What a wonderful and truly Marist thing it is to gather as friends and community! The Ashgrove Marist Association members met for a meal and reflection at the Marist Centre on the evening of St Patrick’s Day, opting for a ‘potluck’ dinner.

As we gathered around the kitchen, variously helping set up, warm up or plate up, it was observed that we seemed to somehow make it work.

Lena Crowley offered a beautiful grace before the meal started and conversation continued flowing.

Afterward, we entered the Rosalie Room and a more reflective frame of mind as we considered our 2026 theme Full of Grace: Transform the World with God’s love. Listening to The Deer’s Cry with photographs of everyday people reminded us of grace in the ordinary and extraordinary.

We took time also with Mary, who leads us to her son Jesus, reflecting on her grace-filled yet fully human life.

The meal filled us, the company gladdened us, and grace was with us.

Clare Locke
Local Coordinator