Of the many Formation programs offered across our Marist Schools network, the Footsteps: Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved program remains an enduring legacy of the Brothers’ vision more than 30 years ago. Over this time, thousands of Marist educators and staff have been invited to explore the rich pedagogy and spirituality of Marist life and the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat.
Understanding of what it means to be Marist
Born from the former Sydney and Melbourne Province programs, Sharing Our Call and Sharing Champagnat’s Vision, Footsteps: Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved brings participants from across our Marist schools and ministries to the Hermitage in the picturesque Southern Highlands of NSW at Mittagong. There, over a few days, participants are immersed in community, sharing stories, learning together, and deepening their understanding of what it means to be Marist.
Through sessions such as ‘A Journey of the Spirit’, ‘The Marist Project’, ‘Guides for the Marist Way’ and ‘Encounter’, participants gain a deeper appreciation of our Marist mission and story of making Jesus Christ known and loved in the way of Mary, Our Good Mother.
First Footsteps for 2026 attracts participants from many fields
At our most recent Footsteps 1 program in February, 35 staff from 17 schools across Australia participated in the first of nine programs scheduled for 2026. Among them was a member of an MSA Regional Council, a staff member from the Star of the Sea Province and a Priest from Brisbane who was eager to learn more about Marist spirituality, as an MSA school is part of his parish community.
Participants reflected:
“The opportunity to collaborate with others was a highlight. Meeting colleagues from all over the country made me realise how far the Marist family reaches, and I valued the sharing of experiences.”
“It has added depth to my knowledge and understanding of the values that underpin everything we do at school.”
“Coming together, whether we are educators, facilities managers or psychologists, we speak the same language!”
“Understanding of the global mission and the historical context underpinning our pedagogy was one of my main takeaways.”
Every Group Becomes a Favourite
As a member of the Mission and Life Formation Team, I have participated in many Footsteps programs. While it may sound unusual, I can honestly say that every group becomes a favourite. Why? Because each person brings their own connection to the Marist story. When we first gather on Sunday evening, there is an immediate spirit among what is essentially a group of strangers. That spark, that sense of belonging, is our Marist-ness.
“The Spirit moves gently and powerfully in the hearts of those present. ”
Over the following three days, through conversations over meals, exchanges during sessions and quiet moments of reflection, the Spirit moves gently and powerfully in the hearts of those present.
This connection, our Family Spirit, is what St Marcellin and generations of Brothers have carefully nurtured. We witness it whenever Marists gather, at basketball, cricket and netball carnivals, student leadership events, in times of professional learning and Local Group gatherings. Whenever Marists, adult or student, come together, something distinctive is ignited, a shared energy, purpose and spirit.
This is our legacy.
And it is our invitation - to be co-creators and partners in the mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved as Marists.
Paul Harris
Mission and Life Formation Team