Mission News

2021 Start of Year Commencement Liturgies

To orient us to the year ahead each Year level gathered in the Chapel in Week 1 to consider the Marist theme for 2021 – Breathe, the spirit of life (Rm 8:2). Our prayer and reflection were centred upon the parable of the Good Samaritan together with some ideas and challenges put to us by Pope Francis in his latest encyclical Fratelli tutti. This was the first occasion in which new Head of College, Mr Michael Newman, was able to address each Year level and make clear his hopes and expectations for the year. The Marist boys are to be commended on the very attentive and reflective atmosphere during the liturgies.   

At these gatherings we were also introduced to a newly installed sculpture in the Chapel precinct, the theme of which connects so poignantly with the example given to us by the Good Samaritan. Fashioned by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz, the statue depicts Jesus as a beggar, prompting the viewer to reflect on Matthew 25: 40: 

"Whatsoever you do unto the least of these my brethren, you do unto me." In introducing boys to the statue they were reminded of its purpose. “Almost everyone of us will walk past that statue every day and when we do we will be reminded of Jesus’ message to us as we walk into and out of the schoolyard – and that is, we meet God in and through other people. Showing compassion for those who struggle, being generous, being kind, being merciful, showing forgiveness, and as the statue reminds us, to do these things with boys and others for whom life can be a struggle, this is where we will meet God, where we will come close to Jesus.”

Marist College Mission Team 2021

The Mission Team welcomes staff, students and families to the school year. In 2021 the Mission Team comprises:

• Head of Mission - Luke McMahon
• College Chaplain - Fr Alatini Kolofo’ou sm
• Head of Religious Education - Paul Mitchell
• Campus Minister - Mena McLean
• Youth Minister - Adam Burns
• Administration Assistant - Liz Spry

MATES Ministry 

A very warm welcome to MATES! Marists are taking everyone seriously. 

The MATES program has at its heart a desire to bring the young men of the College into contact with many of the justice areas of our community, both locally and globally. 

Our young men will be challenged by this programs and, as already experienced, rise to meet these challenges.

The dream for MATES is that out of a true sense of brotherhood, our students, both present, and past, would increasingly be asking questions about WHY and HOW they can live an authentic Christian life, offering comfort, support and practical assistance to all those they encounter whatever the circumstances. 

COVID notwithstanding we are hoping that 2021 will be another busy and rewarding time for all of us as we continue our commitment to the various service programs that Marist College Ashgrove offers.

We are currently liaising with the various schools and organisations to arrange suitable times for our ministry work.  Once details have been confirmed, they will be made available to the student community. 

Game Changers Youth Ministry Program

Game Changers is a National Catholic youth ministry program for students in Marist schools from Years 7-12. It seeks to form Christian leaders by making Jesus known and loved among them. Highlighted by a strong sense of family spirit and community, regular meetings, faith formation experiences and service opportunities, students are invited to become game changers through their participation in the youth group.

To register for Game Changers, or for more information, please email Adam Burns (Youth Minister): burnsa@marash.qld.edu.au.

Inaugural Mass Details

The Inaugural Mass is an opportunity for the College community to launch the academic year, for the Year 12 student leaders to be acknowledged, and in 2021, to welcome and commission our new Head of College, Mr Michael Newman. 

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, this year’s mass will be restricted to the Year 12 students and two adult guests per student. 

Tuesday morning reconciliation

Students, parents, staff and other members of the College community are welcome to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr Tini is available every Tuesday morning in the College Chapel.

Wednesday morning Community Mass 

Students, parents, staff and other members of the College community are warmly invited to Mass on Wednesday mornings in the College Chapel (every week during term time). Mass commences at 8:00am. 

Year 12 Marist Student Leaders Summit

In January, prior to the commencement of the new school year the College Captains of Ashgrove were able to gather and meet the School Captains from other Marist schools in Queensland at the 2021 Marist Student Leaders Summit. This was an opportunity to explore leadership in the Marist way using the five characteristics of Marist life. We thank our student leaders for their full participation in this activity. 

A short introduction to our Student Leaders for 2021 

College Captain: Henry Thomasson

Boarding student: Family lives in Emerald

What do you like about MCA: Brotherhood – the life long bonds created and the opportunities given to all boys

What I hope to achieve: to be known as a good person and a legacy that leaves Mr Newman at the College with a strong start.