Introduction to Marist Laity

Stan Grant - On Country - with Indira Naidoo

tan Grant, a respected Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi journalist, has transitioned from a decades-long media career into theology and spiritual reflection. After facing intense public backlash during the Voice to Parliament referendum, Stan Grant retreated to his property on Muradjug land, seeking healing and connection. He described the deep pain of the 'No' vote as a profound existential sadness, not merely political but personal—a rejection of Indigenous identity. Silence, for him, became a sacred and powerful language when words failed.
 

Blog - Marys way in - the chaos of life

In a world overwhelmed by busyness, competition, and constant demands, In Mary’s Way in the Chaos of Life invites us to pause and rediscover what truly matters. Drawing on the Marist Spirit and the example of Mary, the blog challenges parents and caregivers to resist the pressure to say “yes” to everything and instead create space for God, relationships, and simplicity. Through reflection, prayer, and intentional choices, we are called to reorient our lives—to embrace stillness, listen to God’s quiet whisper, and allow Mary’s gentle, courageous way to shape our path forward.

Baabayn - NAIDOC event - on July 10

The Baabayn NAIDOC event will take place on July 10, with an important on-site meeting scheduled for Friday, July 4 at 11am at Whalan Reserve. This meeting offers a chance to connect with other organisations, volunteers, and cultural performers, and will cover key logistics such as parking, stall locations, and event layout. While volunteers unable to attend will be kept informed, it is essential that each group have a representative if possible. No vehicles are allowed on the sports fields, so stallholders must bring a trolley for equipment transport. Attendees are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles (water stations provided) and picnic blankets for seating, as camp chairs are restricted on sports ovals. Importantly, this is a Drug and Alcohol Free event. Final stall allocations and a run sheet will be sent closer to the date. Thanks to community support, the full event will go ahead as planned. For further questions, please contact Lawrie McCane, and sincere thanks are extended by Aunty Cassandra Ebsworth and the organising team.
 

The Beauty - of Slowing Down- Rediscovering Joy - in the Everyday

At the beginning, the speaker experienced a deep sense of emptiness, despite having the freedom they once longed for. A new truck, initially a symbol of success, quickly lost its luster, revealing that external rewards couldn't replace the inner sense of purpose and direction lost with the end of structured work life. The speaker came to realize that peace and meaning couldn’t be bought, but needed to be cultivated through presence and reflection. Instead of chasing the next achievement, they began noticing life’s quiet details—the way morning light moved, the comfort of routine, and the joy of stillness.

Ground breaking - look at the impact - of screen time - on kids brains

This explores a groundbreaking scientific study led by researchers in Ohio, particularly at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, examining how screen time impacts children’s brain development. The research follows hundreds of children from birth, using MRI scans to track brain changes over time. One example is a five-year-old named Rose, who participates in the study by undergoing brain imaging while watching movies to keep her still. These scans are compared with images taken when she was a newborn, helping scientists observe how exposure to screens and other environmental factors affect areas of the brain linked to reading, decision-making, and language development.
 

Prayer - Who do people say I am - Matthew 16:13-19

Share this prayer with your family, community or class exploring the Gospel from Matthew 16 through song, gospel, reflection, discussion and common prayer.


 




Aboriginal Spirituality     Act Local     Art     Blog     Books     Courses

Ecumenism     Environment     Events     Formation     Gospel     Homeschooling

Human Sexuality     i time     Inspiration     Interfaith Dialogue     JPIC     Leadership

Liturgy     Movies     Music     News     Parents Corner     People

Poetry     Prayer     Prayer Intentions     Relationships     Small Groups     Social Justice

Spirituality     Story     Studies of Religion     Teaching     Think Global     Web sites




Top Rated Web pages for June 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.
4
2Marist Way - Prayer Six
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.
3
3A Prayer for Peace - From Pope Francis
Please pray this prayer for peace by Pope Francis
3
4Mercy is - Another Name for God - Michael Whelan sm
'Mercy is Another Name for God' by Father Michael Whelan SM explores the Marist tradition's focus on mercy as a core aspect of spiritual life, drawing on the teachings and history of key Marist figures, such as Father Jean Claude Colin. The document emphasizes the transformative power of mercy, inspired by Mary’s gentle and welcoming presence within the Church, and calls for a renewed consciousness in how we embody mercy in our relationships and actions. With reflections on scripture, the teachings of Pope Francis, and the practical examples of mercy's role in daily life and ministry, the text invites readers to see mercy as a way of being and to act as instruments of God’s compassionate love in the world.
3
5BLOG - A Letter to Marists of 2232
Reflecting on the 208 years since the first Marists took the pledge of Fourvière in 1816, we envision how this dream will evolve by 2232, guided by Mary’s spirit. Mary's life, marked by faith, courage, and hidden acts of devotion, inspires us to live our faith authentically in today's world. As a lay Marist, I see Mary's call in my life, urging us to embrace a life led by the Holy Spirit and committed to social justice. Fourvière invites us to recognize God's spirit, share good news, and make a difference. Our story, inspired by Mary's, becomes a journey to bring God's light into our contexts and lives, embracing our shared calling with faith and dedication.
3


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)