Mission News

Safeguarding Sunday 

This coming weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday, on which we pray for those who have suffered abuse, their families and supporters. 

Safeguarding Sunday seeks to acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children and adults at risk, including by priests, religious and lay people within Catholic contexts. It makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people. It invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly.

You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area at:  www.catholic.org.au/safeguardingsunday

Prayers 

Conscious that the life and death of each person is precious in the eyes of the Lord, let us place our prayers before God who is kind and merciful, and rich in compassion.

For our community: that we have the strength to stand in solidarity with victims, the humility to come to terms with the sinful crimes of the past and the patience to stop and listen to children and the vulnerable. 

For families: that they may grow stronger and more resilient in their love and care for one another so that children are raised in safe and nurturing environments. Let us pray to the Lord

For parents, relatives, mentors, teachers, coaches and other adults: that they may always follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, by treating children and young people with proper respect and care

For those whose lives have been traumatised through abuse: that they may find the courage to share their story and to find lasting peace and healing. Let us pray to the Lord

For Church leaders, especially Pope Francis, Archbishop Mark, Leaders of Religious Congregations, lay leaders of Church organisations and all entrusted with ministry and pastoral care in the Church: that they will continue to help build stronger faith communities that will promote the safety of children and adults at risk. 

For our community as it seeks to follow the example of Christ and the teachings of his Church: that we will work to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented to protect children, young people and the vulnerable in our society. 

For all in our community who are sick or suffering that they may know the Spirt of God as breathing new life into their hearts to give them courage, strength and healing.  Let us pray to the Lord. 

May our loving God, with Mary and Champagnat, walk with all members of the Marist family. Amen

From the Head of RE 

The RE department has undertaken a review with Brisbane Catholic Education this year, the previous review having occurred in 2015. This has been an interesting experience that has highlighted significant strengths of the way in which Religion is taught at Marist College Ashgrove. In particular, our understanding of our own context, and catering to the needs of individual learners, whilst also conveying the core curriculum content, was highlighted as a particular strength. The final report from the reviewers will be available in Term 4 and a summary will be communicated to the College community. We look forward to continuing to develop our curriculum to suit the learners in our community, such that we can participate in the College mission to support the young people of Marist to grow into adults who are life-long learners, love all people equally, lead positively, and serve all.

Sony Camp Cancellation for 2022

The Sony Camp scheduled for the September school holidays has been cancelled due to the particular nature of the Sony Camp, and in the health interests and well-being of the children with disabilities who attend the camp as well as those Year 11 students chosen to work closely with the children on the camp.