Mission News

Prayers

We pray for our Year 12 students as they study for external exams. May they be guided by the wisdom from St Teresa of Avila, whose feast day is marked on 15 October: “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.”

Year 6 Community Mass

On Wednesday 14 October at 8:00am we invite all Year 6 students and their families to attend our morning community mass. 

Gospel Reflection 

This Sunday, Jesus uses a parable to compare the Kingdom of God to a king who sends out invitations to an extravagant wedding feast. Those who were originally invited either refuse to come or mistreat and even kill the king’s messengers. In response, he extends the invitation to everyone he can find, filling the banquet hall with unexpected guests. One of those in attendance arrives without a wedding garment, a sign of disrespect in ancient Hellenistic culture. The saddened king removes him from the feast, and Jesus concludes with a warning: “For many are called, but few are chosen”.

The wedding banquet is a symbol of the joy and abundance of God’s Kingdom, which is extended not just to the elite but to everyone, good or bad alike. The generous invitation is not restricted, and God’s grace is open to those whom society may overlook or exclude. This presents a challenge: do we judge others, or do we see everyone as worthy of the divine invitation?

Human beings are free to accept or reject this divine invitation. In the parable, some people prioritise work and personal affairs, while others respond with outright hostility to the divine call knocking at their hearts. Jesus is telling us that God’s call requires a response: we are called, but we must also make an effort. This invites us to consider how we become distracted in our daily lives, preventing us from responding wholeheartedly to God’s call.

Accepting this call means that we should strive to cultivate virtue. The wedding garment can be interpreted as a transformed disposition that seeks the Good rather than the mundane. Faith demands a change in orientation: we are called to follow Jesus’ ways and undergo interior transformation. This interior transformation should be reflected in outward acts of charity and kindness.

Lastly, the Kingdom of God demands a personal response. Everyone receives an invitation of grace, but each person must choose how to respond to Jesus. Faith requires a commitment to participate in God’s mission. Christians are challenged to examine their own lives to see how they can live in a way that brings about the Kingdom today. As Pope Benedict XVI wonderfully put it: “Being Christian is… the encounter with an event, a person.”

2026 Awards Night – Mission 

Congratulations to the recipients of our Mission Awards at last nights ceremony.

The Father Walter Cain Memorial Trophy for Contribution to College Mission is awarded to a Year 12 student whose deep faith is a motivating force in his life. He has demonstrated commitment to Mission throughout his senior year and has left our College better than it might otherwise have been. The recipient will have a long history of participating in the College MATES program (which includes St Vincent de Paul group, Environment group, Lenten Fundraisers for AMS, Stationery Aid, Immersions, Rosies, All Abilities, Paddington Respite, Sony Foundation Camp) and a strong involvement in and support of the liturgical and prayer life of the College. The recipient is a role model for students and staff exemplifying a “good Christian and good citizen”.

The Father Tom Maloney Medal for Marist Ministry and Service is presented to a Year 12 student who has made a substantial commitment to the College MATES Ministry and Service Program. The recipient of the award is motivated by and reflects the consistent spirit of Christian service and solidarity and models these attributes to staff and students as an excellent example of the Marist virtues of simplicity, humility and modesty. 

The Marist Brothers Service Award is awarded to a student who has authentically and whole-heartedly served our Marist Family through the characteristics of Marist Spirituality; God’s presence and love, Trust in God, Love of Jesus and his Gospel, In Mary’s Way, Family Spirit, Simplicity. The recipient has shared with others their personal faith and spirituality to make Jesus Christ known and loved in the way of Mary.

MATES Platinum Awards 

The MATES Platinum Award is the highest recognition a student can earn through our service program. Reaching 150 points is a major achievement. It can’t be rushed, and it reflects commitment built up over years, not weeks.

Recipients have typically served consistently throughout their time at school, taking up opportunities in our local community and reaching out to the wider community. These gentlemen have generously given their time across a wide range of MATES initiatives, from major service opportunities to the smaller, everyday acts of service that make just as meaningful an impact.

Platinum recipients show perseverance, generosity and genuine care for others. They have made service a habit rather than a task. 

Year 5-11 Mission Awards

Compassionate, caring and sensitive to the needs of others - Presence• Genuine, straightforward, down-to-earth, humble and modest, “doing good quietly” - Simplicity• Honest and friendly with both staff/students, offers welcome, acceptance and belonging to others, honesty and respect for all - Family Spirit• A quiet achiever, persevering in daily work, gives it his all striving for excellence, encouraging of others, meets the needs of the group and community, making a positive difference to others - Love of the work• Able to influence students for good, a positive role model and/or example of strength and tenderness, prayerful, faithful and open to God’s action in their life - In the way of Mary

Annual eWaste and Stationery Aid Drive

Reminder - the Environment Group will be hosting their 3rd annual eWaste and Stationery Aid drive on Saturday 17 October from 9:00am - 11:00am at the McMahon Oval Carpark. Please drop by with any electronic waste – such as, broken cords, monitors, computer mice, headphones, etc – and/or any old stationery that could be given a second life for a school student in need. Please email Ms Kathryn Badini at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au for any questions.