Introduction to Marist Laity

The Land Owns Us

Bob Randall, an Aboriginal Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Australia, explains how the connectedness of every living thing to every other living thing is not just an idea but a way of living. This way includes all beings as part of a vast family and calls us to be responsible for this family
 

Spiritual Exercise 7 - The Annunciation

Father Jean-Claude Colin, the first Superior General of the Society of Mary, once described his way of thinking and acting. He said, ” I place myself in the home of Nazareth and from there I see all that I have to do.”

Gospel - The Prodigal Son

Father Jim begins by reminding us that the Parable of the Prodigal Son is not just about the younger, rebellious son who returns seeking forgiveness, but also about the older son who remains dutiful yet becomes resentful and jealous. Jesus tells this story to a mixed audience—those who saw themselves as righteous and those who felt like sinners—so that each person could see themselves in one of the two sons. Father Jim encourages listeners to reflect on which son they relate to, recognizing that throughout life, we may shift between both roles.
 

Song - Run To The Father

Matt Maher. I've carried a burden. For too long on my own. I wasn't created. To bear it alone. I hear Your invitation.To let it all go.Yeah, I see it now.I'm laying it down. And I know that I need You

Dr Matthew - The Eucharist as a Source - of Healing for - Anxiety and Depression

Dr. Matthew begins with a personal and humorous reflection on the experience of speaking at a large event, comparing himself to Fr. Mike Schmitz and joking about fatherhood and body image. He transitions into the core of his talk, titled The Healing Heart of Christ, which focuses on how the Eucharist can be a source of healing for anxiety and depression. He shares a poignant story about a young boy in play therapy who, after a violent outburst, calms down only when held gently and safely—highlighting the deep human need for connection and regulation through relationship.
 

Pray the rosary with Sarge

Join Andrew and Sarge pray the Rosary.

Living Lifes Roller Coaster

This reflection explores the theme 'Living Life’s Rollercoaster – a Marist Perspective,' drawing on the author’s sabbatical experiences and insights from Marist heritage sites in France and a leadership course in London. Through personal reflections, scriptural examples like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the life of Jean Claude Colin, it highlights the spiritual oscillations of life—from strength to vulnerability—and the importance of returning to sources of love and meaning. The Marist calling is described as one of compassionate presence, akin to Mary’s attentiveness at Cana, offering reassurance to others in their 'in-needness'. The sacredness of Christian worship, particularly through liturgy and Eucharist, is presented as a transformative space where individuals are reconciled, renewed, and sent forth to live out their discipleship with love and hope in the world.
 


 




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Top Rated Web pages for April 2025
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1Dr Matthew - The Eucharist as a Source - of Healing for - Anxiety and Depression
Dr. Matthew begins with a personal and humorous reflection on the experience of speaking at a large event, comparing himself to Fr. Mike Schmitz and joking about fatherhood and body image. He transitions into the core of his talk, titled The Healing Heart of Christ, which focuses on how the Eucharist can be a source of healing for anxiety and depression. He shares a poignant story about a young boy in play therapy who, after a violent outburst, calms down only when held gently and safely—highlighting the deep human need for connection and regulation through relationship.
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2Follow your SOULs CALLING - It requires COURAGE
Nirmala Nair’s presentation, Follow Your Soul’s Calling, encourages individuals to break free from societal expectations and listen to their inner voice. She emphasizes that every person has a unique purpose in life, but external influences—such as societal norms, parental guidance, and formal education—often drown out this inner calling. The material world creates distractions, making it difficult to stay aligned with one’s true path. However, she asserts that deep within, everyone possesses a sense of knowing, and the key challenge is learning to tune in to it despite the overwhelming noise of the world.
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3The Art of Being Present - Michael Singer
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.
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4Australia Day or Invasion Day - Change, abolish - or rename the date - Paint It Blak with Emma Garlett
The discussion on January 26, also known as Australia Day, remains a divisive topic in Australia, with many First Nations people viewing it as a day of mourning rather than celebration. While it is marketed as a day that unites all Australians, for Indigenous communities, it marks the beginning of colonization, loss of sovereignty, and cultural destruction. The debate resurfaces annually, highlighting its significance to those negatively impacted. Emma Garlit presents an analogy likening the celebration of January 26 to intruders returning annually to commemorate an act of harm, reinforcing why many Indigenous Australians feel excluded and distressed on this day.
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5Woman On Her Death Bed - The Secret To Living - A Life of Purpose - and Meaning - Anita Moorjani
In her impactful presentation, Anita Moorjani shares her profound near-death experience (NDE), which provided her with significant insights into living a life filled with purpose and meaning. She emphasizes the importance of living authentically and fearlessly, rejecting societal pressures that push us to conform and hide our true selves. Moorjani describes her own life as previously dominated by fear—fear of illness, rejection, and not being enough—which she believes contributed to her developing cancer. During her NDE, she experienced an overwhelming sense of unconditional love and acceptance, which starkly contrasted with her fear-driven existence. This experience revealed to her that our physical ailments are often deeply connected to our emotional and spiritual states. She stresses that in the moments of her deepest despair and illness, she found clarity and understanding about her purpose in life, which was fundamentally about embracing love and rejecting fear. Post-NDE, Moorjani experienced a miraculous recovery, which she attributes to her newfound understanding and changes in her approach to life. She advocates for a life where decisions are made from a place of love rather than fear, encouraging others to recognize the transformative power of self-acceptance and genuine self-care. Her presentation is a call to live fearlessly, find joy in being true to oneself, and recognize the interconnection between our spiritual well-being and physical health. Moorjani's story is a testament to the healing that becomes possible when we align our lives with love and truth, challenging us to transform our own lives by shedding fear and embracing authenticity.
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