News Land – Newsletter of the Australian Marist Community

Special greetings for the New Year 2015.
2015 is a big year for us Marists in Australia. My hope and prayer is that it will also be a rich year personally for each of us, that the Spirit of Jesus will grace us beyond our dreams.

As communities and ministries get underway for another year, we are conscious of the opportunities that await us: a fresh start, some of us in new circumstances; deepened and new relationships; the bright faces of students and young adults; the hopes of struggling young people; the enthusiasm and competence of colleagues; the commitment and support that comes from belonging to a faith community. “How much good you can do, dear friends.” (St Marcellin Champagnat)

We have already had a big event this year – the Marist Youth Festival in Sydney. This brought together 180 young adults from across the country in the presence of the Superior General, Br Emili Turú. What a great group of young people. How well organised by our MYM people. Thanks to all the volunteers as well. I have included my words of welcome below.

Before Easter, we will present our Petition to the Holy See to have the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat approved. Members will start to be acknowledged in local gatherings from early in the year. There has been unanimous support from the Bishops of Australia! At Easter, the Brothers will gather at Hunters Hill to consider revision of our Constitutions and to reflect together on key directions for the Brothers in the coming three years. In August, we will have a Mission Assembly, the first official gathering of representative members of the new Association. This Assembly and the lead-up will discern key directions for the Association, its mission and life, as well as propose members of its governing council. In late August, we will have the first profession of our two novices if that is what they finally choose. In late September, there will be the installation of the new Provincial and the Provincial Chapter of the Brothers.

2015 will also see two new communities. In West Heidelberg, Melbourne, Doug Walsh will join Harry Prout and Barry Lamb in a rented residence. Their mission is to be at the service of the Exodus community in this socially disadvantaged area. The ministry is not new but having a resident Marist community is. Michael Callinan, Justin Golding and Lawrie McCane will establish a new community, probably in the outer suburbs of Sydney, after a period of discernment of possibilities. This community will involve the Brothers working on a common project, inspired by the Lavalla ideals to give us Brothers a fresh start in Australia – Contemplation, Fraternity and Mission. We want to witness to a ‘new’ way of living as Brothers in community.

Please keep these two new ventures and all these coming events in your prayers.

Blessings on us all,

Br. Jeff Crowe, Provincial