The Council of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat (MASMC) meets at least five times annually. The Council acts as the Board of the civil entity, MASMC Ltd, a company limited by guarantee. On Thursday 14 May, the Council gathered online for its second meeting of 2026, beginning with an Acknowledgement of Country, prayer, and formation reflection. The formation input on the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Gifted for the Mission statement was led by Prof Br David Hall, exploring the concept of charism as a gift of the Holy Spirit present in all the baptised. This provided an important spiritual conversation opportunity for the deliberations that followed.
“Councillors expressed sincere appreciation to Frank Malloy for his extraordinary contribution to and stewardship of the life of the Association since its establishment over 10 years’ ago”
Marist Schools
As MASMC Ltd is the Member (trustee) entity of Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Ltd, the Council paused to convene the Annual General Meeting of MSA Ltd. Following reports from MSA Chair, Prof Br David Hall and MSA National Director, Dr Frank Malloy, the Council gratefully acknowledged the very strong standing of Marist schools in Catholic education across Australia and noted in particular the recently reported significant NAPLAN learning gain in several Marist schools. Association Leader, Br Darren Burge, and Councillors expressed sincere appreciation to Frank for his extraordinary contribution to and stewardship of the life of the Association since its establishment over 10 years’ ago, as the conclusion of his term as MSA National Director approaches. More formal acknowledgements will be made at other forthcoming events.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
At each meeting, the Council is mindful of the desired outcomes (the We will statements) of our Pastoral Plan 2026-2028 (PP), which sets our direction for the next three years. Significant discussion emerged around youth and young adult ministry (PP Priority Area 2), particularly the need for greater clarity regarding resource allocation and strategic focus. Further discussion emerging from the Youth and Young Adults Ministry Committee highlighted both energy and challenges in this area. An open letter from some young Marist professionals and subsequent response are guiding further conversations. It was agreed that further information would be gathered to better understand current efforts and inform our future planning.
Marist Formation
The Council acknowledged ongoing development of our formation programs, reflection materials and online tools, and the outstanding work in this space of the Mission and Life Formation (MLF) team, led by Tony Clarke. The 2026 Marian Lecture received very positive feedback, with members describing it as highly successful. Progress continues in strengthening inclusivity (PP 3.3.4), including the engagement of female presenters in the Footsteps program. Work on implementing the Pastoral Plan is progressing well, including the development of a reflective workbook to assist Local Groups in identifying some concrete actions and an online portal to record implementation strategies.
Canonical Recognition
A major part of the Council meeting focused on canonical recognition (PP 5.1.2) and the draft statutes of the Association. Dr Rodger Austin (canon lawyer) presented the draft statutes, followed by extensive discussion regarding the nature of the Association as a “public association of Christ’s faithful”, its governance structures, and the concept of a “spiritual family” as central to our collective identity. Key considerations in the statutes include membership eligibility, the role and selection of the governing council, leadership titles and responsibilities, and the relationship with ecclesiastical authorities. Amendments were proposed, and further refinement of the statutes will continue.
Finance and New Members
The Finance, Risk and Stewardship Committee reported that financial statements for 2025 have been audited and endorsed. A formal resolution was passed approving the financial statements and authorising their signing. The Council also endorsed the membership of six new members of the Association. Reports from Marist ministries were noted, with consideration of Marist Youth Ministry participation in World Youth Day 2027.
Other Council business included proposed amendments to the MASMC Constitution, updates on key projects, and continued engagement with broader Marist initiatives. The next Council meeting is scheduled for 23 July 2026.
The Marist Association warmly welcomes the following new Members:
Kaitlyn Abrahall - Sale
Olivia Frater - Petrie
Jim Ottaway - Marist Centre Brisbane
Ben Priest - Bunbury
Rachael Shane - Traralgon
Tony Sullivan - Canberra
Richard Quinn
Executive Director
