Dear Marist Friends,
Wow! What a fantastic night we had on Wednesday. A big crowd, generous catering, an inspiring guest speaker and news of many good things going on in the lives and work of our local members.
Our hosts for the evening, Brs Greg, Frank and Dennis did a wonderful job with organising, catering, MC-ing and general event management. A big thanks to them for looking after us so well.
Our Guest Speaker, Myka
Br Doug, Angela and Dan introduced Myka, student graduate from the Bagong Barrio project that Br Doug founded 30 years ago. Myka told us about her upbringing in the Barrio and shared photos of her home and schooling. She spoke of volunteering with the education project and of all the support she has received. Some of us were nearly in tears! The best news is that she now works as an auditor for KPMG and was selected to attend a 2 month work placement in Brisbane recently. We wish her well, and remind everyone that you, too, can support this amazing, life-changing project and lift other children out of poverty here: https://bagongbarrioeducationfund.org/
New Members
Angela presented our two new members with their certificates and pins: Catriona FitzGerald and Jackson Perry. A warm welcome to both of you.
Melbourne Marists Updates:
Br Barry Lamb has published his new book, "Illustrated History of Notre Dame de l'Hermitage". You can read (but not download) Br Barry's book on the Champagnat website, or else when you next stay at the Hermitage in France!
Peter & Robyn White, have just returned from a stay in Ireland where they volunteered at the Mercy International Centre, Dublin, the original house built by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters. Peter and Robyn cleaned, served, hosted Bishops, answered phones, greeted guests and worked in the office and garden. Whew! We welcome them back.
Br Harry reported that he is currently working on a housing project to help the homeless. If you want more details or to help with this in any way, please contact Harry.
Br Frank informed us that we can now purchase Wild Timor Coffee on their website, and support Australian Marist Solidarity at the same time - great news for Marist coffee lovers! Go to the website HERE and look for the AMS logos.
Br Greg led us in prayer using the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Social Justice Statement for 2018. If you haven't seen it yet, it is well worth a read and a look at the video. There is also a brochure suggesting 10 practical steps any of us could take to address the issue of homelessness, in our own individual capacity, or in a group.
Sacred Words meets again on Saturday 22nd September at 2pm, Exodus Community house 273 Liberty Pde Heidelberg West. Contact me for further information tracey.doublet@marists.org.au All welcome.
Photos from the gathering can be seen HERE.
Well, I think that just about wraps it up. See you at the Marist Association National Assembly or at the Exodus Community Mass on Sunday 21st October. Also, see below an invitation to 'save the date' for this year's Australian Marist Solidarity Christmas Gathering.
Thanks and Best Wishes,
Tracey
