Margret Smyth I am a member of the parish of St Scholastica's, Bennettswood Melbourne, where there is strong support for the Marist Sisters (sm) as well as in the nearby Parish of St Benedict's, Burwood. I am married to Peter and our three children - Martin, Bridget and Madeleine attended Marist Primary school. We have four grandchildren - Isabella 9 years, Lucien 3 years, Massimo 2 years and Sebastien 18 months. The Marist Laity in Melbourne was formed in 1988 and grew out of our close relationship with the Sisters who taught in the primary and secondary schools for over 50 years. It was through the shared responsibility in the care and formation of our children that the spiritual movement took root and continues today. In August 2004, I accepted the role of Group leader. Initially I had no understanding of the Marist charism, but as time passed and with the generosity of others, I am developing a deep connection to the Marist family. I believe that it is a call - an invitation from Mary herself - that has drawn forth many gifts that I had been unaware of and that I am now able to share in the way intended. I understand now how the Spirit is moving in our group and in relation to our interaction with the wider Marist Laity Australia national organization. So, while it may have appeared that in the beginning I was driven by my background as a bureaucrat for 20 years in the Victorian Health Sector and then as an executive of a non-government health organization for three years, that is not so. They were mundane activities compared to the great possibilities that lie ahead, as we join together in pursuit of God's strategic plan, with Mary as the chief implementer and monitor. It is a great privilege to be a member and a promoter of Marist Laity. |
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