Mission

In these uncertain times, we are more reliant than ever on the leaders in our community, and more grateful than ever for their discernment and decision making. This is true for our political and community leaders as well as our spiritual leaders. Today I share with you two reflections which have enabled me to make some sense of where our world is at. The first is Br Robert O’Connor’s third issue in a series exploring the theme one wild and precious life. The second is a poem, Lockdown, written by a Franciscan priest, Father Richard Hendrick. Both offer messages of hope.

Lockdown

Yes, there is fear.

Yes, there is isolation.

Yes, there is panic buying.

Yes, there is sickness.

Yes, there is even death.

But,

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other

across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland

Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know

is busy spreading fliers with her number

through the neighbourhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples

are preparing to welcome

and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So, we pray and we remember that

Yes, there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes, there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes, there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes, there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul

Yes, there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing,

Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing.

Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM

March 13th 2020”

Cathie Clarke

Director of Mission/Religious Education Coordinator

Creating One New Humanity

The 2020 schools campaign for Marist Solidarity is creating one new humanity. The hope for this campaign is for us to walk with children on the margins of life, for our students to develop empathy and compassion, and, to support the contemporary Christian virtue of solidarity as building blocks for change. Funds raised will directly support the building of additional amenities and educational facilities for those at St Louis High School, Kiribati. Thank you in advance for your support for the 2020 Lenten Appeal where funds raised directly support the work of Marist Solidarity Australia.

Further information on creating one new humanity can be found via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA01iSWmacA

Emma Kent

Marist Solidarity Coordinator

Marist Youth Ministry Super Connect

A group of senior boys from St Gregory’s College had the absolute privilege to attend the 2020 Marist Super Connect at Marist College Eastwood. This was my first time in attendance and I really enjoyed the night. It was interesting to meet students from the other Marist schools; to get to know them and to discuss our interests both in the Marist College life and in our private lives.

The evening started with a range of different activities to help us all interact. We then watched a presentation based on the Marist theme “one wild and precious life”, after which we were encouraged to discuss our thoughts and opinions about this theme. It was an engaging discussion and interesting to gain insight from other Marist schools. This also deepened our understanding and interest in the subject matter and brought us young Marists together. Afterwards, we separated back into our school groups and brainstormed the many, different events our College displays to live this theme, such as the masses, fundraising, community service, etc. It was heartening to see the similarities between Marist schools in terms of our spiritual, cultural and positive impact in the community.

I would like to thank Miss Kent and Mrs Burnett for giving up part of their Friday evening to take us to this event. I certainly recommend the Year 11 and 12 students to participate in similar events throughout the year.

By Joshua Berhardt (Year 11)