Mission News

Prayers

As a Marist community, our hearts are heavy at the passing of Year 5 student Anthony Robertiello, who this week lost his battle with a terminal illness. We pray for Anthony's family and all his friends and classmates, that they may be supported in their grief and surrounded by the healing presence of the Holy Spirit. May Anthony, who is forever loved, rest in God's eternal embrace. 

We grieve also for the loss of Ryan Kerwin, beloved son of Marist staff member Belinda, who passed away this week after a long illness. As we trust Ryan is now at peace with our loving God, we pray for and mourn with Belinda and her family in their time of immense sorrow. We hold in our hearts Ryan's friends and fellow students at Mt Maria College Mitchelton. May God's healing spirit be with the Mt Maria College community as they farewell their irreplaceable friend.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Joan Roberts, much loved mother of Marist teacher Peter Gaiter. Jean was a devout Catholic who leaves​ behind her loving husband Murray, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

We pray for all our students and their families in the coming weeks as the school year ends and the holidays begin. We pray the Advent will be a time of joyful anticipation before we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

Community Mass

We will celebrate Mass on Wednesday morning. There will be no Mass on Friday, our last day of term, as we farewell our students at the end of term liturgy.

Gospel

Sunday Gospel – Christ the King – Luke 23:35-43 (JB)

The people stayed before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. 'He saved others,' they said 'let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.' The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer him vinegar they said, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.' Above him there was an inscription: 'This is the King of the Jews.'

One of the criminals hanging there abused him. 'Are you not the Christ?' he said. 'Save yourself and us as well.' But the other spoke up and rebuked him. 'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said, 'You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,' he said 'remember me when you come into your kingdom.' 'Indeed, I promise you,' he replied 'today you will be with me in paradise.'

Gospel Reflection

As we find ourselves in the final week of the school year, Luke’s Gospel offers us profound insights into mercy, redemption, and the power of faith. In this passage, Jesus, while crucified, is mocked by those around Him, yet He extends a promise of paradise to the repentant thief beside Him. This moment encapsulates the essence of grace, reminding us that no one is beyond hope and that transformation is possible, even in our darkest moments.

For our school community, this scripture encourages us to reflect on the journey we’ve shared throughout the year. We have witnessed growth, challenges, and moments of joy. As educators, we at Marist have the unique ability to offer support, understanding, and forgiveness, just as Jesus did. This week invites us to consider how we can embody grace and compassion in our interactions with students, colleagues, and one another.

St. Marcellin Champagnat once said, “To educate is to evangelize.” This statement resonates deeply as we think about our mission. Education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about fostering an environment where students feel valued and loved. As we conclude this year, let us remember that our actions and words can greatly impact our students’ lives, offering them hope and guiding them toward a brighter future.

We pray: 

+ Loving Father,

As we come to the close of this school year, we thank You for the gifts of learning, growth, and community. We ask for Your guidance as we reflect on our experiences—both the successes and the challenges. Help us to embody Your grace, just as Jesus did on the cross, extending compassion and understanding to all those we encounter. May we strive to create an environment where every student and staff member feels valued and supported, and where they can find hope and redemption, no matter their circumstances

May our commitment to education reflect Your love, and may we carry the spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat in our hearts as we continue to nurture and inspire the young minds entrusted to us. 

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.+

A special note from the Head of Mission

During this last week of the school year for 2025, I take this opportunity to offer a sincere thank you to our wonderful families whose sons I have been so privileged to walk alongside every day as Head of Mission, as teacher and as a boarding supervisor. I will be taking six months (two terms) of leave in the first half of 2026, and I know that my replacement and my fellow Mission team members Jenna Harding, Clare Locke and our new Youth Ministers, Lachie and Ben, will continue the Mission work in our school with great care and skill. I especially want to acknowledge and farewell our incredible Youth Minister, Mikael Pitot, who leaves Marist this year to begin his teaching career at Notre Dame, Bell’s Creek. Mikael has been an extraordinary asset to Marist College Ashgrove, with his innovative ideas, energy, joy, and unwavering commitment to the MATES program. Mikael – you will be missed.

I wish all our students and their families, along with the fantastic Marist staff, a time of peace and joy in the weeks of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, born anew in the world and in our hearts at Christmas. 

Cambodia Immersion – time for take off!

The group of students and staff going on immersion will be flying out on Thursday evening for what will be a special and memorable experience in Cambodia. We trust they will give generously of their time, energy and interest, and return safely to their families on December 7th. 

Marist College Christmas Appeal – thank you

We’re delighted to announce that thanks to the amazing generosity of our Marist families, we have raised over $10,000 for Vinnies and Downs & West Community Support. The funds will go a long way to supporting families and individuals in need in our community and further. On behalf of these two important charitable organisations, we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this year’s Christmas Appeal and helped Share the Light!