Mission News

Prayers

We remember in our prayers all those who have died recently: 

• Clive France
• Peter Anderson Snr - his five sons attended Marist - Peter (1983), Paul (1984), Greg (1986), Michael (1988) and Joe (1989) and grandsons Shaun (2017), Brett (2019) and Patrick and William are currently in Year 11. Peter was a wonderful volunteer - e.g. ground maintenance and running bingo at the College.

As our students return tomorrow we acknowledge that this coincides with the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis explained that he chose the name Francis because St Francis was “the man of the poor. The man of peace. The man who loved and cared for creation.” As teachers, we are entrusted with the care of God’s greatest creation, His children.

Jesus, the ultimate teacher, at one point during His earthly ministry, had some children brought to Him so that He could lay hands on them and pray for them. The disciples tried to turn the children away, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (verse 14). 

There are two potentially puzzling elements to this story. First, why did the disciples try to keep the children away from Jesus? Also, what did Jesus mean when he said, “Let the little children come to me . . . for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”?It is important to remember that unlike today, children in Jesus’ time were not necessarily regarded as special or particularly endearing, except to their own parents. The disciples most likely scolded those bringing the children to Jesus because they felt bringing children to Jesus was socially improper or because they thought the children would bother Jesus. It is likely that their move to hinder the parents from bringing their children to Jesus was motivated not by unkindness but by a desire to respect Jesus’ position as a teacher. But Jesus wanted the children to come to Him. He said, “Let the children come,” because He wanted to bless them.It is wonderful to think of Jesus interacting with a child. Children who are often needy and dependent, and know very little about life. They function mostly on emotion rather than reason. Yet Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. Scripture often compares believers to children. In fact, Jesus told those following Him, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”.

So Those who come to Christ must do so in childlike humility, faith, and simplicity.God loves His children.

So may this prayer of St Francis bring you peace, inspiration, and renewed strength as you embark on Term 4, caring for, walking beside and teaching our Children with the spirit and care that St Francis had for all of God’s creative work with humility, faith and simplicity.

Dear God, 

Amen

Mary our Good Mother                                      Pray For Us 

St Marcellin Champagnat                                 Pray For Us 

Mary of the Cross Mackillop                            Pray For Us 

Santa Teresa Immersion 2023

On Friday 15 September, we sent Mr Connelly and Mr Lambourne and six of our Year 11 students on immersion to Santa Teresa for seven days. 

From Ashleigh Bishop  (Immersion student Year 11)

Visiting and living as part of the developing Aboriginal community at Santa Teresa was an incredibly unique experience, one we will always be grateful for. Learning about their rich culture, their intricate language, and their modest way of life has opened our eyes upon the realities of life for underprivileged communities, a valuable gift which few people are ever given the capacity to receive. Upon returning from our pilgrimage, we have developed not only a strengthened connection with each other, nor only a connection to the community, but most importantly we have drawn a Marist connection between both Marist College Ashgrove and the Marist community of Santa Teresa through our immersion and will always hold in a special place the memories we’ve made and the things we’ve learned. 

Thanks to Ms Nasr, Ms Harding, and Ms Wong for your commitment and organisation to allow us the rare opportunity of immersion, as well as Mr Connolly and Mr Lambourne to assist us upon our journey, and of course to the community at Santa Teresa, we are immensely and forever thankful. 

Mass Times

Wednesday Morning 8:00am in the College Chapel and Friday Break 1 in the College Chapel.

Gospel Reflection - Sunday 1 October 2023 Matthew 21:28-32

The Parable of the Two Sons 

28 ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” 29 He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father[a] went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

The aphorism “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words” is popularly attributed to St Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is marked on 4 October. St Francis embodied love and relationship in his dealings with the natural world and in the way he encountered people of different faiths.

Sunday’s Gospel has Jesus speaking to the heart of the matter: one son says he’ll work in the vineyard but doesn’t, the other declares he won’t, but then changes his mind. Jesus is criticising the empty ‘virtue signalling’ of his day, the religious and pious types who were saying all the right things, but by their hypocritical behaviour, not being truly faithful and loving people. Not getting their hands dirty. And for Jesus, the sinners and outcasts were the ones who were open to change, to see with the eyes of faith. 

How are we open to change? Are we prepared for our actions to speak louder than our words? We are challenged to preach the Good News of God’s loving forgiveness by being people of love, compassion and kindness. 

Coming Up

Term 4 –Introductory course to Auslan

PURCHASE TICKETS VIA:

https://events.humanitix.com/marist-college-ashgrove-auslan-course

Auslan is short for Australian sign language, a language developed by, and for, Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Tread Lightly

Tread Lightly wants your old sneakers – Drop off at the Mission Office 

All Abilities Cricket 

4-WEEK Program in Term 4 2023

4-WEEK Program in Term 1 2024

We are looking for a commitment for 8 weeks from students in Year 11 interested in the All Abilities Cricket program (you do not have to be great at cricket) come and sign up in the Mission Office or send an email to mates@marash.qld.edu.au.

Stationery Aid

Thank you to the students who have so ably supported our Stationery Aid MATES ministry on Friday mornings from 7:30am throughout the semester. The Stationery Aid collection bin can be found outside the Studies office. Our Primary School students have started donating their time to this great cause. 

Website for Stationery Aid:  https://stationeryaid.org/ 

ROSIES

A note from ROSIES Kitchen: Thank you, Marist College Ashgrove, for all the support that you have given us over the years. Rosies Kitchen would be so grateful if you could help us spread the mission of Rosies and learn more about the patrons you have had an impact on this year by reading and sharing our current newsletter here: Inside Rosies, Rosies Kitchen looks to secure more support to keep up with the increased demand on outreach across the state. As a College community, we will be collecting packets/cups of noodles in Term 3, thank you to all Pastoral groups who have kindly donated oodles of noodles, thank you very much F207 and GDR1. Marist College Ashgrove will be attending ROSIES street outreach during Term 3 and 4. Places are still available for teachers, thank you for all students who have signed up, we are at capacity for student attendance. We would really appreciate some teachers/support staff volunteering for the following nights throughout Term 4:

October: Monday 16, Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18

November: Monday 6 and Wednesday 8

Just email mates@marash.qld.edu.au to sign up or visit the Mission Office

St Vincent de Paul 

We invite students from Years 7–12 to join our St Vincent de Paul conference.  We currently meet on Thursday's SECOND break in Room 801. The group is a wonderful testament to the way our students respond to the call to stand with others. We are back serving our community BBQ on Thursday mornings from 7:15am in the main yard, and we are always happy for new volunteers. 

We are planning to run a Basketball competition at the end of Term 3 to raise awareness and funds. Much to do and much to plan for – all students from Years 7 – 12 are welcome to join and assist.  Head to the Mission Office to register interest, or email mates@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Youth Ministry Game Changers 

Game Changers is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program for students in Marist Schools from Years 7-12. journey. These tracks are grounded in the stories of Jesus, Mary, and Marcellin. Participating students are invited to undertake the following tracks across the six-year levels, with the focus on each track over two years. Just email mates@marash.qld.edu.au to sign up or drop into the Mission Office.