Mission News

Prayers 

We pray for those mourning the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted in their grief. May those who have gone before us rest in God’s everlasting peace. Amen.

Community Mass Times

Wednesday Morning - 8:00am

Friday 1st Break - 11:45am

ALL WELCOME!

Gospel Reflection

(Pentecost Sunday Gospel from John 20:19-23)

Jesus said to his disciples:

'When the Advocate comes,

whom I shall send to you from the Father,

the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,

he will be my witness.

And you too will be witnesses,

because you have been with me from the outset.

'I still have many things to say to you

but they would be too much for you now.

But when the Spirit of truth comes

he will lead you to the complete truth,

since he will not be speaking as from himself

but will say only what he has learnt;

and he will tell you of the things to come.

He will glorify me,

since all he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.

Everything the Father has is mine;

that is why I said:

All he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.'

In yesterday’s Gospel of John (20:19-23), we encounter a powerful and transformative moment. After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were gathered together in a room, they were filled with fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, Jesus appeared before them, standing among them. His presence brought them instant peace and joy.

We can relate to the disciples' feelings of fear and uncertainty. We face many challenges and uncertainties in our lives, whether it's in our work, relationships, or personal struggles. But just as Jesus brought peace to the disciples, He offers us the same gift of peace in our lives today.

Jesus said to the disciples, "Peace be with you." These words carry a deep meaning for us. They remind us that amidst the chaos and challenges of life, we can find true peace in Jesus. This peace is not just a temporary feeling, but a deep-rooted sense of calm and assurance that comes from knowing and trusting in Him.

Jesus then showed the disciples His wounds, the marks of His suffering on the cross. This was a powerful reminder of His love and sacrifice for us. It is a reminder that Jesus understands our pain, our struggles, and our doubts. He invites us to bring our wounds and burdens to Him, knowing that He can heal and restore us.

After showing them His wounds, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith, to be witnesses of Christ's love in the world. The Holy Spirit gives us strength, courage, and guidance to navigate the challenges of life and to make a difference in the lives of others.

In this Gospel passage, Jesus commissions the disciples to carry on His mission of forgiveness and reconciliation. He tells them, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." We are called to be agents of forgiveness and love in our own lives. We are called to extend compassion and mercy to others, just as Jesus has shown us.

So, as we reflect on John 20:19-23, let us pray:

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Dear Lord

Let us remember that Jesus offers us peace, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us embrace His love and forgiveness, and strive to be ambassadors of His love in our daily lives. May we find strength and courage in Him, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us on our journey.

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. +

MSM and Marist Year 12 Student Leader Forum

Last Friday, our College Captains welcomed Mt St Michael’s Year 12 student leaders to the Tower function room to share breakfast and discuss their leadership experiences and aspirations. Beginning with a reflection and prayer, the students were reminded that our two schools have many things in common, not least of which communities both are proudly Ashgrovian! As leaders, they were also invited to reflect on (Sisters of Charity foundress) Mary Aikenhead and St Marcellin Champagnat as passionate, faith-filled people who sought to follow Christ by serving the most needy in their communities. Mary and Marcellin were true leaders who inspired others to join them, much like our worthy student leaders!

Seated with their fellow portfolio holders, Marist and MSM leaders shared their leadership successes and some of the challenges they face in their roles. An activity of sorting influential/famous people in order of ‘worst’ to ‘best’ for leadership also sparked conversation around the qualities they admire and look for in a leader. 

The morning was a great opportunity for connection and affirmation. We look forward to more opportunities in future to have fun, share ideas and build common understandings between Mt St Michael’s and Marist Colleges.

150 Years of the Cathedral of St Stephen’s

On Friday, members of our College leadership team and three of our student leader representatives—Dom Forbes, Max Bathersby and Jack Shay--gathered with community members, special guests and dignitaries for Mass to celebrate 150 years since the opening and blessing of the Cathedral of St Stephen in Brisbane.

A message stick was processed into the cathedral on Friday for the last stage of a journey that began in Pentecost last year. The message stick—an ancient indigenous form of communication—has travelled throughout the Archdiocese, entering the lives and liturgical celebrations of Catholic communities from Gayndah to the Gold Coast, Caloundra to Ispwich, and reminding us of the many hearts and hands that form part of our wider Catholic community. As a school within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, we are proud to be part of that story too!

All Abilities Rugby

This term our Senior boys have been volunteering with the All Abilities Rugby program down at the Ashgrove Fields on Friday evenings (6:00pm-7:00pm). The program aims to provide young participants of all abilities a fun and friendly atmosphere along with support to learn skills and enjoy sport. 

Year 11 or 12 students who can spare a Friday evening help are very welcome – just contact the Mission office to sign up: mission@marash.qld.edu.au

The photos show last Friday’s All Abilities evening. Feedback from organisers about our students’ involvement has been glowing!

Sony Foundation Camp – Calling all campers!

Sony Foundation Camp is back on campus over the September School Holidays with both Marist and Mt Alvernia Year 11 students will be taking on the role of companions for children with a disability.

However, for the camp to proceed, we need campers! We would love to support our local community so please reach out to your friends, relatives, neighbours or any family you know who might be in need of respite. We would love to assist!

Please visit our website – Sony Foundation Camp 2024 - Marist College Ashgrove (marash.qld.edu.au) to fill in an application form.  

St Vincent de Paul and the Environment Group

Our Vinnies group has been busy cooking up a storm on Thursday mornings. The Bacon and Egg Burgers continue to be a success. Come along Thursday to grab one for just $4.50!

Vinnies and the Environment Group meetings will continue alternating Thursday during break 1B in Room 801. All students are welcome.

Vinnies School Sleepout

The Vinnies Sleepout aims to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness and the complex and troubling factors that add to the struggle to find and remain in safe, affordable and long-term accommodation. 

The Sleepout will run overnight (5:00pm – 7:00am), with soup for dinner in the evening, and breakfast for leaving in the morning. While there’s no guarantee of a good night’s sleep, that just reinforces how this is an action of solidarity with people whose everyday lives are challenging in ways we can hardly imagine. It reminds us that we can take the simplest things for granted. The Sleepout in one way we can bring attention to the issue of homelessness – an issue of justice and human dignity. 

Senior students interested in being part of the St Vincent De Paul school sleepout are reminded to complete the expression of interest form sent out via email. If you have any questions, please email mission@marash.qld.edu.au.

Stationery Aid

We’re always happy to see new (and familiar!) faces in Room 801 on Fridays any time between 7:30am-8:30am to help sort and clean stationery. 

Donations to Stationery Aid are always gratefully received in the blue bin next to the Mission Office.

To find out what you can donate to Stationery Aid and for other information about this wonderful charity, visit the website: https://stationeryaid.org/ 

Emmanuel City Mission

The Marist College's MATES program is partnering with Emmanuel City Mission in south Brisbane to support the vulnerable in our community. Emmanuel City Mission provide meals, shower and washing facilities, clothing and toiletry packs, and a place where visitors can feel safe. Marist College hopes to partner with Emmanuel City Mission by sending students to the centre to cook a meal for their visitors and share conversations. The centre relies on donations from the community and has asked the college to sponsor the meals that our students will make. Sponsorship of each meal ranges in price from $300 to $350.

If you are a company owner or worker who would be willing to help the college regularly sponsor a meal or part thereof, please reach out through our mates@marash.qld.edu.au email. We would hope to send students to the centre and sponsor a meal at least once a month. Your contribution will directly impact those in need and support our students' service-learning journey. To sponsor a meal or learn more, contact us at mates@marash.qld.edu.au.