Woodlawn

A celebration of family at Woodlawn

Woodlawn is a country village five minutes drive from Lismore in northern NSW. Founded by the Marist Fathers in 1931, St John's College has a rich history as a Marist community for boys, both boarders and day students. Many of the Marist Fathers were introduced into the Marist way of life during their school days at Woodlawn.

In 2001 the College became a co-educational school whose governance moved from the Marist Fathers to the Catholic Education Office. It remains a vibrant Marist community under the first lay Principal Mr Glen Roff.

When family members come together they have so much in common. The bond that unites them underpins the variety of stories and experiences that are shared. This was our experience as members of different branches of the Marist family gathered at the end of the 2006 school year for a two day reflection on Marist Spirituality with more than 70 staff at Woodlawn.

Staff members shared reflections with the presenters - Father Pitcock sm, Chaplain of the College, Father Gerald Hall sm, a former student of the College, Sister Ann-Marie Webb sm and Maria Baden. It was an inspirational experience for us all. Amid shared stories, lively discussions and moving liturgies we reflected on what it means to live Marist Spirituality in today's world. We acknowledged Mary's gracious choice of us to be her presence and do her work in each and every situation we find ourselves.

Marist Spirituality is one for all seasons and for all people. Let us support each other as we move through our troubled world helping it to find its heart and live the Gospel as Mary did.

Sr Ann-Marie Webb sm