Introduction to Marist Laity

Oceans Odysseys - Incredible Animal Journeys - National Geographic

The documentary “Risking It All to Ensure the Future of the Next Generation” captures the extraordinary sacrifices of ocean-dwelling mothers—from humpback whales and green turtles to red crabs—who embark on some of the world’s longest and most dangerous migrations to give birth and protect their young. A female humpback whale travels 3,000 miles from Alaska to the calm waters of Hawaii, where she endures the pursuit of dozens of males before miraculously giving birth. In a rare act of solidarity, the males shift from competition to protection, giving the mother a peaceful moment to bring new life into the world. Her newborn calf must grow quickly, learning vital survival skills before their long return journey.
 

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.

Fr Jim - What is Your Excuse - For Not Being - A Good Samaritan

While walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Fr. Jim experienced deep connection and closeness with fellow pilgrims from around the world, even sharing food and space in ways that challenged his sense of personal boundaries. This sense of human connection stood in sharp contrast to life back home in Epping, where people often avoid eye contact, remain absorbed in their phones, and live in socially isolated bubbles. Fr. Jim reflects that while such separation became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now risk remaining disconnected long after the crisis has passed.
 

Women and the Synodal Church

The event marked a significant collaboration between Assumption University and St. Peter's Seminary, highlighting their joint commitment to fostering dialogue and formation within the Church. Bishop Ronald Fabbro opened the evening by expressing his appreciation for the synodal process—a Church that listens, discerns, and walks together. He emphasized the importance of hearing women’s voices, acknowledging their leadership, and recognizing their indispensable role in guiding the Church through the Holy Spirit. This panel was historic in its representation of women actively shaping the Church’s future.

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.

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
NumberPageLikes
1Movie - Cabrini
The movie 'Cabrini' portrays the story of a determined woman striving to make a difference in a society rife with prejudice and inequality. Set in America, described as 'the greatest nation on Earth,' the narrative quickly introduces a grim reality where Italian children face worse conditions than rats. The story highlights the challenges posed by societal disdain towards immigrants, particularly those with 'brown skin,' and the xenophobic sentiment that advocates for their deportation.
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2Marist Laity Australia Guidelines 2008
Marist Laity Australia is one contemporary expression of the lay branch of the Marist Family tree. This family is composed of Religious Sisters, Missionary Sisters, Brothers and priests as well as lay men, women and children. All Marists share the one spirit of Mary and all share in the task of doing her work.
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3Marist Way - Prayer One
Each week, Marists are called to gather in prayer, deepening their connection to God, one another, and the Marist mission. Through reflection on the foundation and charism of the Society of Mary, the Gospel of the day, meaningful discussion, common prayer, music, and journaling, Marists create space for spiritual renewal and shared faith. Taking time for prayer and formation is not just an opportunity but a responsibility, as it is through these moments of unity and contemplation that we truly live out the vision of Jesus and Mary, strengthening our commitment to humility, service, and love.
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4Intergenerational Healing - What We Carry - for Our Ancestors - Serene Thin Elk
In her TED talk, 'What We Carry for Our Ancestors: Intergenerational Healing,' Serene explores the profound impact of intergenerational trauma, particularly within indigenous communities, and shares personal insights into her journey towards understanding and healing. She discusses how historical oppressions, like the Native American boarding school era, have left deep psychological scars that manifest as internalized and lateral oppression within communities today. Through a personal narrative, including a transformative dream and the story of her late brother's struggles with addiction and trauma, Serene highlights the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots and community practices for healing. She advocates for integrating traditional healing methods with clinical approaches to address the deep-seated pain passed down through generations, ultimately encouraging individuals to confront and transform inherited traumas into a source of strength and renewal
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5Association of Marist Laity - Synodal Steps
In a world where the fabric of traditional Christianity is continually being reshaped by a secular society, the 'Association of Marist Laity: Synodal Steps' article offers a poignant reflection on the future of the Marist Communion. This thoughtful piece delves into the Marist identity within the Church, highlighting the significance of such an identity not merely as an inherited tradition but as a deliberate and active choice to live out Christ's mission with a Marist essence. The article acknowledges the challenges that accompany maintaining a religious identity in a world that increasingly values diversity and individual spirituality over traditional communal experiences. It contemplates a move from a passive reception of Christianity to an engaged, choice-driven faith, where being Marist means embracing a spirituality characterized by discretion, simplicity, and service—a way of being that permeates all aspects of life and work.The article calls on readers to consider the prophetic role of the Marist tradition in today's Church, advocating for a Church that is unified in its diversity and open to the different expressions of one spirit for the spiritual enrichment of all. It emphasizes communion over hierarchy, prophetic contribution over passive tradition, and spiritual renewal over secular challenge. The vision presented is not merely an institutional affiliation but a dynamic, living tradition that engages with the contemporary world's thirst for meaning and spirituality. The future for the Marist communion, as suggested, lies in its ability to be authentically Church—fully embodying the body of Christ in a way that remains relevant and transformative both within the ecclesial community and the broader secular society.
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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)