LIVE MARISTSpring 2014

Vocations e-newsletter for the Marist Brothers’ Province of Australia

Students at morning prayer, Year 11 Marist Forum, Mittagong

Spring 2014About LIVE MARISTLIVE MARIST is the quarterly e-newsletter of the Marist Vocations Team. It aims to provide news of vocations ministry events and happenings from around the Province of Australia, together with reflections on Marist life and mission.

LIVE MARIST is for all members of the Australian Marist Community; Brothers, Lay Marists, those involved in leadership and the education and faith formation of youth and young adults in our ministries.

LIVE MARIST promotes the vocation of all the baptised, with a special focus on the growth of new members; both Brothers and Lay Marists.

Contents

Year of Consecrated Life 2Editorial 3Year 11 Forum 4Meet the Brothers 6Vocations & Youth Ministry 7A Gentle Presence 8Marist School Visits 10Marist Life Mentors 11

The LIVE MARIST TeamBr Greg McDonaldEditor

Morgan LeeGraphic Designer

Year of Consecrated Life

Pope Francis declares 2015 as the Year for Consecrated LifePope Francis has called for a special year-long focus on consecrated life, asking the church’s religious sisters, brothers and priests to “wake up the world” with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope, a Vatican official said.

“Religious life ought to promote growth in the Church by way of attraction. The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world,” he said.

Pope Francis went on to discuss formation and how best to engage with young people. “Those who work with youth cannot be content with simply saying things that are too tidy and structured, as in a tract; these things go in one ear and out the other of young people. We need a new language, a new way of saying things. Today God asks this of us: to leave the nest which encloses us in order to be sent,” he said.

“It is important to recall that the language of young people in formation today is different from that in the past: we are living through an epochal change. Formation is a work of art, not a police action. We must form their hearts. Otherwise we are creating little monsters!”.

Pope Francis

I want to say one word to you and this word is joy. Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy!

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The first time I visited the Sistine Chapel, I spent so much time straining my neck, gawking upwards at Michelangelo’s epic biblical masterpieces, that I completely missed the frescoes which adorned the side walls. So I resolved to return and I’m glad I did!

My second visit gave me the opportunity to see the works of other Renaissance artists whose talents were no less magnificent. One fresco which caught my eye was The Vocation of the Apostles by Domenico Ghirlandaio, painted 1481-1482.

The fresco captures three separate scenes from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 4:18-22), where Jesus calls the Apostles. In the first scene, Jesus stands at the shore of Lake Galilee calling out to Peter and Andrew who are casting a net from the side of their boat. In the second scene, Jesus is on the other side of the shore with Peter and Andrew behind him, beckoning to James and John as they return in their father, Zebedee’s, fishing boat with the catch of the day. Finally, in the third and central scene, Jesus blesses Peter and Andrew, dressed in brilliant colours of yellow and green, and invites them to

follow him in a new life of discipleship. Ghirlandaio’s work, in all its rich colour and texture, is an extraordinary piece of High Renaissance artwork.

Yet while the artist captures the Apostles’ call in such vivid style, we know the unfolding reality of their vocation was less than perfect. There’s no fresco in the Sistine Chapel entitled Jesus wept or Jesus rebuked them, capturing those moments of sheer frustration which the Lord must have experienced with some of his rag-tag followers. This was brought home to me at a recent conference where one of the speakers gave a quick run-down on some of the less-than-impressive character traits of individuals whom Jesus called. These included: uneducated, unrefined, religious zealot, spender of communal funds, doubter, fiery temperament, sceptic and overly ambitious.

And yet Jesus looked at them, loved them and called them. Despite their weakness, he saw their potential to share in his saving mission. Aware of their limitations and not knowing the future, they responded to his love. As Saint Paul says; ‘God chooses the seeming foolish things of this world, to confound those who are wise in their own eyes’ (1 Cor 1:27). How well these words resonate in our own Marist story, especially among the early disciples

St Marcellin gathered around him. As I reflect on twenty-five years as a Marist Brother this year, I continue to be both humbled and amazed at what God has done, especially through the work of some very persistent formators who were able to see past my own limitations!

To say ‘Yes’ to God’s invitation to live our vocation today is to rely on the grace of the Holy Spirit working in us, transforming us and leading us ever deeper into a loving relationship with our God. From what other source can we be nourished to go out as Marist disciples and bring Christ to the world?

Saint Paul also reminds us, ‘You are God’s work of art!’ (Eph 2:10). While we rejoice in the good work God is doing in and through us, let’s be on the lookout to nurture the next generation of Marist disciples God is calling; the younger ones in our schools and wider communities who might simply need a word of encouragement or affirmation to consider an invitation to be part of this amazing Marist canvas!

God Bless,

Brother Greg McDonald, FMSDirector of Vocations

www.maristvocations.comwww.facebook.com/MaristVocations

From Br Greg

The Vocation of the Apostles by Domenico Ghirlandaio, painted 1481-1482

Over two weekends during Term 3, ninety students and staff from 23 Marist Schools across QLD, NSW and ACT participated in the annual Year 11 Marist Forum, held in Brisbane and Mittagong. Conducted by the Vocations and MYM Teams, the Forum invited young people to engage in listening and shared dialogue around contemporary issues of justice as well as conduct an open forum on how they can become agents of change in their own school and local communities.

Keynote speakers helped to broaden the students’ understanding of justice and solidarity, through presentations on the current plight of refugees and asylum seekers, as well as reflecting on the power of volunteering and participating in international development projects.

Year 11 Forum

Participants at the Brisbane Forum

An amazing highlight of the weekend was taking part in ‘Basti-Life’, a simulation game where students formed families of paper-bag makers struggling for survival and having to contend with unfair shopkeepers, debt collectors, and other hazards of slum life. It also explored the possibilities of positive social change through community development work in a slum.

In experiencing the Marist Forum one student wrote: “The power of being with other like-minded people and the amazing passion with which they spoke about justice has inspired me to realise my own potential. At the start, I found it difficult to step into someone else’s shoes and consider what their life must be like from the perspective of poverty or seeking asylum, but I now appreciate that there are small things I can do every day that can restore justice in my own small part of the world.”

Participants at the Mittagong Forum

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Meet the BrothersLiving Marcellin’s Spirit in the Way of Mary

Brother Mark Paul, FMS When so many aspects of these young people’s lives are in turmoil I find myself drawing inspiration from the way Mary lived her life where she stood firm, believed that all things were possible, and affirmed her Son to live out his mission here on earth. Our Marist charism and spirituality likewise calls us to love young people all equally – what a challenge! Because they have been hurt so many times in their young lives, our students often push the staff way, rejecting their guidance. As a Brother, I have no choice but to hang in there for them, letting them know they are still loved and will not be rejected. Our school motto, ‘Hope Always’, becomes real for me everyday, as I work with these amazing students and staff.

Brother Mark is currently serving as Principal of The John Berne School in Lewisham, Sydney. He has worked in special education and solidarity projects including Marist Youth Care and East Timor.

I have been working in primary schools for 38 years now and enjoy meeting children and families from a variety of backgrounds. At

The title ‘Brother’ is a constant reminder to me that in my work I should always seek to build family spirit amongst others. In my relationships I am called to nurture and support others – to spread the Good News more by actions than by words. In this way I follow Mary who was constantly present to God and to others. This is summed up in the motto of the Marist Brothers: All to Jesus through Mary.

Brother Daniel is currently serving as Principal of Ltyentye Apurte in Central Australia, Northern Territory.

I try to live every day of my life as a Marist Brother with passion. It’s a passion that is tied to a core belief that being ‘Brother’ to others is a great way to go! There is something about relating to young people as a Brother that enables me to empower them to live more fully their faith.

My vocation has enabled me to work with young people in many amazing places including East Timor, Australian Marist schools, Youth Detention Centres and Universities. These have all been places of growth in which I have been called to live the Gospel with passion and to live justly and walk humbly with my God and others.

My current ministry of leadership at The John Berne School requires me to provide firm guidance with young people who are struggling to be accepted by their society and to conform to the norms of what it means to be a successful Australian today. As a Brother and principal, I try to support my students by maintaining boundaries and providing a secure learning environment in which they can grow in self-esteem and learning.

Brother Daniel Hollamby, FMS

present I am the Principal of Ltyentye Apurte Catholic School in Santa Teresa, a fully Indigenous community and school, 90 kms east of Alice Springs, Central Australia. The Marist Brothers have had a ministry here for the past 30 years. The Arrerente people have with their own language, rich culture and a deep spirituality. I continue to be energized by the desire of children in a remote community to learn and by watching them as they grow in so many ways through access to education.

Vocations & Youth MinistryThe Link Between Vocations Ministry and Youth Ministry “The dimension of vocations is an essential part of the educational program in Marist Youth Ministry. In MYM, Vocations Ministry finds a vital and privileged space, and Youth Ministry is more comprehensive and effective when open to the dimension of vocations… In addition, experience tells us that evangelising young people through MYM is one of the best paths for bringing to birth and nurturing interest in a Marist vocation, whether as a vowed religious or Lay Marist.” (#135, Evangelisers in the Midst of Youth)

Brother Tony Butler, FMS. the Gospels is always part of our time together.

The joy in my life comes sharing the joy in the faces of the students who encounter their God in a modest atmosphere of simple reflection and prevailing silence. The concept of teenagers sitting quietly for a period is hard to grasp, but it happens!

I enjoy being a Campus Minister among young people in a busy secondary school. There is warmth and good humour and acceptance in the school which makes it a place of growth for all concerned, including me. I wouldn’t give it up for quids!

Brother Tony is currently serving as Campus Minister at Marist College Penshurst in Sydney.

After 30 years of English teaching in many schools, I transitioned into pastoral work with students and staff, which I have been happily doing for twenty years now at Marist Catholic College, Penshurst.

My vocation as a Brother in campus ministry enables me to bring a Marist presence to students in Years 7-10 for reflective prayer. It has been a privilege to sit with and help my students reflect in a prayerful environment on the important spiritual issues in their lives, a gentle way – I hope – of making Jesus Christ known and loved. Some passage from

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Br Michael Sexton reflects on his vocation as Brother in a Muslim Country. LIVE MARIST recently caught up with Br Michael while home in Melbourne on holidays and took the chance to interview him about his life and ministry in Oran, in the country of Algeria in North Africa.LM: Tell us about your Community and Ministry in Algeria?We are four Marist Brothers (two Spanish brothers, one French brother and myself) living in a Community in Oran, Algeria. For the past eight years I have been working in a Medical library which caters for university students and those in the medical profession.

LM: This must be a different experience to working in a Catholic school or Church-run Institute?Yes it is, and you have to appreciate the recent history of the Catholic Church in Algeria to understand why we are doing this. Algeria gained its independence in

1962 and in the late 1970’s all the Catholic Schools were nationalised and state-run. From the mid-1980’s there had to be a new point of contact for the Church and missionaries here. It was decided to develop a whole network of libraries as a way of supporting the student population with their studies, but just as importantly, of staying in contact with young people. These libraries eventually became a network of ministries. Today, Oran has five libraries which cover the main disciplines (philosophy, history and social sciences, economics and business, languages and medicine). The Medical library is where the Marists have a presence. There are over 2000 members of the library and the texts are in French.

A Gentle PresenceBr Michael Sexton, FMS

LM: Tell us about your ministry in the Medical Library?Well, I’m the first one at the library of a morning. I open up at 8.30am. There is a necessity in sweeping the street and the front area outside the main door. There is

As Religious Brothers we have a strong tradition of going into places where there are real needs and getting our hands dirty alongside the local people.

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“dirt everywhere! The library is the first point of contact for us Marists and is very practical. We ensure we have good up-to-date medical books and literature so doctors or medical students can come and do their research. The library is a safe place for women to visit and the older students have modelled respectful ways of interacting and behaving that have been passed on to younger students.

The library is also a first point of contact between Muslims and Christians, between Algerians and outsiders. It is a place where relationships are built up and meetings are facilitated. In Algeria today there is a gap between Muslims and Christians, so first contact is about helping to reduce these fears. I place much emphasis in personally establishing relationships right from the start and moving slowly. It’s delightful to see a young person smile and realise that you are there to help! We do our work gently. It’s about preparing the ground for what might happen down the track. It’s a great place for people to come and study. My work normally finishes around 6pmand the library remains open until 9pm.

LM: How do you see the mission of the Church in a country that is predominantly Muslim?The Church is Algeria can best be described as the ‘Church of the Encounter’. We have built a whole theolomgy within the framework of Christian presence, which

goes back to the First Century. In situations where the Christian story can’t be communicated in words, it must be communicated through the daily witness of those who have met and experienced Jesus and for whom that meeting had a central importance. We build up relationships with the local people and always with a gentle presence.

The third gift is love of young people. We need young people in our lives as Brothers. When we’re not in touch with young people we can’t fully express our vocation and charism – and what it means to be ‘brother’. We draw young people into our ministry and community as a way of empowering them in their own lives. Our relationship with young people is not hierarchical, so as Brothers we can be close to their lives and

As Marists, this gift of humble presence is very important in Algeria and is a real fruit of the charism which St Marcellin gave us, which has informed our pastoral history for nearly 200 years.

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LM: Is your language a barrier for working with the students?I am now more or less fluent in French and have enough Arabic to get me by!

LM: How do you experience living out your Marist vocation as Brother in Oran?The vocation of a Marist Brother is always

for God’s mission and offering oneself to God’s service through the Church. There are three particular gifts I think our Brothers’ vocation has to offer in Algeria, and indeed everywhere we are. The first is the gift of mission. As Religious Brothers we have a strong tradition of going into places where there are real needs and getting our hands dirty alongside the local people. It’s not that others can’t do that with us, but as Brothers we are totally free to commit ourselves to a ministry project, carry it out and then create an ongoing stabilising presence like here in Oran. And we do this with the fraternal support of the whole Marist Institute behind us.

The second is the gift of humble presence which informs the mission. Our charism has always been one of not wanting to seek the limelight or trumpeting our cause but working discreetly and gently bringing about God’s mission, like Mary. As Marists, this gift of humble presence is very important in Algeria and is a real fruit of the charism which St Marcellin gave us, which has informed our pastoral history for nearly 200 years.

I place much emphasis in personally establishing relationships right from the start and moving slowly.

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their families. I’ve been blessed in forming good connections with students and their families here.

LM: What are some of the interesting differences for you in living in Oran?With Fridays being a holy day, everything is pretty much closed so a day to relax with my brothers in community. Our small Parish also celebrates the weekly Mass on Friday alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters. Sunday is the first day of the working week!

Oran has a population of 1.5 million making it the second largest city in Algeria.

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School VisitsMarist Schools Australia

Whether the city or the bush, the coast or the inland,

the Vocations Team loves visiting local Marist

schools and presenting to young people about

Marist life and mission. Thanks to the principals,

staff and students who generously welcomed us

during Terms 2 and 3. We’ve been inspired by all

the amazing things that happen as you continue to

form the next generation of ‘Good Christians and

Good Citizens’ in your local communities!

St Patrick’s Marist College DundasMt Carmel, Varroville

St Augustine’s College Cairns St Mary’s College Casino

Trinity College LismoreSt Gregory’s College Campbelltown

John Therry College Rosemeadow

Trinity College Beenleigh

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Looking for somedirection in your

life journey?

Healy House52 Hillview Rd Eastwood, Sydney

Marist College Penshurst Trinity Catholic College Auburn

Marcellin College BulleenMarist College Eastwood Champagnat Day

St Augustine’s College Cairns St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill

Marcellin College Bulleen is the most recent school to complete the Marist Life Mentors program. Begun in 2013, the program skills a small group of staff to:

1. Identify senior students who are passionately involved in faith, justice and community service activities, and affirm these students in the good work they do;

2. Connect them with post-school Marist Youth Ministry opportunities and;

3. Invite senior students you think have the capacity and openness to consider a future vocation as a Young Marist, Religious Brother, Sister or Priest.

There are now 80 MLM’s in 13 Marist Schools across Australia. This is one very practical way in which we can work together and help build up a positive culture of vocations in our Catholic community. Who are the young people in your school community who might be open to God’s call in their lives? We welcome any schools who are keen to learn about helpful strategies of how to grow the next generation of committed Marists.

Marist Life Mentors

Br Greg & Br Doug with Marist Life Mentors at Marcellin College Bulleen

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If you’re between the ages of 20-35, engaged in study or employment and asking important ques-tions about your future vocation and path in life, then Healy House might be just the place for you.

Affirming the belief that God continues to call young men to a life of prayer and service in the Catholic Church, the Marist Brothers have creat-ed Healy House as a place of discernment and accompaniment, where you can gain some clarity and better respond to God’s call in your life. We do this by living together in community, experiencing hospitality, prayer, service and fraternity.

For further information about Healy House and our Marist accompaniment program contact:

Br Greg McDonald, FMSDirector, Healy House52 Hillview RoadEastwood.

FIND THAT DIRECTIONIN COMMUNITY!HEALY HOUSE

0407 492 022greg.mcdonald@marists.org.aumaristvocations.com/house-of-discernment