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7 Leadership Shifts Pastors Need to Make in 2025 Carey Nieuwhof
17 December 2024
Pastor Carey’s '7 Leadership Shifts Pastors Need to Make in 2025' outlines practical strategies for church leaders to maximize their impact and reduce burnout. The first shift, maximizing your green zone, emphasizes protecting the 3-5 hours each day when your energy and productivity are highest for crucial tasks like sermon preparation. He advises leaders to schedule this time as a recurring appointment with themselves, avoiding distractions like random meetings or emails. The second shift encourages going all in on the January kickoff series, as early attendance patterns often set the tone for the year. A strong and well-prepared sermon series can create momentum that lasts through September. Additionally, fixing your first-time guest strategy is essential, with structured follow-ups that are personal, prayerful, and consistent to improve guest return rates.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - December 2024 Marist Laity Australia
14 December 2024
The December 2024 newsletter of Marist Laity Australia reflects on the year’s key activities, including a May reflection day, the Marist Family Fourvière celebration, a November retreat, and ongoing online engagement. It highlights the September gathering of Marist leaders to discuss collaboration and the future of the Marist mission, emphasizing formation, inclusivity, and lay leadership. The newsletter also recounts a transformative immersion to Davao, the Philippines, and a spiritually enriching retreat at the Marist Hermitage. It concludes with reflections on Christmas traditions and community projects, underscoring themes of connection, service, and hope for the future of the Marist mission.
 
Bishop Barron - on the Role of the Laity - in Transforming the World Bishop Robert Barron
17 November 2024
In his video 'What Are Laity Supposed to Be?', Bishop Robert Barron explores the universal call to holiness for all baptized Christians, emphasizing that the laity, like clergy and religious, are called to live out the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Drawing inspiration from Dorothy Day and Vatican II, Barron challenges the notion that these counsels are solely for spiritual elites. Instead, he highlights their relevance for laypeople: poverty as detachment from worldly goods like wealth, power, and honor; chastity as a rightly ordered sexual life rooted in love and selflessness; and obedience as attentiveness to God's higher voice amidst worldly distractions. He underscores the transformative power of these virtues, suggesting that if every Christian embraced them, society would be revolutionized—dismantling industries like pornography, combating human trafficking, and healing broken relationships. Ultimately, Barron calls for Christians to embody these counsels to sanctify and transform the world, fulfilling the mission envisioned by Vatican II.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - September 2024 Marist Laity Australia
15 September 2024
The Marist Laity Australia September 2024 newsletter highlights several key initiatives and reflections. Cathy Larkin shares insights on grace and faith, reflecting on her visits to a residential aged care facility. Margaret Woods offers a reflection on the Marist founders' pledge at Fourvière, encouraging the continuation of their mission through love and compassion. The newsletter also features a modern Marist pilgrimage across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, inspired by the founders' journey. Additionally, it discusses Mercy College Chatswood’s Street Retreats, where students engage with Sydney’s homeless community, and 'The Other Half' program, which connects students with orphans in the Philippines through Zoom sessions, fostering intercultural understanding and empathy.
 
Leading with love - Richard rohr Richard Rohr
25 August 2024
Richard Rohr's presentation 'Leader to Love' emphasizes the importance of humility, love, and spiritual growth in leadership. He explains that true leadership involves moving beyond ego-driven goals of the first half of life and embracing a deeper, more meaningful journey in the second half, often triggered by failure or suffering. Rohr highlights that humility is essential for leaders, as it allows them to remain open to learning and guided by love rather than the need for power or control. By keeping love at the center of our actions, leaders can inspire others and lead with grace, fostering a deeper connection to their true purpose.
 
Learning to Fail - Unpacking Misconceptions - of Growth Mindset - Luna Leverett - TED Luna Leverett
11 May 2024
In her TED presentation, 'You think you have a growth mindset, but do you?', Luna Leverett explores the common misconceptions about growth mindset and its practical application in everyday life. Leverett begins by defining what a true growth mindset entails, distinguishing it from the mere positive thinking that many mistake it for. She emphasizes that a growth mindset is not just about expecting growth and success but also embracing challenges, failures, and the continuous process of learning that leads to real change.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - April 2024 Marist Laity Australia
30 April 2024
The April 2024 newsletter of Marist Laity Australia, penned by Cathy Larkin, shares Easter greetings and introduces Fr. Michael Carroll SM as the new Marist Fathers representative on the committee, while expressing gratitude to Fr. Paul Mahony SM for his past service. The newsletter announces upcoming events, including a Reflection Day on 'Living with Today's Paradoxes,' on Saturday MAY 4, the celebration of the origins of the Marist Family with the Promise of Fourviere, and a weekend gathering for Marist Laity members to focus on their identity and future in synodality. It pays tribute to the late Mary Teresa Roddy, a dedicated Marist laywoman, recalling her compassionate service in Bougainville and her influential roles within the Marist Missionary Sisters. Additionally, it marks the 25th anniversary of Saint Marcellin Champagnat's canonisation, emphasizing his Christ-like virtues. The newsletter promotes the 'Beyond the Pew' program to enhance family spirituality and announces an Earth Day challenge to share eco-friendly resources, emphasizing Marist themes of living simply and authentically in a secular world. Finally, an invitation to the 2024 Marian Lecture online on May 7.
 
Webinar - Synod and Synodality - Bishop Vincent Long Garrett Publishing
28 April 2024
The webinar discusses 'Synod and Synodality' and reflects on recent synodal processes within the Catholic Church. The speakers emphasize the importance of these processes not just in producing documents but in fostering communal relationships, nurturing hope, and inspiring transformative action. Cardinal Greg and Pope Francis highlight the spirit-led approach to the synod, urging openness and support for all, especially the weary and oppressed. Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen shares his experiences with synodal processes in Parramatta and Rome. He describes how the local synod in Parramatta, held concurrently with the Universal Synod, encouraged bold and creative engagement, reaching out to diverse community members and incorporating their voices into a meaningful ecclesial dialogue. Despite challenges, including opposition and disruptions, the synod was marked by a spirit of unity and purpose, reflecting a rich diversity of the local Catholic community.
 
The Power of us National Geographic
22 April 2024
'The Power of Us,' a National Geographic documentary, explores the evolution of human cooperation and leadership across various societies and historical contexts, drawing parallels and contrasts with modern political systems. The documentary begins with an examination of simple democratic systems in small tribes and evolves into a discussion about the complexities of governance in large modern states. It features an interview with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in a nation as large and diverse as the United States.
 
Leading with Love - with Richard Rohr Richard Rohr
19 March 2024
In this in-depth conversation on the Leadercast podcast, Father Richard Rohr, a spiritual mentor and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, shares profound insights into leadership, humility, and the journey of life. Father Richard emphasizes the transformative power of humility in leadership and reveals his perspective on the secret to life, which he believes revolves around love.
 
Think Fast, Talk Smart - Communication Techniques Matt Abrahams
09 March 2024
Matt Abrahams' talk focuses on improving communication skills in spontaneous situations, offering a blend of strategies, activities, and insights to manage anxiety and enhance speaking abilities. He starts by highlighting the challenge of catching attention and maintaining engagement, proposing that effective communication in impromptu settings is achievable through practice.
 
Leadership - and the Resistance to Change in the Church - A Reflection on - Progress and Tradition Marist Laity Australia
24 February 2024
This delves into the evolving nature of church leadership and the resistance to change within the Church. Beginning with Jesus' selection of Peter, it highlights the transformative journey of the Church as a living community of faith. Through quotes from influential figures like John C. Maxwell and Pope Francis, it emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership and embracing change. The narrative explores the crisis of relevance faced by the Church and the necessity of adaptive leadership in navigating it. It calls for a shift towards a more collaborative and participatory model of governance, echoing the sentiment that leadership and learning are intertwined. Ultimately, it advocates for embracing change while upholding timeless values, presenting a roadmap for renewing the vitality of the Church amidst a changing world.
 
What is your dream for Marist Laity? Marist Laity Australia
15 February 2024
Initially, I hesitated as I did not know fully what this question meant. Often when Jesus is asked a question in the Gospels, he answers with another question. So initially, I answered “What is the dream of Marist Laity in 2023” but also “what is the dream of Marist laity in 2030?” In our discussion we drew upon a recent Marist Laity Australia committee meeting at Hunters Hill. In the committee meeting there was a wide range of answers as there are a deep array of lay people.
 
In Dialogue - The Synod - Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ - Sister Denise Boyle FMDM We Are Church Ireland
27 January 2024
In a dialogue between Bishop Alan McGuckian and Sister Denise Boyle, the conversation spanned Bishop McGuckian's background, emphasizing his Jesuit roots and roles within the Church, including his innovative work with the Living Church project. They discussed the nuances of Vatican II's teachings, particularly the shared authority between the Roman Pontiff and the College of Bishops, and explored the themes of co-responsibility, synodality, and the challenges of communication within the Church's hierarchical structure. The significance of prayer and spirituality in the Synod process was highlighted, as was the rich diversity of opinions, especially the impactful contributions of women and laypeople. They reflected on tradition's vitality and the importance of inclusivity in addressing concerns about youth, women, and the LGBT community. The dialogue also touched upon the transformative potential of increased female participation in Church proceedings, the community's needs during times of loneliness, and the importance of unity and collective decision-making, marking a historic moment where women had an equal voice in the bishop's synod.
 
A Guide to leadership - Simon Sinek Simon Sinek
18 January 2024
Simon Sinek's presentation, 'A Guide to Leadership,' explores the true essence and challenges of leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in our charge. Sinek points out that most people are trained to be good at their jobs, but there's a lack of training in how to lead others. This gap often results in managers who micromanage instead of true leaders.
 
Reimagining Church Marist Laity Australia
14 January 2024
The blog entry titled 'Reimagining Church' explores the concept of 'church' beyond its contemporary association with a large institutional body, urging a return to its roots as 'the people of God' and an inclusive family beyond mere blood relations. It reflects on the character of Peter, a family man and fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be the foundation of his church—a figure with flaws and personal struggles, as depicted in cultural narratives like the TV series 'The Chosen.' The blog critiques the decline in church attendance in Western countries, citing issues like sexual abuse scandals, secularism, lack of women's leadership, and polarization between conservatism and progressivism. However, it suggests that these issues, while significant, are not the core crisis. It advocates for a more engaged and familial concept of church, influenced by Pope Francis's idea of a 'Synodal Church' that is conversational and journey-oriented. The entry calls for action and dialogue within the church as a family, recognizing that like Michelangelo's unfinished David, the church is a work in progress. It concludes by questioning the reader's personal definition of 'church' and encourages reimagining it as an active, family-oriented community where God's will is pursued collectively.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - December 2023 Marist Laity Australia
18 December 2023
The December edition of the Marist Laity newsletter reflects on the organization's future engagement with young adults and those seeking reflective opportunities, with a follow-up meeting planned in February 2024 and events throughout the year to deepen prayer and reflection. It also touches on the enduring conflicts where Jesus lived, with a poignant reflection from Fr. Jim Carty SM and a message of hope from Pope Francis, emphasizing God's unwavering presence. The newsletter extends gratitude to committee members and bids farewell to Michael Evison as he retires. It memorializes three influential Marists who recently passed away, celebrating their legacy and contribution to the community. Additionally, it highlights the impact of Street Retreats, where students engage with the homeless in Sydney, fostering compassion and understanding beyond mere observation​​.
 
Blog - How do we live an - integral ecology - in our families? Marist Laity Australia
08 December 2023
In the document Laudatio Si Pope Francis calls all people to live an “integral ecology”. That people develop a sense that all life is connected. This is a very Christian belief as it is the sacrament of creation. That God is revealed through creation itself. God is the Creator who has entered creation in the person of “Jesus Christ”. Christians call this the “incarnation”. The fact that God has entered creation reveals to us the sacredness of creation. All of creation manifests the glory of God.
 
Jonathan Pageau - encourages World Leaders - to pursue the supreme Good Jonathan Pageau
19 November 2023
The YouTube clip titled 'Jonathan Pageau encourages World Leaders to pursue the supreme Good' presents a speech in which Jonathan Pageau addresses the theme of the 'supreme Good' in the context of a meaning crisis similar to one experienced by ancient Athens. He references the philosophical debates of that era, particularly the ideas of Plato who posited that behind the physical world are eternal forms, with the highest being the form of the Good. For Plato, everything exists to participate in the Good.
 
Know Your Worth and Where You Belong - Brené Brown Brené Brown
08 November 2023
True belonging is about a spiritual practise. It is about an ability to find sacredness in both being a part of something but also the courage to the stand alone. For those of us who have the courage to stand alone especially when we know that we are risking that sense of being a part of something because we disagree and because we have a different opinion, because we love something different. That is the mark of true belonging. The ability to say yes I belong, but also to stand alone when I need to.
 
Why we have too few women leaders - Sheryl Sandberg Sheryl Sandberg
05 November 2023
Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk, 'Why we have too few women leaders,' addresses the issue of women's underrepresentation at the highest levels of professional sectors worldwide. She begins by sharing staggering statistics: out of 190 heads of state, only nine are women; women hold just 13% of parliamentary positions globally; and they make up a meager 15-16% of C-level jobs and corporate board seats, a figure that has been stagnant since 2002 and is, in some cases, declining.
 
Song - Brave Nichole Nordeman
05 November 2023
'Brave' by Nichole Nordeman is a song about breaking free from the constraints of fear and the comfort of complacency to embrace a life of faith and courage. The lyrics describe the familiar, wide path of moderation and the middle ground that many people walk—a place where it's easy to blend in with the crowd and live without making waves or standing out.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - October 2023 Marist Laity Australia
04 October 2023
The October 2023 edition of the Marist Laity Australia newsletter highlights the organization's priorities for 2024, with a focus on engaging young adults and those seeking silence, reflection, and meaningful conversation. There's an enthusiastic mention of another Marist Camino event in 2024, following the success of the 2023 event. The Marist Family Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee hosted an event discussing the upcoming referendum on The Voice to Parliament, facilitated by renowned journalist Kerry O'Brien. The newsletter also commemorates the recent passing of Br Des Murphy FMS and updates on Barbara Ashwell's health. As the Synodal Assembly approaches, prayers for the Church's mission are requested. Additionally, reflections on the life of Mary and the Marist movement are provided by Fr Kevin Bates and Sr Margaret Tisch. Lastly, a conversation with Kerry O'Brien emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voice of Australia's indigenous population.
 
Blog - A Promotional Job Marist Laity Australia
29 August 2023
In the second half of term three in schools often there is a rush for new job advertisements of new coordinators, assistant principals and principals. Sometimes teachers come up to you and say “so are you going to apply for this new position?” while others not applying begin chatting behind the scenes saying “I wonder who will fill this new position?” Our culture is often fixed on climbing this corporate ladder. As if there is something wrong if you do not apply for a promotional position.
 
Your body language may shape who you are - Amy Cuddy Amy Cuddy
20 August 2023
Amy Cuddy's talk revolves around the concept of nonverbal expressions of power and how they influence our thoughts, feelings, and physiology. She begins by proposing a simple no-tech life hack: changing your posture for just two minutes can have a significant impact. She asks the audience to audit their current body language and notes that people often make themselves smaller, hunch, or close up in various ways. She emphasizes that nonverbal behavior, or body language, communicates not only with others but also with ourselves.
 
Growing in Synodality Michael Whelan sm
03 July 2023
“We gain control by letting go. We come to know by not knowing,” says Fr Michael Whelan SM ashe explains the power of listening within. Life, sooner or later - if we let it - leads us into the realisation that the more we know, the more we know we do not know. In other words, we experience the inexhaustible intelligibility of reality. This is what we call mystery. Life does have many problems that invite solutions. But life itself is not a problem. We should not look for solutions to life. Life is a mystery to be lived. As in life, there are many problems in the Church that invite solutions. But, as in life, the Church - our life together in Christ - is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived.
 
Brené Brown on braving the wilderness Brené Brown
14 June 2023
Brené Brown reflects on their deep admiration for a person referred to as 'my Angela,' who has been their constant source of guidance and inspiration throughout their life. They express their love and appreciation for my Angela's work, except for one quote that has bothered them for decades. The quote suggests that freedom comes from belonging nowhere, which contradicts Brené Brown's understanding of the importance of love and belonging in human suffering. However, upon further exploration, Brené Brown discovers a deeper meaning behind my Angela's words. True belonging, as my Angela explains in an interview, is a spiritual practice that involves finding sacredness in both being a part of something and having the courage to stand alone, even if it means disagreeing or having different opinions. Brené Brown concludes that belonging everywhere and nowhere is liberating.
 
Praying Our Fears - Timothy Keller Timothy Keller
28 May 2023
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage about fear. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following His lead, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. They mention that God's protection works when we are moving forward and obeying Him, and that even in difficult times or painful experiences, God is using them to shield and protect us. The speaker refers to a fairy tale by George MacDonald to illustrate the concept of following God's path, even when it seems uncertain or challenging. They also discuss the idea of locating our glory and security in finite things, which can lead to anxiety and fear. Instead, they encourage the audience to find their glory in God and His approval. The speaker suggests that through prayer and confidence in God's forgiveness and sacrifice, we can find assurance and overcome our fears.
 
How did WW1 change life for Indigenous Australian soldiers? Future Learn
25 April 2023
During World War 1 many Aboriginal Australians signed up to serve in the Australian army. They were treated equally and with a sense of mateship along with other soldiers. This gave Australia a sense one of the first forms of Aboriginal Reconciliation.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - April 2023 Marist Laity Australia
22 April 2023
Welcome to the Easter Edition of the Marist Laity Newsletter. You will find a number of articles of Easter, reflections on death and young people visiting homeless people and an invitation to join us on Sunday April 30 for prayer and reflection via zoom.
 
How great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek Simon Sinek
22 April 2023
Simon Sinek presents a simple but powerful model for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question 'Why?' His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers -- and as a counterpoint Tivo, which (until a recent court victory that tripled its stock price) appeared to be struggling.
 
Women, Leadership and the Synodal Process: Where to Now? Catholic Religious Australian
11 March 2023
'Women, Leadership and the Synodal Process: Where to Now?' was an event held on 2 February 2023 in Sydney, with Xavierian Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, who is one of the most senior women within the Vatican, and indeed one of its most influential figures because of her leading role at the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops. The Synod is set to address the most important topics facing the Church today and she will have a decisive say on shaping the future of our Church.
 
System Leadership Day - Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen Bishop Vincent Long
26 January 2023
Catholic schools have always been charged with a special mandate to offer hope to those who are disadvantaged, and this special attention for those who are weakest, who are the battlers, is as Australian as Eureka and Penola. Australian Catholic education has been hailed as a jewel and the envy of other nations. Even from the early days, the concern to provide a religious education for Catholic families in the colony galvanised the bishops of Australia. Their vision was brought to life by religious men and women who responded courageously to the invitation to give opportunity to young Catholics. These were mostly poor, socially disadvantaged and in the post-war period, immigrant children. This special attention to them in Catholic education has not been diminished with the transition from religious to lay leadership. A strong commitment to professional development, especially in respect of the mission, identity and ethos of Catholic schools, continues to guide us to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
 
Sitting on the floor Marist Laity Australia
23 January 2023
If people are sitting on the floor, try to spend some time on the floor as well – try not to always be standing above them. It can be helpful to use a handout or projector at these times, that the focus is not you, but rather focus away from you. You are not the most important person in the room.
 
Mary as Liberating sister Jane Ferdon OP
02 January 2023
Our traditional image of Mary has been a maternal one. Because a single image cannot capture her identity for everyone, this article will investigate how religious women today regard Mary as “blessed among women.” Drawing on their insights, it will distinguish between the stereotyped image of Mary and the real person.
 
Marist Spirituality in the context of Leadership today - Part 2 A Marist Brother (name unknown)
28 December 2022
Essential to Mary’s spirituality is the conviction of being loved by God. This is proclaimed powerfully with the words Luke uses: 'Hail, O favoured one. The Lord is with you ... Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. ”
 
Marist Spirituality in the context of Leadership today - Part 1 A Marist Brother (name unknown)
27 December 2022
One of my favourite Gospel scenes has always been Jesus’ return to Nazareth and his reading in the Synagogue. You remember the context in Luke’s account - Jesus was at prayer after being baptised and the Holy Spirit descended on him and a voice came from Heaven: “This is my beloved Son”. Then he was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days - days of prayer, reflection, fasting and temptation. Then “with the power of the Spirit in him” he returned to Galilee, teaching in the synagogues. Then he came to Nazareth “where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood up to read, and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written:
 
How inclusive leadership drives cultural change Ms. Daniela Landherr
22 December 2022
Psychological safety is a shared belief that the environment is conducive to interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences. Vulnerability is the first thing I look for in you, and the last thing I’m willing to share. In you, its courage and daring, in me, its weakness. When we feel psychologically safe, we lead with curiosity and courage, and we drive innovation.
 
Marist David Gergen on leadership and finding your passion David Gergen
14 December 2022
For those who are younger there is a good chance you will have 6, 8 or 10 jobs. Different organisations over the years. This is just change. You have to get an instinct of how to think about your boss and the organisation that you find yourself in and the organisational structure. You need to figure that out so that you can serve people well.
 
News - Mary Star of the Sea Marist Fathers
12 December 2022
On Dec 08 during Mass at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, celebrating the Immaculate Concepton the new Star of the Sea Province of the Marist Brothers was inaugurated. Visiting Superior-General, brother Ernesto Sanchez FMS, officially announced the closure of the Australian Province and District of Oceania and invited brother Peter Carroll to assume the role of leader of a new province embracing Pacifc and southeast Asian countries.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - December 2022 Marist Laity Australia
04 December 2022
As the Jesuit scholastic Brendan Busse reflects: “The true beauty of this season lies in the way in which it sanctifies that which is most human in us: our desire to love and call ourselves beloved, the desire for the eternal to break into our mortal lives, for light to break into our darkness, for God’s loving presence to become a felt reality in our all too frail human condition.”
 
Collegiality Leadership in the Church with Mary McAleese Mary McAleese
30 November 2022
A conversation between a prominent theologian Mary McAleese and former head of state on models of leadership in the Church and the Vatican II notion of broad participation and shared responsibility.
 
Servant leadership - how to lead with the heart Liz Theophille
26 November 2022
What does it mean to be a leader that leads from the heart? Many years ago I started a new role in a new company. One of my first assignments was to lead an investigation for a transformational program that had gone extremely badly. The client was very upset with how the company was performing. In most cases we had lost trust with the client.
 
Fratelli Tutti - What Catechists, Catechetical Leaders, and Other Ministry Leaders Should Know Dr Joseph White
30 October 2022
The purpose and goal of Fratelli Tutti paragraph 8 Pope Francis says it is his desire by acknowledging the dignity of each human person we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity. The title of the document is inspired by a quote from Saint Francis of Assisi. A love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance and declares blessed all that love their brother as much as he his far away from him as much as he is with him. Issues of fraternal friendship have always been a concern of Pope Francis. In this encyclical Pope Francis brings together these ideas for reflection. This is open to all people. An invitation to all people to dialogue. Not just for Catholics and the Catholic church but all people.
 
5 Fundamentals of Leadership - Leadership Development Simon Sinek
22 October 2022
You have to have the capacity for existential flexibility. What does that mean? Apple had already come up with success with Apple One and Apple Two. It is already a huge company and is very successful and they are working on their next big project. And then in 1981 Steve Jobs and his senior executives went on a tour of Xerox PARC. Their XEROX showed them an innovation they had come up with called the Graphic User Interface. This would allow us to use a mouse to control the cursor on the screen to click on folders move them around to use the computer. Prior to that you had to use a (text based) computer language like DOS. Remember Steve Jobs' vision and just cause to empower the individual to stand up to the status quo. When he saw this amazing Graphical User Interface he immediately saw that this was a way more powerful way to get more people to use a computer because it was so much more simpler and easier to use. As they are leaving Xerox, he says to his executives, we have to invest in this. And his people say 'we can't'. One of the voices of reason says 'Steve we cannot'. We have already invested countless man hours and millions of dollars in an entirely different strategic direction. If we invest in the Graphical User Interface we will blow up our own company. To which Steve Jobs responds 'better we blow up our own company than someone else'.
 
Leadership Lessons from Pope Francis Chris Lowney
16 July 2022
A few years ago a public relations firm asked people if they had a great deal of confidence of leaders in certain sectors of society. The 2007 survey focused on confidence. The results found confidence in political leaders (10%), business leaders (15%), education leaders (20%), and religious leaders (20%). What are some names of some quality leaders? What qualities of attributes are there in a good leader?
 
Simon Sinek Why do good Leaders Eat Last? Simon Sinek
25 June 2022
Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work. This is not a crazy, idealised notion. In many successful organisations, great leaders are creating environments in which teams trust each other so deeply that they would put their lives on the line for each other. Yet other teams, no matter what incentives were offered, are doomed to infighting, fragmentation and failure. Why? Today's workplaces tend to be full of cynicism, paranoia and self-interest. But the best organisations foster trust and cooperation because their leaders build what Sinek calls a Circle of Safety.
 
Event - Joan Chittister in Australia Joan Chittister OSB
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.
 
Bishop Vincent washes inmates feet at Parklea Prison Bishop Vincent Long
25 April 2022
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has washed the feet of inmates in a gesture of respect, humility and love for some of the most marginalised members of our community.
 
The Co-existence of Sacrifice and Self-Stewardship Jeffrey Frey
09 April 2022
Jeff Freys research has shown that there are ten areas of our lives that are affected by sacrifice and self-stewardship and focusing on these can help us help ourselves so we can help others.
 
Brené Brown - Leadership and Vulnerability Brené Brown
13 January 2022
It is not about winning. It is not about losing. It's about showing up and being seen.
 
New Leadership Team in Australia Marist Sisters
05 January 2022
December. Sr Gail Reneker will take up the role of Unit Leader of Australia with Srs Julie Brand and Beverley Lewis as her Assistants. The gathering was also an opportunity to give thanks to Sr Catherine Lacey who has been Unit Leader for the past seven years and to Sr Ruth Davis for her role as Unit Assistant for the last three years.
 
Marist Laity Australia Newsletter - December 2021 Marist Laity Australia
24 December 2021
Thank you for your ongoing support of MLA during this, another challenging year. A huge thank you to All who supported our online prayer reflections and provided such depth of sharing, they were rich exchanges and wonderful times to reconnect across the world.
 
Leaders change the way we see things Simon Sinek
29 November 2021
Why do we give? What happens if we change the question? Not about 'me'. Not 'Please help' but rather 'in the next 2 weeks, 'if you only give once a month, please think of me next time'. This has nothing to do with the taker, but rather the giver.
 
Leadership through Invictus Clint Eastwood
12 November 2021
What does it mean to lead? Invictus models an approach to leadership which is relational, but uses injustice as a vehicle to lead.
 
EWTN attacks on Pope Francis Austen Ivereigh
20 October 2021
Is this what animates EWTN shows like Raymond Arroyo’s? Is this spirit of schism— known by its contempt, arrogance and disdain, but presenting itself as the defense of orthodoxy and tradition—evident in the ongoing hostility and contempt towards Francis?
 
Plenary Podcast with Bishop Michael, Brother Peter, and Marco Plenary Podcast
12 October 2021
Plenary Podcast, Day 3: Wednesday, 6 October 2021. Journey Catholic Radio’s Jude Hennessy in conversation with Bishop Michael Kennedy (Armidale, NSW) , Br Peter Carroll FMS (Provincial Marist Bros),
 
Bishop Vincent Long ‘My hope for the Plenary Council’ Bishop Vincent Long
02 July 2021
There is a sense in which the Church must change into a more Christ-like pattern of humility, simplicity and powerlessness as opposed to worldly triumphalism, splendour, dominance and power. Christians in the post-Royal Commission are like the Jews after the exile. The future of the Church, like the New Jerusalem that the exilic prophets often speak of, will not be revitalised by way of simply repeating what was done in the past. It will not be simply a restoration project or doing the old things better. Rather, we must have the courage to do new things; we must be open to the Spirit leading us to new horizons even as we tend to revert to the old ways.
 
Marist Laitys role today Jen Bolster
12 June 2021
Jean Claude Colin said “Be bold. We are building a new Church.’ Some of you may have heard the saying ‘be the Church’. Colin and the first Marists looked to us The Marist Laity, to be the Church for those beyond the reach of priests, brothers, nuns and missionaries.
 
Transformational Leadershipship for Marist Schools John McMahon fms
04 June 2021
Transformational leaders are future oriented people who are able to see fundamental discrepancies between the way things are and the way they should be, They recognise the shortcomings of a present order and offer an imaginative vision to overcome them.
 
Alpha Leadership Conference 2021 Alpha Leadership Conference
16 May 2021
Key note speech by Nicky Gumble.
 
Marist Gathering Manziana Marist Fathers
16 May 2021
Yesterday the leadership teams of the 4 religious branches of the Marist Family gathered in Manziana, in the outskirts of Rome. The meeting was originally planned to take place last year at the Marist Brothers house, L’Hermitage, near Lyons, but because of the pandemic the meeting was postponed.
 
The Prevention of Clerical Sexual Abuse Bishop Geoffrey Robinson 2010
25 February 2021
By Bishop Geoffrey Robinson. 12 Elements in Institutional Culture that Contribute to Abuse. 2010
 
Europe Lay Marists Link Europe Lay Marists LINK
29 December 2020
During our EMLC delegates' Zoom meeting in July, we had the pleasure of getting to know the new European Provincial Delegate for Marist Laity, Fr Antonio Aira (Italy), who has taken over from Fr Jan Hulshof. With Father Antonio, it was decided to continue with the circular letter that Father Jan looked after for several years—thank you to him for all he did for this networking.
 





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