Mission News

Prayers

We pray for the family and friends of John Boustead as he is laid to rest this week. May those who are accompanying loved ones nearing death feel the embrace of God who awaits us all in final communion.

Community Mass

We will celebrate Mass on Monday 1st Break, Wednesday 8:00am and Friday 1st break. 

Gospel and Reflection

Gospel from 21st Sunday in Ordinary time Year C - Luke 13:22-30 (JB)

Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, 'Sir, will there be only a few saved?' He said to them, 'Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.

'Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, "Lord, open to us" but he will answer, "I do not know where you come from." Then you will find yourself saying, "We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets" but he will reply, "I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!"

'Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from the east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

'Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.'

In Luke 13:22–30, Jesus speaks of the narrow door and the urgency of striving to enter it. He warns that many will seek to enter but will not be able, and that some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last. This passage challenges us to reflect on the depth of our commitment, the authenticity of our discipleship, and the humility with which we walk our journey of faith.

For teachers and those of us who work with young people, this message resonates deeply. In a world increasingly shaped by division, distraction, and the pursuit of status or success, the "narrow door" reminds us that true leadership and service come through humility, integrity, and love. The classroom is not just a place of instruction—it is a sacred space where values are formed, where justice and compassion are modelled, and where the last can indeed be first.

Contemporary events—wars, climate crises, displacement, and inequality—highlight the urgency of forming students who are not just knowledgeable, but wise and courageous. As educators, and here we are all educators in some way or another, we are called to guide them toward the narrow path: one of empathy, justice, and truth. We must ask ourselves: are we preparing our students to be citizens of the Kingdom, or merely of the world?

This passage also reminds us that proximity to Jesus—being in His presence—is not enough. We must live His teachings. In our school, this means fostering communities where every student feels seen, valued, and called to greatness—not by worldly standards, but by the standards of love and service. 

Reflecting on Sunday’s Brisbane peace march for Gaza, I am reminded of the power of unity and compassion. People from diverse backgrounds came together, raising their voices for peace and justice. This gathering symbolizes our shared humanity and the deep yearning for resolution amidst suffering.

As we stand in solidarity with those affected, may our collective hopes inspire action toward healing and understanding.

+ Dear Lord,

We come together in gratitude for the strength found in community. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we seek peace in Gaza and around the world. May our hearts remain open, our actions be driven by love, and our voices continue to advocate for justice. Grant comfort to those in pain and inspire leaders to pursue paths of reconciliation. Amen.

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 9 Masses 

Throughout Week 6 and into Week 7, we have been welcoming into the college chapel our Year 9s to Mass in their RE class groups. The theme of Vocation has woven its way through the Mass as an invitation to our young men to listen and reflect on how God is calling them – what are their gifts, their strengths and the opportunities they have to live fully as God intended? It’s been delightful to see how reverently and respectfully our students have entered into the Mass, participating as readers and connecting with the liturgy. As ever we remain grateful to our college chaplain Fr ‘Alatini who gives of his time so generously.

Mr Tom Dangerfield’s Year 9 RE class after celebrating Mass together.

Year 9 and 10 Retreats 

We look forward to welcoming Mr Michael Fitzpatrick to Marist later this week to facilitate our Year 9 on Thursday and Year 10 retreat on Friday. These whole day retreats provide our Year 9 and 10 students an invaluable opportunity to reflect and connect more deeply around questions of development, leadership, social justice and fraternity within our Marist and Catholic context. We are grateful to the parents/carers of our students for supporting their attendance on this day, acknowledging that while there is much that is rewarding about retreat, some aspects can be challenging… but this is where we experience growth!

Sony Foundation Camp 

Thank you to the students who supported the Sony Foundation Can Drive last Friday during Break 1 and Break 2. All funds raised will go to supporting this year’s camp and making it a holiday to remember for our campers and their families who will enjoy a much-deserved weekend of respite. 

There is still time to donate - if you would like to contribute to this year’s Marist Sony Foundation Camp please visit the following LINK. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Paddington Respite Centre 

On Monday, a group of our Ridley Year 7s enjoyed their visit to the Paddington Community Centre. Games of bocce were played along with Family Feud and an active dice game. The friendly competitive spirit of the students was a good match for the calm focus of the elderly patrons. As with previous visits, as some students played more active games, others took time to chat or play cards with the older guests in the sun room before swapping over. As ever, a friendly visit came to an end too quickly!

Stationery Aid 

Join us in Room 801 on Friday mornings between 7:30am - 8:30am as we continue giving stationery a second life! 

Thank you to Miss Sarah Palmer and her Pastoral Class - A04 for attending Stationery Aid last week! Many hands make light work and we are so grateful for you giving up your time to assist. 

Jan Schutt, Stationery Aid’s co-founder and dedicated volunteer is a finalist in this year’s Westfield Local Heroes at Westfield Chermside! 

This is a huge opportunity for Stationery Aid. If Jan is fortunate enough to receive the most community votes, Stationery Aid will receive the $20,000 grant to help us keep doing what we do best, collecting unused school stationery that would otherwise go to waste, and getting it into the hands of students who need it.

This grant would help Stationery Aid reach even more schools, support more families in our community, and make a bigger difference to our planet.

Please vote for Jan and Stationery Aid here: https://www.westfield.com.au/chermside/news/4SY9FxAwjxA0qAXsnAXPAN/local-heroes-2025   Voting closes on 8th September 2025.

A reminder that donations of good quality unwanted stationery is 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/ 

Treadlightly

Do you have old sports or school shoes lying around the house? Donations of unwanted shoes can be dropped into the blue bin outside the Mission Office. These shoes will be delivered to our local Rebel store where they’ll be collected by Treadlightly, an organisation that recycles them to be turned into new products. To find out more about Treadlightly, visit their website: Tread Lightly – Together we can step into a better future​