Introduction to Marist Laity

Blog - A Place at the Table - Living Hospitality - the Marist Way

This blog reflects on the everyday and sacred nature of hospitality within family life and the Marist tradition, beginning with a relatable family dinner where preparation turns into joyful connection. It draws parallels to biblical moments like the Wedding at Cana and highlights how true hospitality is more than offering food—it's about presence, care, and welcome. Through stories of the Marist founders—Chavoin’s open door, Perroton’s cross-cultural mission, Colin’s Marian vision, and Champagnat’s table at La Valla—the blog shows that hospitality is central to Christian and Marist identity. It challenges readers to ask how we welcome others in our churches and communities today, reminding us through scripture and Pope Francis’ teaching that hospitality is not optional but a sacred calling to create spaces of inclusion, love, and encounter.
 

Oceans Odysseys - Incredible Animal Journeys - National Geographic

The documentary “Risking It All to Ensure the Future of the Next Generation” captures the extraordinary sacrifices of ocean-dwelling mothers—from humpback whales and green turtles to red crabs—who embark on some of the world’s longest and most dangerous migrations to give birth and protect their young. A female humpback whale travels 3,000 miles from Alaska to the calm waters of Hawaii, where she endures the pursuit of dozens of males before miraculously giving birth. In a rare act of solidarity, the males shift from competition to protection, giving the mother a peaceful moment to bring new life into the world. Her newborn calf must grow quickly, learning vital survival skills before their long return journey.

Spirituality on the Sofa - July 30

Join us online for Spirituality on the Sofa on Wednesday 30 July 2025, from 7.30–9pm (AEST) via Zoom, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Spirituality in the Pub. This special event features guest speakers Dr Austen Ivereigh and Professor Anna Rowlands, live from the UK, exploring the timely theme: “Synodality: A New Path for the Church?” Moderated by Susan Eichorn, the evening will continue the tradition of meaningful, faith-filled conversations that began three decades ago. All are welcome to join from home and participate in this dynamic online discussion, which nurtures both local and international spiritual communities. Zoom details and promotional resources are available to help spread the word.
 

Fr Jim - What is Your Excuse - For Not Being - A Good Samaritan

While walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Fr. Jim experienced deep connection and closeness with fellow pilgrims from around the world, even sharing food and space in ways that challenged his sense of personal boundaries. This sense of human connection stood in sharp contrast to life back home in Epping, where people often avoid eye contact, remain absorbed in their phones, and live in socially isolated bubbles. Fr. Jim reflects that while such separation became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now risk remaining disconnected long after the crisis has passed.

Women and the Synodal Church

The event marked a significant collaboration between Assumption University and St. Peter's Seminary, highlighting their joint commitment to fostering dialogue and formation within the Church. Bishop Ronald Fabbro opened the evening by expressing his appreciation for the synodal process—a Church that listens, discerns, and walks together. He emphasized the importance of hearing women’s voices, acknowledging their leadership, and recognizing their indispensable role in guiding the Church through the Holy Spirit. This panel was historic in its representation of women actively shaping the Church’s future.
 

HAIL MARY in Portuguese

Pray and sing the Hail Mary in Portuguese

Song - Through Marys Way - Fr Chris Skinner

The song 'Through Mary's Way' by Father Chris Skinner SM is a reflective and poetic invitation to follow Jesus by walking in the footsteps of Mary. It opens with a vivid and mystical image of Christ appearing on a beach, reminiscent of the post-resurrection scene in John 21, where Jesus prepares a meal of fish on a charcoal fire for his disciples. The lyrics express awe, recognition, and silent reverence as the disciples gather around Him, their faces illuminated by His presence.
 

Meet a Marist - Liz Wake

Liz Wake, Program Coordinator at the Exodus Community in West Heidelberg and a member of the Melbourne Marist Association, shares her rich journey with the Marist family. Her involvement began as a student in the first Romar group at Catholic College Sale in 1996. As she moved to university in Melbourne, she deepened her connection through vibrant young adult communities and mentoring relationships with Marist brothers and peers. This experience led her to volunteer in ministry and work with at-risk youth, eventually guiding her toward a vocation in teaching and later community outreach, inspired by the Marist values of hospitality, justice, and relational service.

Homeless Teenagers - Surviving Chicago Winter - Poverty Documentary - Real Stories

The documentary 'Homeless Teenagers Surviving Chicago's Winter' provides a deep and emotional exploration of the lives of young people experiencing homelessness in one of America's largest cities. The narrative unfolds through the personal stories of several teenagers who, despite their circumstances, exhibit resilience, hope, and a desire to improve their situations.
 


 




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Top Rated Web pages for July 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.
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2Marist Laity Australia Guidelines 2008
Marist Laity Australia is one contemporary expression of the lay branch of the Marist Family tree. This family is composed of Religious Sisters, Missionary Sisters, Brothers and priests as well as lay men, women and children. All Marists share the one spirit of Mary and all share in the task of doing her work.
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3Song - Chris Tomlin - We The Kingdom - Christmas Day
'Christmas Day' by We The Kingdom is a festive song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the joy and significance of this event. The lyrics invite everyone, from the most humble to the greatest, to adore and find peace in Jesus, known as Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.' The song acknowledges the sovereignty of God and His goodness, and highlights the central Christian belief that Jesus was born to conquer death, symbolizing hope and redemption for humanity.
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4Noel Davis RIP
Tributes to a beloved Australian Poet. My Easter has been coloured by the passing from this life to the next of someone who had a profound significance in the shaping of my Marist vocation.
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5Association of Marist Laity - Synodal Steps
In a world where the fabric of traditional Christianity is continually being reshaped by a secular society, the 'Association of Marist Laity: Synodal Steps' article offers a poignant reflection on the future of the Marist Communion. This thoughtful piece delves into the Marist identity within the Church, highlighting the significance of such an identity not merely as an inherited tradition but as a deliberate and active choice to live out Christ's mission with a Marist essence. The article acknowledges the challenges that accompany maintaining a religious identity in a world that increasingly values diversity and individual spirituality over traditional communal experiences. It contemplates a move from a passive reception of Christianity to an engaged, choice-driven faith, where being Marist means embracing a spirituality characterized by discretion, simplicity, and service—a way of being that permeates all aspects of life and work.The article calls on readers to consider the prophetic role of the Marist tradition in today's Church, advocating for a Church that is unified in its diversity and open to the different expressions of one spirit for the spiritual enrichment of all. It emphasizes communion over hierarchy, prophetic contribution over passive tradition, and spiritual renewal over secular challenge. The vision presented is not merely an institutional affiliation but a dynamic, living tradition that engages with the contemporary world's thirst for meaning and spirituality. The future for the Marist communion, as suggested, lies in its ability to be authentically Church—fully embodying the body of Christ in a way that remains relevant and transformative both within the ecclesial community and the broader secular society.
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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)