"The Marist Dozen" arrived at Mittagong on a chilly winters day on Monday 5th July to take part in the annual Young Marists Pruning retreat.  Facilitated by Fr Brian Mascord & Br Tony Leon, the group was cheerfully trained by the Hermitage vineyard manager Martin Elferink and Garth in the finer art of vine pruning.  For the next 4 days, the group entered into the contemplative mode of solid day's work, communal liturgies and faith sharing and the well known and delicious hospitality of the Hemitage community.  When asked what would one take from this retreat, one of the retreatant described,

"The experience of an intimately built community, sharing in laughs, prayer and table fellowship. Personally, an openness to listening more frequently to the voice of God in my life.  Thanks for a wonderful week."

 More comments and photos on Marist Family/Young Marists/Young Marists Retreats.

Our young brothers in training:  Standing: Ashley Higgins -Aspirant,  Daniel Lynch - Postulant, Gerard Barklimore Postulant Sitting: Br Patrick Connell -Novice,  Br Justin Golding - Junior Professed

“What do you want?”

“Who do you say I am?”

“Do you love me?”

3 seemingly simple questions, when taken in the context of a religious vocational story, demand serious discernment and considered responses.  These were the questions posed to several young men in different stages of formation for the Marist Brothers. They were invited to present their responses to other young men in conversation about possible religious vocation at a weekend held early in July at Marist Hermitage, Mittagong.

The young men spoke with honesty and conviction demonstrating a deeply personal  journey, which articulated authentic lived experiences of God in their different stages of life.  Br Justin Golding, a temporary professed brother, answered these questions in context of his current ministry in Lismore.  Br Patrick Connell, a novice preparing for his first profession, described an intimacy with God, reflecting a contemplative youthful heart. Daniel Lynch, a postulant completing his honours degree, expressed a desire to continue to embrace these questions into the novitiate.  Ashley Higgins, an aspirant, approached these questions as a desire to continue to unpack what God’s call involves for him and is not daunted by whatever the demands may be, knowing that others are with him on this same journey.

When confronted with these questions, a young Queensland man enquiring into the life of the brothers said,

“What is lacking in the 21^st century is a greater sense of spirituality.  Coming from a family, which has a strong spiritual leaning, I have come to appreciate that this is an important part of my life as a young person.  I attended a Marist school where I encountered the brothers and I found that the way they educated me made me seriously see that spirituality is an important part of my life.  We need people like these brothers to continue asking us these questions when it comes to our relationships with God.” 

Since February this year, Young Marists in Brisbane together with their families and friends have gathered at Sacred Heart Church, Rosalie to celebrate with the Jubilee Catholic Parish a monthly liturgy. These occasions have seen past and present students of some of our schools (including Marist College, Ashgrove, Marist College Rosalie, St Augustine's, Cairns, and Trinity College, Beenleigh) help to lead the music for these masses.

Last month, Br Tony Leon, was invited by the Pastor of Jubilee Parish, to share his reflections on the Gospel of the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time which described the cost of discipleship, to which Tony creatively managed to include a mention of the popular television series, "Glee", as well as the Beatles song, "I say hello!". While the congregation was laughing at a number of points, they were deeply challenged to think, what does it mean to be a true disciple?.

The next Young Marist-led Liturgy in Brisbane is scheduled for Sunday 25 July starting at 5:30pm. For more information about this and other events happening in Brisbane, check out the group's Facebook page: Young Marists in Brisbane, or contact Christian by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo: Some Young Marists and their friends together with Jubilee Parish Priest, Fr Peter Brannelly (back row, first on the left), Br Tony Leon (back row, far right), and Coordinator for Young Marists in Brisbane, Christian Nobleza (back row, fourth from the left).

29 Student Leaders from Chanel College, Gladstone and Marist College, Emerald gathered at Yeppoon Active Recreation Centre on the Pentecost Weekend to further explore the Spirit of Marist Student Leadership.  The young leaders took part in refining their communication skills in Active Listening, Paraphrasing and the Restorative Practices in Inner Outer Circles, Circle Meetings/Prayers and the use of Affective Questions.

The young leaders shone with their goodwill and participation throughout the weekend and many thanks to our principals and teachers from these schools who made this weekend possible, especially Marie Martin fand Br Mark Murphy from Emerald; Paula Staunton and Robyn Jurd from Gladstone.

More photos on Marist Ministries Office/Programs/Marist Student Leaders Gathering.