughter. Our visits to schools allowed us to experience Timorese song and dance, the presentation of traditional Tais and an array of delicious food—all this from communities who are materially a lot poorer than us, but rich in hospitality, faith, love and joy. The immersion into the schools in Quelicai was a challenge but very rewarding as our students taught classes while having fun and learning a lot in the process. It was a privileged encounter, and one we look forward to sharing more about at an upcoming assembly.

Year 12 Retreats

The Year 12s will be heading off on Retreat this week. The retreatants go with our blessing. We hope that these few days will be a time of self-reflection and awareness, and of authentic connection with one another and with God.

Sony Foundation Camp 

During the holidays our Assistant Head of College - Mission Mrs Nasr, her assistant Mrs Harding and college nurse Mrs Hotston travelled to Canberra for the Sony Foundation Conference. They gathered with staff from schools all over Australia and New Zealand who host their own respite camp for children with a disability. The conference was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and resources. 

The Sony Foundation are celebrating 25 years of the camp and Channel 9 are looking to do a feature story on camps of days gone by. Old Boys - if you were involved in the Sony Camp when you attended the college & would like to share your memories of the camp, please send us an email to - sony@marash.qld.edu.au

We are currently finalising the timetable for the upcoming September camp, if you have a business and would like to be involved or looking to sponsor an activity for the camp please reach out to us on the above email. We would also love to hear from our parents who are Doctors, nurses, physios, support workers etc. If you are able to volunteer your time over the camp (even if it’s just a few hours) it would be greatly appreciated. 

Further details about the camp and how you can help will be advised in next week’s newsletter.

St Vincent de Paul group

The first Vinnies group meeting for Term 3 will held on Thursday of Week 3 (25 July)—Break 1B in room 801.

The long-awaited Vinnies Bin-Ball Competition will be held on August 9. More information to come!

Bacon and Egg Burgers will be available this Thursday morning before school for just $4.50.

Stationery Aid

Stationery Aid kicks off for Term 3 in Week 2. Join us 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/