Introduction to Marist Laity

Blog - Marys way in - the chaos of life

In a world overwhelmed by busyness, competition, and constant demands, In Mary’s Way in the Chaos of Life invites us to pause and rediscover what truly matters. Drawing on the Marist Spirit and the example of Mary, the blog challenges parents and caregivers to resist the pressure to say “yes” to everything and instead create space for God, relationships, and simplicity. Through reflection, prayer, and intentional choices, we are called to reorient our lives—to embrace stillness, listen to God’s quiet whisper, and allow Mary’s gentle, courageous way to shape our path forward.
 

Fourviere Celebration - Marist sites in Hunters Hill

You are invited to join us on Sunday, 27 July 2025, to commemorate the Marist Pledge at Fourvière, first made on 23 July 1816. The event will be held at various Marist sites in Hunters Hill in Sydney, beginning with Mass at 10:00am at Holy Name of Mary Church, followed by a walking tour of the Marist Fathers' Villa Maria site, a light lunch, and a walking tour of St Joseph’s College. Please register by Monday, 21 July to attend any or all parts of the day using the registration link.

The Beauty - of Slowing Down- Rediscovering Joy - in the Everyday

At the beginning, the speaker experienced a deep sense of emptiness, despite having the freedom they once longed for. A new truck, initially a symbol of success, quickly lost its luster, revealing that external rewards couldn't replace the inner sense of purpose and direction lost with the end of structured work life. The speaker came to realize that peace and meaning couldn’t be bought, but needed to be cultivated through presence and reflection. Instead of chasing the next achievement, they began noticing life’s quiet details—the way morning light moved, the comfort of routine, and the joy of stillness.
 

Song - Through Marys Way - Fr Chris Skinner

The song 'Through Mary's Way' by Father Chris Skinner SM is a reflective and poetic invitation to follow Jesus by walking in the footsteps of Mary. It opens with a vivid and mystical image of Christ appearing on a beach, reminiscent of the post-resurrection scene in John 21, where Jesus prepares a meal of fish on a charcoal fire for his disciples. The lyrics express awe, recognition, and silent reverence as the disciples gather around Him, their faces illuminated by His presence.

Meet a Marist - Liz Wake

Liz Wake, Program Coordinator at the Exodus Community in West Heidelberg and a member of the Melbourne Marist Association, shares her rich journey with the Marist family. Her involvement began as a student in the first Romar group at Catholic College Sale in 1996. As she moved to university in Melbourne, she deepened her connection through vibrant young adult communities and mentoring relationships with Marist brothers and peers. This experience led her to volunteer in ministry and work with at-risk youth, eventually guiding her toward a vocation in teaching and later community outreach, inspired by the Marist values of hospitality, justice, and relational service.
 

Prayer - Who do people say I am - Matthew 16:13-19

Share this prayer with your family, community or class exploring the Gospel from Matthew 16 through song, gospel, reflection, discussion and common prayer.

Homeless Teenagers - Surviving Chicago Winter - Poverty Documentary - Real Stories

The documentary 'Homeless Teenagers Surviving Chicago's Winter' provides a deep and emotional exploration of the lives of young people experiencing homelessness in one of America's largest cities. The narrative unfolds through the personal stories of several teenagers who, despite their circumstances, exhibit resilience, hope, and a desire to improve their situations.
 


 




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Top Rated Web pages for July 2025
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1Sister Vicki Celebrates 25 years
Sister Vicki Celebrates 25 years as a Marist Missionary Sister
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2The Camino Song
The song “On the Way to Santiago” beautifully captures the spiritual and emotional depth of pilgrimage, portraying a solitary traveler walking through uncertainty, guided not by maps but by instinct, shadow, and the rhythm of their own steps. It reflects the universal human journey of searching, surrendering, and healing—where each ache of the body and silence of the road becomes a teacher. The refrain of walking “without knowing” speaks to the courage of faith, while moments of singing and crying mirror the soul’s honesty in transformation. Through breaking patterns and listening deeply, the journey becomes not just one of distance, but of returning—carrying the heart home, step by step, toward something deeper, fuller, and more true.
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3Rebel Pope - Ten Years of Hope - Pope Francis
Pope Francis, elected in 2013, emerged as a leader committed to reform, inclusion, and care for the marginalized. Taking the name Francis, a first in papal history, signified his commitment to the poor and the environment, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. His papacy followed a turbulent period in the Vatican, marked by scandals and Pope Benedict XVI’s unprecedented resignation. From the outset, Pope Francis sought to reshape the Church’s mission, focusing on the suffering and the excluded. His leadership has encountered resistance, but he continues to emphasize that change is necessary and aligns with the Church’s true calling.
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4Father Jim - I am not worthy
Fr. Jim begins by recalling a humorous scene from the movie Wayne’s World, where the main characters bow before their idol, saying, 'We're not worthy!' He connects this idea to the biblical experiences of Peter and Isaiah, both of whom felt unworthy in the presence of God. Peter, after witnessing Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish, reacts by saying, 'Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' Similarly, Isaiah, upon seeing a vision of God, declares that he is unclean. Fr. Jim explains that this deep sense of unworthiness is actually a sign of a genuine encounter with God, as it reveals our human limitations in the face of divine greatness.
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5Blog - Feast of the Holy Family - How Are Parents - Called to Love - Their Children as They Grow - Into Adults?
The blog reflects on the Feast of the Holy Family, focusing on the story of Jesus being lost in the temple as a profound lesson on parenting, growth, and faith. It explores the evolving nature of love as children grow into adulthood, requiring parents to adapt and let go of control, trusting their children’s journey and God’s plan. Drawing on Jungian psychology, it highlights the shift from building structures in the first half of life to seeking deeper meaning in the second, while Parker Palmer’s insight into the broken heart emphasizes how pain can open us to growth and renewal. The blog also draws parallels with ancient Indigenous rites of passage, illustrating the universal need to confront hardship for spiritual and emotional maturity. Ultimately, it calls parents to trust the process of transformation, surrendering to a greater power as their children step beyond the comfort of home into their unique callings.
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Recent Comments Added

Song - How Deep The Fathers Love For Us
    Mary - What insights and perspectives might Mary have shared with the early believers about Jesus teachings, his ministry, and his ultimate sacrifice?
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA - 2024-3-8)

Story - Saint John Vianney - Third Order Marist
    Church Documents - How can the sacrament of Reconciliation help us experience the merciful love of Jesus Christ and foster a deeper relationship with God?
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA - 2024-3-8)

Canberra - Youth Ministry Equiping School
    Mary - I wonder how Marys relationship with the early Church evolved over time and what insights her continued presence and support brought to the ongoing mission of the Church.
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA. - 2024-3-3)

Movie - Cabrini
    Quote - Life is not a series of difficult decisions, it is a series of moments. And every moment, the choice is simple love or fear. - Shauna Niequist
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA. - 2024-3-3)

How to parent a teen from a teens perspective
    Family - I wonder how parents can encourage their children to have a positive mindset.
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA. - 2024-3-1)

Mindful Colouring - Woman at the well
    Social Justice - I wonder how engaging in regular moments of silence or meditation can help us cultivate a sense of inner stillness and clarity, enabling us to respond more effectively to the challenges and injustices we encounter in the world.
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA. - 2024-2-29)

Blog - Transforming Pain
    Quote - The difficulty we have in accepting responsibility for our behavior lies in the desire to avoid the pain of the consequences of that behavior. - Scott Peck
    (By A. D. - Marist Laity - from AUSTRALIA - 2024-2-19)