Staff and a student from Mt Maria College Mitchelton making a difference at Emmanuel City Mission, Brisbane.

As we celebrated Catholic Education Week and reflected on this year's theme, "Share your light, inspire others," seven members of staff and one student from Mt Maria College had the opportunity to put this message into action through service at Emmanuel City Mission.

In true Marist spirit, our team spent the evening serving those experiencing homelessness and hardship within the Brisbane community. Together, they rolled up their sleeves to make beds, prepare and serve dinner and desserts, pray alongside guests, and assist with the many tasks required to create a welcoming and dignified environment. Every task was carried out with enthusiasm, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

While the practical support provided was important, the evening was also a powerful reminder of the value of human connection. Through simple conversations, acts of kindness and a willingness to serve, our staff and student shared hope, dignity and respect with those they encountered.

The Catholic Education Week theme encourages us to recognise that even the smallest acts of service can have a lasting impact. By sharing their time, talents and faith, our Mt Maria College representatives embodied the Gospel call to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing light to others while being inspired by the resilience and gratitude of those they met.

We thank Emmanuel City Mission for the opportunity to serve and for the important work they do each day. We are proud of our staff and the student who represented the College so generously, demonstrating the values of compassion, service and community that are at the heart of our Catholic and Marist identity.

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Madonna Witham
Co-Local Coordinator
Mitchelton Local Group
Mt Maria College Mitchelton