Catch up on the latest news from around the Marist Association and our wider Marist Family
with the ChristLife CONNECT news blog!
Check in regularly for inspiring stories and the latest updates.
News Blog…
Marist Association Member, Donna Quinn, shares this reflection on the Marist Mid-Winter Retreat 2026, presented by Br Emili Turu. “In his gentle way Brother Emili walked us through ideas related to over distraction in our lives, the value of Christian contemplative prayer, spiritual intelligence and mysticism.”
All Marists, friends and family are invited to commemorate the Marist Pledge at Fourvière, first made on 23 July 1816, at Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill, on Sunday 26 July. Celebrate this founding moment of the Marist mission.
David Bobkowski celebrates the quiet light each person brings to the world, as unique and luminous. Those who are ‘luminous’ provide special attention to those most vulnerable, neglected or in need. Even though they make mistakes, they are gracious and truthful.
During NAIDOC Week, Marist180 celebrates First Nations cultures, honours truth-telling and strengthens commitment to reconciliation, healing, connection and hope.
On 27 June 2025, Jenifer Miller, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Action Committee, launched Buy a Tree (BAT), a practical response to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home. Read Jenifer’s reflection on Buy a Tree’s first year, its achievements so far, and her hopes for its future.
Caitlyn Humphrys formerly worked with Marist Youth Ministry and is now a Consultant for Consent and Respectful Relationships Education. Caitie writes about healthy masculinity, and how a void is created if boys are told what not to be, yet are given no guidance on how to be.
Justin Golding continues his introduction of the Marist Youth Ministry Regional Assistants, following on from the last edition of Christlife, saying, ‘Our Regional Assistants are more than event facilitators or ministry leaders, they are witnesses to Christ life within their communities, bringing their own gifts, experiences and stories to our mission’.
We reproduce this article by Mark O’Farrell, Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Laity, from the Marist Institute’s Sharing newsletter. Mark asks us to ponder, ‘Where have I experienced the “unquenchable fire” of the Spirit in my own life, and how is it calling me now to take greater responsibility in building the “New Hermitage”?’
In the busy month of June, The John Berne School holds its annual Hope Always Appeal, an opportunity for all Marist Association members and friends to help to give students at risk in years 7-10 the green light for a life-changing education.
Brisbane Marists gathered to celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin and also pause for the Marist Association’s Annual Moment of Renewal.
Marists in Darwin are starting to catch up regularly! They are now meeting once a month and would love any other Association members who might move to, or visit, Darwin, to join them as they build connections.

Marist Association member and former Association Councillor, Ross Tarlinton OAM, has been recognised with an award from Catholic Schools NSW. The Marist Association warmly congratulates Ross on being named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Br Kelvin Canavan Catholic School Leadership Award.