The Marist Way is a spiritual journey modeled on Mary’s humility, faith, and quiet strength, calling Marists to live with openness to God’s will, compassionate service, and deep trust in divine providence. Rooted in the phrase 'In the Way of Mary,' this charism emphasizes humility, presence, and mission, inspiring Marists to serve hidden and unknown, without seeking recognition. It is an inclusive and accessible path, inviting all—both lay and religious—to integrate faith into daily life, embracing a lived discipleship that reflects Mary’s “yes” to God at the Annunciation. Guided by the belief that faith is a continuous journey, the Marist Way calls its followers to be instruments of divine mercy, bringing hope and compassion to those on the margins. In a world that often values power and recognition, the Marist Way offers a gentle, humble alternative—one of service, simplicity, and love.

We invite you to be part of an important conversation on how we can continue the Marist Spirit in St Patricks Church Hill community. With the Marist Fathers set to leave St Patrick’s in December 2025 after 157 years, this is an opportunity to reflect on their legacy and explore ways to develop the Marist spirit. Join us for a discussion led by Marist Laity Australia as we discern the future of the Marist presence at St Patrick’s. Time 10 am to 11 am in the Crypt of St Patrick’s Church Hill. All are welcome!

I would like to plead for a Marian church; not for a church which multiplies processions and blesses huge statues ... rather a church which 'lives the Gospel after the manner of Mary'. The Marian Church follows Mary into the mountains, going off with her to encounter life; she visits men and women, and, though things may seem to be sterile, she is on the watch for what is coming to birth, for possibilities, for the life which beats in things.

Father Jim’s homily draws an interesting parallel between Sheldon Cooper from *The Big Bang Theory* and Jesus’ teaching on loving one’s enemies. Sheldon, a brilliant yet socially awkward physicist, has a rigid sense of justice, maintaining a list of sworn mortal enemies over both serious and trivial offenses. If asked, he would find Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” completely irrational, as his worldview is strictly black and white. However, the reality is that many of us also struggle with this radical teaching. While we may not have a physical list of enemies, we likely harbor resentment towards those who have wronged us, making Jesus' words just as challenging for us as they would be for Sheldon.

The audio presentation “The Art of Being Present” centers on the idea that true fulfillment comes from fully engaging with the moment we’re in. It challenges the modern tendency to become distracted by digital devices and a constant barrage of external stimuli, urging us instead to slow down and reconnect with our immediate surroundings. At its core, the presentation redefines presence as a mindful state where our attention is intentionally focused on the here and now, rather than being pulled into the past or future by worries or habitual multitasking.

In this powerful scene from The Chosen, Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus has already died. Martha, heartbroken and confused, expresses her sorrow and disappointment, telling Jesus that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Despite her grief, she still trusts that God will grant whatever Jesus asks. Jesus reassures her that Lazarus will rise again, but He clarifies that He is not just speaking of the resurrection at the end of time—He is the resurrection and the life. He asks Martha if she believes this, and she affirms her faith in Him as the Christ, even without fully understanding.

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.

Katie Hood begins by highlighting the universal experience of love and how, despite its importance, people are rarely taught how to love in a healthy way. Many of us enter friendships, romantic relationships, and even parenthood without guidance, often engaging in or experiencing unhealthy relationship behaviors. These can range from subtle actions like guilt-tripping a friend to more severe forms like emotional abuse and control. The Katie Hood emphasizes that everyone, at some point, will both commit and experience unhealthy behaviors, making it crucial to recognize and address them before they escalate into serious harm, including relationship abuse, which affects a significant portion of the population.

This guided reflection 'Embracing Simplicity in a Culture of Excess' explores how modern society promotes materialism, consumerism, and busyness, which often lead to stress and dissatisfaction. It encourages reflection on what truly matters by following the example of Jesus and Mary, who lived simple, faith-centered lives. The document discusses practical ways to embrace simplicity, such as reassessing work-life balance, resisting the urge for financial excess, and making time for stillness. It highlights that choosing a simpler life allows for deeper relationships, greater purpose, and spiritual fulfillment. A series of reflective questions guide readers in evaluating their lifestyle choices, and a final call to embrace simplicity as a Marist value emphasizes the importance of trusting God and being present to others.

Immanence, a key concept in religious thought, refers to the belief that the divine is present within the world and actively involved in human existence, contrasting with transcendence, which emphasizes God's separateness. In Christianity, God's immanence is seen through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit’s presence within believers. Islam highlights divine closeness through Allah’s nearness, as described in the Qur'an, and practices such as prayer and remembrance of God. In Judaism, the concept of Shekhinah represents God's presence dwelling among people, deepened by Jewish mysticism. Hinduism expresses immanence through the belief that Brahman, the ultimate reality, exists within all beings as Atman, while Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is found within, through the Buddha-nature inherent in every individual. Across these traditions, immanence fosters a personal and accessible connection between the divine and humanity, shaping spiritual experiences and moral guidance.