Marist Formation of the Companioning Marist Life program in Australia
From August 21 to 27, the Marist Mission and Life Formation Team in Australia, ProvĂnce Star of the Sea, offered a new Formation of the Companioning Marist Life program to Local Coordinators of the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat to respond to the basic needs of spiritual formation that emerged from the consultative process of the National Assembly in 2022.
The purpose of the program was to strengthen vocational leadership in the Marist Association by supporting Local Coordinators to lead and animate the life and vitality of Local Association Groups, and to assist them to deepen their own understanding of the Local Group as a vital expression of Marist life and mission.
Companioning Marist Life consisted of two formation sessions with Local Coordinators gathered in small groups either online or in person to examine the Marist Association in Session One as âA Table of Inclusionâ and in Session Two as âA Stream of Spiritualityâ.
There was time to connect, share stories and experiences of Local Coordinators in different regions and states with time also to reflect on how local groups can continue to foster a greater sense of connection and belonging for members.
The organizers thanked all the Local Coordinators for all they do to keep the Marist Dream alive: Local Coordinators are vital to the operation of the Marist Association at the local level as they gather, organise, animate and do so much more in the nearly fifty places of Australia to support and grow Marist life.
Companioning Marist Life
Arising from the consultative process of the National Assembly in 2022, a clear direction to respond to the basic needs of formation emerged. Recognising the pivotal role of Local Groups in the life and mission of the Marist Association, the Marist Mission and Life Formation team launched Companioning Marist Life, a short program to support the vitality of Local Coordinators.