08 September 2024
 We warmly invite you to a presentation titled 'From Darkness to Light - An Exploration of Domestic Violence' on Sunday, September 8, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Holy Name of Mary Church Hall, Hunters Hill. This event features Ms. Livia La Rocca, a trained psychologist with 20 years of experience working with the Good Shepherd Sisters, and Ms. Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women and Girls Emergency Centre, a specialist homelessness service for women and families escaping domestic violence. Hosted by the Marist Family JPIC Committee, this insightful event requires an RSVP by September 1. We look forward to your presence and participation. |
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15 August 2024
 August 15 is a significant day for the Marists as it marks the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a central figure in Marist spirituality. The global Marist Family, including Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Missionary Sisters, and Laity, honors this day with special Masses, gatherings, and spiritual retreats, reflecting their deep devotion to Mary and their collective mission. Over the years, this date has been marked by important milestones such as the approval of the Society of Mary by Pope Gregory XVI in 1836, Marcellin Champagnat's reflections on Marian devotion, and François Perroton's vow to missionary work. Even in challenging times, like the virtual gathering of Marist Laity in Australia in 2020, the Feast of the Assumption remains a unifying celebration of Marian devotion and the Marist mission. |
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14 August 2024
 We reflect on our vocation today, we are reminded of the significant milestones in Marist history that inspire us to discern God's call. On August 14, 1830, Lay Marists in Belley, France, established a lay confraternity, embracing Jean-Claude Colin's vision of extending the Marist mission beyond the clergy. On the same date in 1833, Marcellin Champagnat sent the first Marist Brothers to La Valla-en-Gier, marking the start of their educational mission. In 1842, Lay Marists in Lyon organized a pilgrimage to Fourvière, demonstrating their commitment to the Marist charism. François Perroton embarked on her missionary journey to Oceania in 1845, leading to the founding of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, in 1851, reflected on the perseverance needed in establishing the Marist Sisters. Lastly, in 1873, John-Claude Colin urged the Marists to maintain unity and focus as he neared the end of his leadership. Let us pray, drawing strength from these examples to live our own vocations with dedication and faith. |
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06 August 2024
 Margaret Woods delivered a heartfelt reflection at the Fourvière celebration in Sydney, highlighting the profound connection between joy and Marist spirituality, rooted in the Marian tradition. She recounted her personal experiences of visiting Fourvière, emphasizing the historical significance and the deep-seated joy felt by the early Marist founders in 1816, who were inspired by their devotion to Mary to establish a society embodying her spirit. Margaret vividly described the joy experienced during significant life events and spiritual moments, using these instances to illustrate the essence of the Marist mission—living a life of prayer, presence, and compassion in the modern world. Her narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with historical insights, urging the community to embrace a mystic heart and continue the legacy of the Marists through active engagement in social justice and communal witness. |
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27 July 2024
 Hunters Hill welcomes Tonga 'united we stand' the hunters hill community would like to invite you all to join the Tongan community for an afternoon of fellowship, food and family. |
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21 July 2024
 We invite you,your school, community and familyto commemorate the Marists who took the first Marist Fourviere Pledge in France 1816The 12 seminarians walked the stairs at Fourviere France on July 23rd 1816.In 2024 we will walk the Harbour Bridge.We begin by acknowledging country...People can enter at any stage of the journey. |
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24 May 2024
 Bishop Fintan's speech on May 24th, the feast day of Mary Help of Christians, delves into the deep-rooted devotion to Mary under this title, tracing its historical significance back to Patristic times with references by Saint John Chrysostom around 345 AD. This devotion expanded significantly over the centuries, particularly in relation to major historical battles such as Lepanto and Vienna, where prayers to Mary, often invoked through the Rosary, were credited with miraculous victories. He highlights the declaration of the feast day by Pope Pius V following the liberation from Napoleon and its special importance to the Salesian order, championed by Saint John Bosco who held a profound reverence for Mary Help of Christians. |
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04 May 2024
 Marist Laity Australia would like to invite you to join us on a Spirituality Day entitled 'Living with Todays Paradoxes'. Exploring questions like 'How do we maintain hope and joy in the face of global challenges and personal trials?' and 'What does it mean to be a peacemaker in today's world? Key note speaker Brother Tony Leon fms who has worked many years in Marist spiritual formation both in Australia and internationally. |
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04 March 2024
 During a recent Youth Ministry Equipping School organized by the Canberra Diocese and the Australian Catholic University, Archbishop Christopher Prowse imparted a profound message to attendees, urging them to embrace the present with God's grace and to view Christianity not as a mere accumulation of resources or rituals, but as a living faith expressed through encounter, discipleship, and mission. He highlighted the need for the Catholic community to actively engage with those on the margins, following Mary's example of reaching out and listening. Emphasizing the importance of genuine spiritual conversations and acknowledging our humanity, Archbishop Prowse stressed that true discipleship involves reflecting on our experiences and being present to one another. He warned against the complacency of being 'armchair critics' and encouraged a mission that extends the Church's reach, questioning the depth of engagement behind titles like 'Social Justice Captain.' By intertwining encounter, discipleship, and mission, he envisioned a more profound service and connection within the community, guided by the spirit and mercy of God. |
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20 January 2024
 In 2024, the 'Call to Be' group at Aquinas Academy in Sydney is pleased to present two insightful lecture series. The first, titled 'Blind to Being Blind: St John’s Gospel and the Revelation of Self-Deception,' delivered by Dr. Robert Tilley, explores the theme of self-deception as presented in the Gospel of John, highlighting the dangers of hypocrisy and the subtleties of being blind to one’s own blindness. This series, scheduled for February 7, 14, and 21, delves into how self-deception manifests in personal, political, and spiritual realms. The second series, 'Develop your own Spirituality III,' led by Fr Michael Whelan and Sr Marie Biddle, questions the adage 'Forgive and forget' and examines the interplay of the past and future in shaping human life, the role of imagination in thought processes, the importance of integrating feelings for a fulfilling life, and the significance of images, symbols, and rituals. This series runs on Thursdays, February 29, March 7, 14, and 21. Both series are held at the Crypt of St Patrick's Church, The Rocks, with registration available online. |
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01 January 2024
 'January 1 - Mother of God' explores the dual celebration of Mary's Motherhood and the World Day of Peace on January 1, highlighting the interconnectedness of these themes. It traces the feast's origin to the 5th century, solidified after the Council of Ephesus in 431, which established Mary's title as Theotokos (Mother of God). The doctrine is further affirmed by the Vatican II Council, recognizing Mary's integral role in divine salvation. The webpage also references a homily by Pope John Paul II, which contrasts the nurturing image of Mary with the infant Jesus and the sorrowful image of her holding the crucified Christ, symbolizing both the joy of birth and the pain of death. This duality underscores Mary's role in advocating for peace and justice, highlighting the importance of her intercession in sparing mothers from the loss and suffering brought by war and conflict. |
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12 December 2023
 The 'Your Chosen Christmas Party w/ Phil Wickham & Vanessa Benavente' appears to be from a livestream event. It starts with lyrics from a song, followed by the host in Canada discussing the live chat, encouraging interaction, and mentioning updates about the chosen app. The host, Dallas Jenkins, teases an exclusive sneak peek of 'The Chosen' Season 4, interviews with Vanessa Benavente (who plays Mother Mary) and Phil Wickham, a discussion about a Christmas special, and personal anecdotes about the filming of 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.' |
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03 September 2023
 Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Q&A session with esteemed former ABC journalist, Kerry O'Brien, as we delve into the topic of the Australian Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. Participants will have the unique opportunity to pose a series of questions related to the establishment of an Aboriginal body with national representation, advising Parliament on crucial Aboriginal issues. Kerry O'Brien will offer insightful responses to questions like the specific powers and responsibilities of the Aboriginal Voice, ensuring diverse representation, potential impacts on legislation, and addressing conflicts between recommendations and parliamentary interests. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights and explore the path towards a more inclusive and unified Australia. |
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25 July 2023
 Yesterday was a very special day for many reasons, one being that it was exactly 207 years to the very day when five priests (ordained the day before) and 7 seminarians walked up nearly 800 steps before dawn and left a signed document at the Church of the Black Madonna dedicating their lives to Mary the mother of God; the beginning of the Marist movement. |
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23 July 2023
 In Sydney on July 23rd 2023 over 100 people are partaking in the celebrations of Fourviere. They will begin at Bradfield park North Sydney for the acknowledgment of country. will then walk across the harbour bridge like those first Marists who climbed the 800 steps at Fourviere. There will be a presentation at St Patrick's Church Hill, the first Marist church in Australia and the sharing of a meal. The pilgrims will then join a special Fourviere bus to Hunters Hill where there will be a Fourviere Liturgy and Final celebration.But for those who cannot join these celebrations, please join us as we celebrate online and invite you to join the Marist Millennium Pledge. |
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23 July 2023
 We invite you,your school, community and familyto commemorate the Marists who took the first Marist Fourviere Pledge in France 1816The 12 seminarians walked the stairs at Fourviere France on July 23rd 1816.In 2023 we will walk the Harbour Bridge.We begin by acknowledging country...People can enter at any stage of the journey. |
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14 June 2023
 The book of Job: faith and justice in a world of incomprehensible nihilism. |
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28 May 2023
 Will you help us celebrate 'Embrace the Wind – Marist Pentecost Prayer Event' through an online Zoom prayer? We would like to invite you to join us together with Marist Laity Australia on Sunday May 28 at 7.30 pm (Sydney time) to celebrate in person. We will pray, sing, reflect and discuss together. This online zoom forum enables us to enter conversation and dialogue with each other. To listen to the word of God, not just within ourselves but other Marists from across the world. |
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16 May 2023
 You are invited to join Medi as she takes up what it means to be a Christian in the 21st Century through being revolutionaries of love and tenderness in living our daily lives. |
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01 May 2023
 On Sunday, April 30, 12 Marist Lay people and Marist Religious joined together for a Prayer and Reflection on “Christ is Risenâ€. Attendees came from Melbourne, Sydney, and as far away as Gladstone in Queensland. As we gathered there was some smiles and many memories of when we last saw each other. There was rich discussion around the spirit of Easter and Resurrection was present in our lives. The participants came away feeling a renewed sense of connection and touched by the importance of prayer. |
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30 April 2023
 We would like to invite you to join us together with Marist Laity Australia on Sunday April 30 at 7 pm (Sydney time) to celebrate in person. We will pray, sing, reflect and discuss together. This online zoom forum enables us to enter conversation and dialogue with each other. To listen to the word of God, not just within ourselves but other Marists from across the world. |
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11 December 2022
 It is time to join together with other Marists from across the world as we prepare for Christmas. Marist Laity Australia would like to invite you to join us on Sunday December 11 at 7 pm (EAST Eastern Australian Time) to As we prepare for Christmas. |
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13 November 2022
 The 4-year journey of the Plenary Council led to important decisions in eight critical areas for the Catholic Church in Australia. It also provided an invaluable immersion in synodality, with an unprecedented experience of broad consultation, honest and respectful dialogue, extended discernment, and co-responsible decision-making. This talk will review some of the main decisions made by the Plenary Council, as well as reflecting on its significance for strengthening synodal processes in the Church. |
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30 October 2022
 No matter where you are on your journey with Christ, this TV Show is for you. The Chosen is a 7 episode television series about the life of Christ, as witnessed through the eyes of those he impacted. Starts Sunday October 30. Bring your family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who want to know more about Jesus... |
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28 August 2022
 What Matters to Australian Catholics – Blue, Red, Green and Teal – After the 2022 Election and Plenary Council. Father Frank Brennan SJ |
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16 August 2022
 Today is the Feast of the Assumption. The day we celebrate where Mary is assumed into Heaven body and soul. At 12.25 pm today I had a religious education class. I was struck that over three quarters of the students pleaded with me to go to church at 12.30 pm. The school I teach had not organised mass for students to attend and I had planned other work to do. We walked quickly next door. The church was filled with many older people many seemed retired. Suddenly, the church streamed with many young people moving in. Sitting at the edge of the pew all the way up the column. Many older people moved over to allow the young students to sit down. It was as though the Holy Spirit was pouring out. It felt right to be there even though it was not planned. |
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07 June 2022
 We are delighted to let you know that registrations for the Association National Assembly are still open. Let's join together as a Marist family this year - through June, July and August - to look at where we've come from, and imagine where we are going! |
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05 June 2022
 By contemplating both Nazareth and Pentecost through the person of Mary, Colin brings an enriching perspective whereby the two become telescoped in her life. |
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15 May 2022
 We need to foster culture in our society from the word 'telling' to the word 'conversation'. Are at least one of the parties is open to the possibility of 'conversion'. Father Michael Whelan speaking at the International Marist Laity Conference. |
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12 May 2022
 Joan Chittister osb, an American Benedictine, and a Practical Theologian embodies the voice of wisdom and experience.Her prophetic views on justice and equality, especially for women in the church, challenges those who would silence women and people at the margins. Through her call to uncommon courage she can help us re-discover the place of religion in our society through a spirituality of engagement, so that we can all work together to reform the clerical culture that has shattered so many and damaged us all. |
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22 April 2022
 April 22. EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries. |
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29 March 2022
 Integral Ecology is about pursuing the good for our common home. In this video we explore the meaning of integral ecology, and we will be introduced to the 'Economy of Francesco', one of the most explicit calls made by Pope Francis on acting from an integral economy perspective. |
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26 March 2022
 We remember how the power of God was made known in the conception of Jesus. The depth of God's love was revealed in a human life - Mary. Mary was the real flesh and blood woman who dared to say yes to God's call, freely and unconditionally. The Word became flesh in Mary and Mary continued to enflesh that loving Word in her everyday existence. We rejoice that Mary responded to God's call and she is an exemplary model for us in our path of discipleship. |
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13 February 2022
 A synodal church - expectations and limitations –appraising the plenary council and seeing beyond |
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05 January 2022
 In 2013 5 lay people travelled from Australia to the Phillipines on immersion. They went to gain a sense of what it means to be in Marist community and ministry in the Philippines. |
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25 December 2021
 The Christmas liturgy of Holy Name of Mary parish, Hunters Hill/Woolwich, began with its now-traditional outdoor Vigil Eucharist in the grounds of Villa Maria monastery. |
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08 December 2021
 The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is usually December 8th. But this year December 8th is a Sunday, and the Sunday Liturgy for Advent takes precedence, and so the Marian feast is celebrated on this Monday. It is linked in our minds with Lourdes |
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05 December 2021
 It is time to join together with other Marists from across the world as we prepare for Christmas. |
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06 November 2021
 Marist Laity Australia would like to invite you to join us on Saturday November 6 at 7 pm (EAST Eastern Australian Time) to reflect on 'How are we called to be stewards of creation'?
This event will coincide with the COP26 gathering in Scotland. It has become urgent that we as people must play our part as well to care for the earth. How are we called to change? What real and practical things can we do? What is the impact to our regional neighbours? Like Kiribati. |
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26 October 2021
 Globally, people who are LGBTQIA+ are at increased risk of depression, suicide, and verbal, physical and sexual harassment and abuse. James recognised a lack of Church advocacy on these issues following the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting in the USA, noticing that few Catholic Bishops publicly spoke out about the massacre. |
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02 October 2021
 On Saturday October 2, Marist Laity Australia Committee came together for two hours to share, pray, discuss and plan. We spoke deeply about the impacts of the COVID pandemic. Where families cannot see loved one’s who are dying and where others are sitting with people as they enter the last moments of their life. This was a rich sharing. |
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17 September 2021
 Join Archbishop of Suva Peter Chong, Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary Rev. James Bhagwan and Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau Moderator Elect, Uniting Church NSW/ACT, for a conversation facilitated by Sister Jan Barnett rsj.Registrations are essential - please click below on RSVP. The Zoom link for the webinar will be sent to your email address after you register. |
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12 September 2021
 Br Ian is currently the Community Leader of the Gonzaga Jesuit Community in Kirribilli and a member of the St Ignatius College School Board. He is the Jesuit Provincial’s Delegate for Ignatian Spirituality and Formation and the CEO of Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia. More recently, he has been working as a member of the Formation team for facilitators and members of the coming Plenary Council. |
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12 September 2021
 Getting ready. Two resources for prayer to mark the coming feast of the Holy Name of Mary (Sep 12) are now available on the Colin website. The feast is the patronal celebration for the Society of Mary. |
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11 September 2021
 We would like to invite you to join us together with Marist Laity Australia on Saturday September 11 at 7 pm (EAST Eastern Australian Time) to celebrate in person. We will pray, sing, reflect and discuss together. This online zoom forum enables us to enter conversation and dialogue with each other. To listen to the word of God, not just within ourselves but other Marists from across the world. |
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26 August 2021
 The second Convocation exploring The Future of Catholicism in Australia will bring together diverse perspectives on the current state, and future prospects, for our Church in Australia. |
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15 August 2021
 Each year on the 15 August the Marian feast celebrates the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, but other churches refer to it as the Dormition and emphasise her falling asleep. Young Catholic film-maker Bridget Curran talks about her research into Mary's miracles and former nun Bernice Moore reflects on the celebration of Mary. |
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14 August 2021
 We would like to invite you to join us together with Marist Laity Australia on Saturday August 14 at 7 pm (EAST Eastern Australian Time) to celebrate in person. We will pray, sing, reflect and discuss together. This online zoom forum enables us to enter conversation and dialogue with each other. To listen to the word of God, not just within ourselves but other Marists from across the world. |
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05 August 2021
 Launch of Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth and Cry of the Poor. Join us for the national launch of the Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. This is the only statement where all the Bishops of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) release a joint reflection on a particular topic annually. This year it focuses on why it is so important that we as a community respond to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. |
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02 August 2021
 In 2015 13 lay people travelled to the Phillipines on immersion. They went to gain a sense of what it means to be in Marist community and ministry in the Philippines. |
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25 July 2021
 We would like to invite you together with Marist Laity Australia on Sunday July 25 at 7 pm (EAST Eastern Australian Time) to celebrate in person. Of all people are invited. This gathering with contain a special video discussion of four Marists, discussion between those who attend, prayer, reflection and song. |
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12 July 2021
 On Jul 12, 1804, in the hamlet of La Potière, near Montrevel-en-Bresse, France, Peter Chanel was born to Claude-François Chanel and Marie-Anne Sibellas, their fifth child. Three more siblings were to come. A few days later, Jul 16, in the main parish church of Montrevel, baby Peter was baptised. |
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30 June 2021
 As part of the exhibition we need thousands of people to come down and plant hands into the lawn of The Calyx. The design will involve 10,000 hands in the colours of charred and burnt banksia pods as part of the 'Healing Country' theme. Head to the Calyx lawn from 29 June to get involved. |
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05 June 2021
 The amazing Champagnat Week 2021 resources provided to Marist Schools and Ministries by the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. A gift that keeps giving. We hope all 56 schools and ministries in Australia are enjoying them. |
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22 May 2021
 On Monday May 24, we will celebrate 200 years of Catholic schools in Australia. Most schools will celebrate with a mass. Yet, in this moment, do we remember the first 40 years of British settlement (From 1788 to 1820), where the Catholic church, many other churches, religions and Aboriginal customs were outlawed. Thus, many religions, and many churches began in Australia like the early Christian church, with oppression. Where the government of the day sought to stop their practise. With many lay people hidden in homes continuing religious traditions. Do we celebrate with the 200 years anniversary the many people who risked their lives for their religious faiths and traditions? This causes us to think, where in the world today are religious groups oppressed? As Catholics and people of religion, are we not called to identify and help the oppressed groups? |
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13 April 2021
 Presented by Sister Joan Chittister OSB. Our Catholic Church in Australia has reached a critical juncture. Scandals and stagnation leave it in crisis. Inspired by Pope Francis and the commitment of many Catholics, both lay and religious, the Plenary Council offers an opportunity for creating a better future. |
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05 April 2021
 I am wanting to let you know about the screening of a wonderful documentary, Rosemary's Way. You will find details of the screenings at Randwick, Shellharbour and Campbelltown in April and a TBA screening at Parramatta Riverside Theatre in May. |
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19 March 2021
 The General Administration of the Marist Brothers, through the Extended Secretariat of the Laity, has chosen this 19th March to launch the process of the International Forum on the Lay Marist Vocation, coinciding with the feast of Saint Joseph, patron saint of Marists and also a beautiful model for laypeople, from whom we can learn so much. |
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14 March 2021
 In a simple ceremony on March 11 an indigenous cross was blessed by Fr Paul Glynn SM in the grounds of Villa Maria monastery, Hunters Hill. The cross is an initiative of Holy Name of Mary parishioner, Maryanne Knoblanche, who for thirty years has accompanied members of the indigenous Catholic community at Mt Druitt in Sydney's outer west. |
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23 February 2021
 We hope you had a wonderful Christmas Season filled joy and surrounded with love from family and friends.As we refocus for the year, we take this opportunity to provide a brief update on some planned activities for 2021. |
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23 February 2021
 A showcase of traditional icons and contemporary religious and non-religious art cultivated over the last 30 years. Exhibited together for the first time. |
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08 February 2021
 Pope Francis has declared the feast of St Josephine Bakhita on February 8 the International Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action against Human Trafficking. Join ACRATH and mark this day by sharing information, joining the world community in prayer and committing to do something in your own life to end slavery. |
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09 January 2021
 On January 09, 1825, Fathers Jean-Claude Colin and Etienne Déclas strode from the presbytery of Cerdon high in the Bugey mountains of eastern France to climb to the village of La Balme. This was to be the first renewal mission to be preached by the infant Society of Mary. |
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02 January 2021
 On January 2nd, 1817, Marcellin Champagnat founded in La Valla, France, the lay religious Institute, or religious Institute of Brothers, under the name of Little Brothers of Mary. He saw it as forming a branch of the Society of Mary |
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