In a powerful assembly address, Headmaster Michael Blake challenged students to reflect on respect, dignity and the responsibility of being good men, calling them to help create a culture where every person is treated with dignity and respect.

Members from Marist Association local groups recently took part in the Formation in Accompaniment Program, led by Br Darren Burge, where they developed skills in deep listening, reflection and faith-filled conversation.

Educators and formators from Marist schools and ministries gathered at The Hermitage, Mittagong, for a formation program led by Br Michael Green, where participants deepened their understanding of St Marcellin Champagnat’s vision and how his charism can continue to inspire courageous, creative leadership in Marist communities today.

Eleven young adults came together for Brisbane’s first Marist Young Adults Catch-Up, sharing pizza, prayer and plenty of conversation. It was a joyful start to a new community built on connection, faith and Marist Family Spirit.

This National Child Protection Week, Marist180 is highlighting the importance of turning conversations into action. Guided by the theme Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action, the organisation is advocating for earlier support for children, young people and families.

Drawing on Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas and the power of sacred music, Fiona Dyball’s reflection explores how faith can inspire courage, dignity and action in an age of rapid change. Through timeless hymns and contemporary songs, it invites readers to live with hope, compassion and a commitment to justice.

Here we present Part Two of Province Archivist, Br Michael Flanagan’s, presentation of Br Brian Etherington’s story on the early recruitment and initial formation of Australian Marist Brothers in the Late 19th and early 20th Centuries.

The Parkes Marist community came together for prayer, reflection and fellowship at a special staff gathering on 2 September. Beginning with a shared breakfast, the morning celebrated the commitment of local Marists to nurturing faith and community.

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.

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.