Mission News

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE 1940 - 2020

From the Head of Mission 

Strange Times Indeed

We appear to have made our way to the end of what has been the strangest of school terms. At this school and in the communities to which most of us belong we have been spared contagion, thus far at least. Long may it last. Observing the devastating effects of COVID 19 around the world and the restrictions its prevention has brought to our own lives has made those of us fortunate enough to have avoided illness and loss of employment and all the subsequent disillusionment associated with these, rather more pensive than normal. The Second Vatican Council document Gaudium et Spes, 26 presents us with a particular challenge when it reminds us that, “God’s Spirit, who with a marvellous providence directs the unfolding of time and renews the face of the Earth, is not absent from this development”. If we can accept that this is true then what are we to make of current events? 

 

In his wisdom St Augustine reckons that God’s “specialty” is being able to turn all things to good, including evil and sin. Perhaps our current experience is something like this, God’s dismissal of all our planning and ambitions, all our pace and activity, in some way saving us from a cataclysm beyond our limited knowing. Only time will tell I guess. 

 

The Tablet’s Rome correspondent, Christopher Lamb argues that post-COVID Catholicism will be characterised by four “marks” as it emerges from the pandemic. The first of these characteristics will see the Church focusing on missionary simplicity, with the recent challenges forcing the Church to focus itself on its core message of encouraging Christian joy amidst difficulties and with greater openness to the work of the Spirit. A second mark is that the Church will be smaller and with a greater focus on being of service to the poor – the destitute, educating the most needy, responding to mental health and unemployment challenges. As already highlighted by Pope Francis, especially in his encyclical Laudato Si, and seen in the Church’s ready acceptance of medical and scientific advice on church closures during the pandemic, the Church will renew its relationship with the natural world and science, recognising increasingly the relationship of mutual enrichment between faith and science. A fourth mark of a post-COVID Church will be its openness to liturgical and pastoral creativity. Closures, virtual services and enforced isolation have made people more personally responsible for their faith life and spirituality. Remaining connected to our faith in these times has been less an exercise in consumerism than one of growing as disciples of Jesus. 

 

We have experienced some of these challenges at Marist College over the last three months, especially the last one. I was particularly pleased with how the boys responded to our Mass to mark the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat on June 5. Mass was live-streamed from the Chapel into every Pastoral and Primary Classroom in the College, with the choir and music leading the singing from the Theatre. Boys were overwhelmingly respectful and responsive to Mass, a rather different experience of being Catholic shared within the intimacy of the Pastoral Group under the guidance of their teacher. 

 

As we end this term our prayer is that the Lord might transform the chaos of the world into something more complete and unified, more just, harmonious and peaceful. As we (were meant to) pray at Pentecost: “Lord, send your Spirit and everything will be created and renew the face of the Earth”. 

Mission News

A massive thank you to Gary Keown and the Hospitality boys who have generously made and sold weekly ‘goodies’ to staff over the last few weeks. This has allowed for small amounts of fundraising to continue. This is Marist compassion in action. 

Year 6 visit the Chapel of Our Lady and St Marcellin 

We have taken great delight in the Year 6 classes visiting the College Chapel – the Chapel of our Lady and St Marcellin and learning more about the history and importance of this beautiful part of our College Community. 

Chaplain’s Corner: June

As Mary leads us to her son Jesus Christ, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrated on the very next day after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We are invited in the month of June to take time to reflect on the love of God for us individually symbolised by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I would like to invite you in the second half of this month of June to take special effort to reflect more deeply on the Sacred heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Look closely at the symbols of their hearts. 

The Symbolism of The Sacred Heart of Jesus

 

The Heart itself. The heart is the symbolic center of feeling and emotion, and it represents Jesus’ deep love and affection for us. The Crown of Thorns. The heart typically is encircled horizontally with a crown of thorns. The thorns represent the stings caused by our sins. The Wound. It recalls when the soldier thrust his lance into Jesus’ side and Jesus had given his life for us. Droplets of Blood. They recall the Last Supper when Jesus offered a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. They also represent the new Covenant of Blood. The Flames. They represent the intensity of the warmth of Jesus’ love. The Cross. It is on the cross where Jesus most decisively demonstrated the love of his Sacred Heart. The Rays of Light. Jesus is light and the love of his heart enlightens the world.

Symbols of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Her Heart: Symbol of her maternal love. The Fire: Her heart burns with love for Jesus and us. The Sword: It symbolises Mary’s sorrows. The Roses: They represent her purity.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary inflame and cleanse our hearts so that we may be worthy instruments of Divine love.

 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

St. Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us.

St. Mary of the Cross, pray for us.

May we always remember to pray for one another.