On Tuesday 24th April,   around 22 Lismore Marists (Brothers and Lay) and friends of Marist accepted an invitation to participate in a regional meeting to discuss some important issues for the Province Mission Council.  The results of discussions will be passed onto the facilitators who in turn, will present the Lismore perspective at the National Mission Assembly to be held in August this year.   Br Graham Neist flew in to show his support and encouragement which we were thrilled about and are very grateful for. 

 

 We gathered for a meal and then after a few introductions and explanations of our purpose, we broke into small groups to discuss the various points and goals as outlined below.  Special thanks must go to Sharyn Gill-Andrews who coordinated the event and the meal!

 

 We heard the inspiring personal testimony of Geoff Bermingham – a long time Lay Marist who spoke of his association and close connections with various Brothers since the age of three – a unique thread in our Marist tapestry.  From here, we shared other stories – influences and desires for our future. 

 

 The goals we discussed were:

 

(i)   To Name and Celebrate who we are as Marists in the new Province in Australia  (ii) to finalise a statement on National Marist Mission, and priorities for our ministry in this new land.

 

 What do we want the Province Mission Council to hear from us about priorities for our ministry in this new land?  Br Justin Golding and Carmel Warnock are yet to decipher and synthesise the findings of our group – a fair bit of work lies ahead for us but with some serious prayer and discernment we are confident that we will articulate the responses of the participants for our upcoming National Mission Assembly. 

 

 Those present felt privileged to be part of such an important development in the life of Australian Marists.  To be part of this evolving process is truly exciting. 

 

 Thank you to all those in attendance – for your contributions, commitment, support and friendship.  Our sincere thanks also goes to the Provincials of Melbourne and Sydney and the Province Mission Council for this invitation and initiative.

 

Carmel Warnock, Sharyn Gill-Andrews and Br Justin Golding, fms.