Marist Laity Australia

Spirituality of the Marist Family. Little Children

The Council of Australasian Catholics (CAC), formerly the Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform, together with Garratt Publishing, is hosting a free Zoom webinar titled Women in the Church on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 7:00 pm (AEDT). The event will feature Claire Victory, Kate Fogarty, and Sally Douglas—respected leaders in law, Catholic education, and New Testament studies—who will offer thoughtful and informed reflections on the role and status of women in the Church. Drawing on both early Church history and contemporary experience, the speakers will explore the challenges women have faced and share their hopes for a renewed and more inclusive Church today. The webinar will be recorded and made available to registered participants the following week.

The Transfiguration - Awakening

In Father Michael Whelan's reflection on the Feast of the Transfiguration, he focuses on the Gospel text from Matthew chapter 17, which depicts the transformative event on the mountaintop. He suggests that this event had a significant impact on the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as on the lives of the disciples and the early Church. Father Whelan draws parallels between this event and the theophany of Sinai in Exodus, highlighting Jesus' essential role in fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament. He emphasizes the continuity between Jesus and the Jewish tradition, as Jesus reveals God's dwelling place with humanity in space and time through his incarnation. Father Whelan connects this event to the sacrament of baptism, where believers are united with Jesus, the dwelling place of God, bridging the gap between the material world and eternity

Second Week of Lent - Marist Reflection - and Prayer

This Marist prayer resource centers on Matthew 17:1–9, the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, and God’s voice calls the disciples to listen to His Beloved Son. Framed in the Marist tradition, it invites participants to see their own lives as “mountains” to climb—spaces of challenge, uncertainty, and transformation—where, like the Israelites in the desert or Jonah in flight, they are called to leave comfort behind and trust God’s guidance. The resource integrates scripture, reflection questions, communal prayers, and music such as “Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons),” offering multiple ways to engage: personal contemplation on spiritual challenges, communal expression of intentions, and prayerful meditation through song. Together, these elements create a complete encounter with God, encouraging participants to recognize moments of transformation, surrender to His ongoing work in their lives, and carry the light of Christ from the mountain into ordinary daily life.

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Top Rated Web pages for March 2026

Number	Page	Likes
1	Prayer - Parable of the Unjust Judge The presentation “Prayer – Parable of the Unjust Judge” explores Jesus’ call in Luke 18:1-8 to “pray continually and never lose heart.” It connects this message to Father Jim’s reflection on the Carthusian monks of La Grande Chartreuse, whose silent, rhythmic prayer life embodies unceasing faithfulness. Through Scripture, silence, and reflection, the presentation invites students to recognise prayer as a living stream that unites heaven and earth. Participants are encouraged to join this rhythm of praise by praying daily—morning, night, and in life’s ordinary moments—so that their lives become part of the Church’s ongoing heartbeat of worship and trust in God.	2
2	Gospel - Were the Olympics Worth It - Father Jim Father Jim’s homily began with a reflection on the 25th anniversary of the Sydney Olympic Games. He recalled the enormous effort that went into making the Games successful: new infrastructure, tens of thousands of volunteers, and even shifting school holidays and savings schedules. While the event was a triumph, he remembered a wise friend remarking, “Imagine if we put that same effort into solving problems like homelessness, child poverty, or mental illness.” This thought set the tone for the deeper spiritual challenge—where and how we choose to invest our time, money, and energy.	2
3	Second Week of Lent - Marist Reflection - and Prayer This Marist prayer resource centers on Matthew 17:1–9, the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, and God’s voice calls the disciples to listen to His Beloved Son. Framed in the Marist tradition, it invites participants to see their own lives as “mountains” to climb—spaces of challenge, uncertainty, and transformation—where, like the Israelites in the desert or Jonah in flight, they are called to leave comfort behind and trust God’s guidance. The resource integrates scripture, reflection questions, communal prayers, and music such as “Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons),” offering multiple ways to engage: personal contemplation on spiritual challenges, communal expression of intentions, and prayerful meditation through song. Together, these elements create a complete encounter with God, encouraging participants to recognize moments of transformation, surrender to His ongoing work in their lives, and carry the light of Christ from the mountain into ordinary daily life.	1
4	Blog - Changing the Father Deficit Culture This blog addresses the pervasive issue of a “father deficit culture,” where fathers are often present in a functional sense but lack deeper, meaningful engagement with their children. It challenges fathers to move beyond routine activities and instead focus on adding value through human experience, wisdom, skills, and spirituality. The author emphasizes the importance of truly listening to children, recognizing their needs, and being emotionally and spiritually present. By shifting from a mindset of simply “doing” to genuinely “being” with their children, fathers can foster stronger relationships and help their children grow into integrated, flourishing individuals. The blog concludes with reflective questions, practical suggestions, and a prayer, encouraging fathers to transform themselves and reshape their family culture.	1
5	Blog - How Do We Know God’s Will for Us? Life is full of twists and turns that remind us we are not in control, no matter how much we try to be. The real question is not whether we control events, but how we respond to them—with anger, resistance, or with openness to God’s presence. Even painful experiences can become blessings in disguise when embraced with faith, as God transforms our hearts to see beyond obstacles. Like Mary, who pondered the angel’s message and only understood its meaning later, we too are called to patience and trust. In the end, God’s will is revealed not through control, but through surrender, as Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”	1