Mission News

Prayers

We pray for all in need in our community.

We pray for the repose of the soul of John Meehan (Father to Old Boy and staff member David Meehan)

Mary our Good Mother                             Pray for us 

St Marcellin Champagnat                        Pray for us 

St Mary of the Cross                                  Pray for us 

And may we always remember               To pray for one another 

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

Reflection

In acknowledgment of International Women’s Day our prayer is centred around the person of Mary. She is for us an extraordinary role model. As Marists, we can look at and try and emulate the characteristics of Mary. 

Mary was human in every way. There was nothing supernatural or extraordinary about her. Yet, she was chosen by God for the most important task a human being has ever been chosen for throughout all of earth’s history.

Characteristic #1 – Mary Lived in Expectation

Another of the characteristics of Mary the mother of Jesus that qualified for the role was that she was living in expectation. Every young Jewish girl at that time knew of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14:

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Mary was no exception. Along with the quality of her spiritual life, Mary lived in expectation.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she was frightened. 

And who would not be frightened if a complete stranger popped up out of nowhere in the corner of the room when you are alone?

But she was not surprised about why Gabriel was visiting.

Characteristic #2 – Mary Was a Woman of Faith

One of the most impressive characteristics of Mary the mother of Jesus was the strength and depth of her faith.

Mary believed God’s words. Full stop.

When Gabriel tells her that she will become pregnant, Mary only had one logical question:

How will that happen since I’ve never slept with a man?

Once she got her answer, Mary had no further questions.

From then on, she held Jesus in her heart by faith before she held him in her womb and in her hands. 

In Luke 1:45, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist comments her faith:

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Characteristic #3 – Mary was Self-Sacrificing.

By faith, Mary received the word of her pregnancy.

She knew she could die for adultery. 

How was she going to explain being pregnant without a man?

Imagine her telling people that a cloud got her pregnant. 

Mary’s faith and the quality of her spiritual life led her to give up everything for Jesus.

Her body. Her reputation. Her marriage. Her comfort.

Characteristic #4 – Mary was Spirit-Filled

In response to Mary’s question about how she would become pregnant, Gabriel said

The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. (Luke 1:35)

To overshadow means to cover with a cloud.

If you are familiar with the story of how God stayed with the Israelites in a cloud by day and by night, then this is the same idea.

For this to happen, Mary must have had a very close relationship with God.

Her presence and body was a place where the Holy Spirit could dwell.

Characteristic #5 – Mary was Responsive

After being told what would happen to her, Mary’s response is admirable. 

I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled. (Luke 1:38)

There was no more questioning. She simply accepted her task without asking about any other details.

She knew it was time to serve God at a different level and by faith.

Characteristic #6 – Mary was Humble

Although Mary had the most important task ever given to a woman, she remained humble.

Mary did not become lifted up in her heart. She remained aware of her human nature. Mary broke out in song and praise and rejoicing at the fact that God chose her, which is our prayer this afternoon:

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. (Luke 1:46-49)

Amen

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. 

College St Vincent de Paul Group

The College St Vincent de Paul Group met each Tuesday during break time and are back serving our community BBQ on Thursday mornings in the yard. Students are very welcome to join ‘Vinnies’, all they need to do is come to the Mission Office for a meeting to register interest.