An Eye Opening and Challenging Experience

NSW Yr11 Marist Forum 2009 - Mittagong

QLD Yr11 Marist Forum 2009 - Toowoomba

Participating Staff and Students

Participating Schools

• Cerdon College, Merrylands
• Chanel College, Gladstone
• Marcellin College, Randwick
• Marist College, Ashgrove
• Marist College, Eastwood
• Marist College. Kogarah
• Marist College, North Shore
• Marist College, Pagewood
• Marist Sister’s College, Woolwich
• Mt Carmel High School, Varroville
• Mt Maria College, Mitchelton
• Parramatta High School, Westmead
• Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes
• St Francis Xavier’s College. Hamilton
• St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown
• St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill
• St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas
• St Peter Claver College, Riverview
• St Mary's High School, Casino
• St Teresa’s College, Noosaville
• Trinity Catholic College, Auburn
• Trinity Catholic College, Lismore

Why Have It?

The forum gives a group of Year 11 students the opportunity to consider the choices that a variety of guest speakers have made in their lives and how these choices have been lived out. It also challenges them to reflect on their own values and beliefs and where life is heading for them. The chance to meet other like minded young people from Marist schools around Australia is in itself a significant experience. This sharing of life and faith assists them to depth their own understanding of themselves and what really is important in their lives. The input and sharing, coupled with the prayer experiences, also allows them to consider the place of God in their lives.

Memorable Moments

• The chance to share and have fun with other like-minded young people from Marist schools.
• Just being at The Hermitage Mittagong and the hospitality of the Brothers' community.
• A chance to hear from a Religious Sister, Brother and Priest about their way of life; and from a young married couple.
• The reflective and thought provoking prayers in the beautiful chapel at Mittagong.
• The open forum where we discussed life in the world today and our fears, concerns and hopes.

Comments from Participants

• The Marist Forum this weekend was extremely beneficial for me. It helped me to broaden my views on a range of aspects of my life and the lives of those around me.
• I thought the event was a great time for all, which in turn allowed everyone to experience and learn more about social justice and issues affecting our community and society at large.
• With the things I have learnt this weekend, it has helped me as a person. It will help me in my future choices having heard about choices other people make. It has also helped me to realise that I need to be my own person even if it goes against the crowd.
• The weekend was a fantastic experience that allowed me to interact with people my age and with the same interests as me. The guest speakers were inspiring. The group discussions were valuable as they allowed us to reach into deeper meanings and more detail; other’s opinions were insightful and allowed us to see another side.
• Was good to meet other people our age with a passion for social justice. This weekend has helped me in thinking what we as individuals can do for social justice and what barriers in society need to be broken down for change to be made.

Yr 11 Forums for 2010

QLD - James Byrne Centre, Toowoomba: Friday 20th-Sunday 22nd August

NSW - Marist Hermitage, Mittagong: Friday 8th - Sunday 10th October