Marist Laity Australia

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.

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 July 2025

Number	Page	Likes
1	Sister Vicki Celebrates 25 years Sister Vicki Celebrates 25 years as a Marist Missionary Sister	3
2	Rebel Pope - Ten Years of Hope - Pope Francis Pope Francis, elected in 2013, emerged as a leader committed to reform, inclusion, and care for the marginalized. Taking the name Francis, a first in papal history, signified his commitment to the poor and the environment, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. His papacy followed a turbulent period in the Vatican, marked by scandals and Pope Benedict XVI’s unprecedented resignation. From the outset, Pope Francis sought to reshape the Church’s mission, focusing on the suffering and the excluded. His leadership has encountered resistance, but he continues to emphasize that change is necessary and aligns with the Church’s true calling.	2
3	Father Jim - I am not worthy Fr. Jim begins by recalling a humorous scene from the movie Wayne’s World, where the main characters bow before their idol, saying, 'We're not worthy!' He connects this idea to the biblical experiences of Peter and Isaiah, both of whom felt unworthy in the presence of God. Peter, after witnessing Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish, reacts by saying, 'Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.' Similarly, Isaiah, upon seeing a vision of God, declares that he is unclean. Fr. Jim explains that this deep sense of unworthiness is actually a sign of a genuine encounter with God, as it reveals our human limitations in the face of divine greatness.	2
4	The Chosen - Mary reflects - on the Nativity In this poignant scene from 'The Chosen,' Mary reflects deeply on her experiences surrounding the birth of Jesus, highlighting the mixture of divine awe and human vulnerability that marked the moment. When asked about her feelings during that time, Mary confesses that the birth was far from the idyllic scene often depicted; it was challenging and occurred away from the comforts of her home, without her mother or a midwife to assist her. Hesitant to delve into specifics, she instead shares a powerful memory of when Joseph handed Jesus to her for the first time.	2
5	7 Leadership Shifts Pastors Need to Make in 2025 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.	2