Mission News

Prayers

We pray at this time especially for Kieran Donnelly (archivist) whose mother Netta passed away, for Tara Franklin (teacher) on the death of her father, and for Les Brown (laundry) who is mourning the passing of a close family member.  May all those who are grieving be comforted by God’s healing presence, and may our departed loved ones rest in eternal peace.

Community Mass

Regular Masses continue on Monday 1st Break, Wednesday 8:00am and Friday 1st Break. This Wednesday morning we celebrate the Harold House Mass. All welcome. 

Gospel

Sunday’s Gospel from Luke 10:38-42 (JB) – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered: 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.'

We hear in the story of Martha and Mary a caution about the way we prioritise our busyness ahead of the quality and simplicity of time spent listening, especially time in prayer and reflection. Martha’s sister Mary is immediately preoccupied with Jesus, sitting close to him and listening attentively. Martha on the other hand is described as “distracted”. How relatable! When we have too much to do and not enough time to do it, we can feel stressed and burdened, snappish and resentful. Mary, the quieter sister, is the model for listening – for tuning in with intention and love, rather than getting distracted and blaming others. There is a time and season for everything, of course, but in the midst of busyness—and we are starting to feel the pressure of it as Term 3 builds momentum—can we take the time to reflect and listen? We are invited to pay attention to Christ speaking into our daily lives. So let’s pray:

+ Lord,

We invite you into our hearts and everyday our lives,

Into the places and spaces where you already are and always will be

Help us to notice you, to listen to your wisdom and love you more each day

May we remain by your side and put aside the distractions and worries which consume us

Help us to remember to take time, rather than be ruled by the clock.

Lord Jesus, may we centre our lives in you.

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.+

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12s have returned from retreat with memorable experiences and conversations, sacred and reflective moments to treasure. Whether they were at Luther Heights up the coast, nearer to Brisbane at Brookfield, out west at Lake Perseverance or further south at Tamborine Mountain, each retreat group took the time to enter into the spiritual and communal experience of the retreat. Retreats are not without their challenges, and often intentionally so; as these young men come to the end of their secondary school years here at Marist, we as staff are intent on encouraging them to become and remain men of the Three Violets: of simplicity, humility and modesty. We are incredibly grateful and proud of the way our Year 12s wholeheartedly entered into the three days – through their respectful listening, the vulnerability of their sharing, their unwavering service to and their care of one another. Amidst all this, they had fun! 

The Mission team especially would like to express sincere thanks for the wonderful Marist staff who took time to be with the students over the three days and to the staff who remained behind at the college to relieve them. 

To the Year 12s of 2025: we see your gifts, your growth, your potential and your hopes. You’re wonderful young men and it was a pleasure to spend these three days with you all.

Fourviere Pledge - Anniversary

The anniversary of the Fourviere Pledge falls on 23 July. The pledge was made in 1816 by a group of newly ordained priests at the shrine of Fourviere. These young men would form the religious institute to be called Mary-ists (later what we know as Marists). The pledge expresses how they intend to dedicate their lives, “to work together for the greater glory of God and the honour of Mary”.

Aware of this moment as the birth of the Marist story, we can reflect that it is the faith, energy and commitment of these young men that fired the hearts of so many to follow in their example. May they continue to inspire us in spiritual and practical ways today.

Sony Foundation Camp – 20 to 22 September 

For Sony Camp to run smoothly, we rely heavily on our medical volunteers to assist our students in their role as Companion. Our fantastic Health Centre staff are the first to volunteer their time, but we would also like to offer the opportunity to our Marist families who are either doctors or nurses and would be willing to volunteer some time (even just a few hours) over the camp dates. 

Could this be YOU?! If so, please reach out to us at sony@marash.qld.edu.au or contact our Sony Camp Head Nurse, Ellie Hotston hotstone@marash.qld.edu.au for further information. 

Reminder – if you are unable to volunteer your time and would still like to be involved in supporting the camp, you can donate funds HERE – all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Stationery Aid Fundraising Event

Stationery Aid’s major fundraising event will be held on Friday 29th August and all are invited!

The evening will be a great celebration of salvaged student art and stories, and repurposed functional art from Stationery Aid’s charity partners. It also marks five years since Stationery Aid started.

Artist David Hinchliffe - https://www.davidhinchliffe.com.au/ - is the special guest speaker with Anna Reynolds, Chair of Brisbane Festival and Brisbane Portrait Prize as MC for the evening.

The aim is to raise $82,500 by the end of the year to support 1,500 disadvantaged students with full student booklists to start 2026 school year (and resources for one year of learning). To help Stationery Aid achieve this important goal, we encourage our wonderful Marist community to get behind this event.  

Stationery Aid Friday mornings

Stationery Aid kicks off this week for Term 3. Join us in Room 801 on Friday mornings between 7:30am - 8:30am as we continue giving stationery a second life!

A reminder that donations of good quality unwanted stationery are always welcome and can be placed in the blue bin outside the Mission Office. 

To find out more and to check the list for what can be donated, please visit: https://stationeryaid.org/.