“Today’s Marists want connection, they want to belong and to know they have a place in a strong spiritual family that nourishes and supports their faith life and vocation.”
What is the Marist Association?
St Marcellin Champagnat’s ministry, and the spirituality that underpins it, is alive and well today all over the world. As well as the Brothers, thousands of lay Marists are living out Marcellin’s vision.
One great expression of this here in Australia is the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat. It is a ‘spiritual family’ that is spread across the country and currently has over 900 Members – and growing. These are comprised of Brothers and lay people, males and females, young and not so young.
Many of our Members teach in Marists schools – but others may have different connections to the Marist community.
What inspires us?
Members of the Association seek to live out their vocation in ways that are inspired by Marist spirituality and values. This means we seek to follow Jesus in the way of Mary.
“Like St Marcellin, we seek to be contemporary witnesses of faith and disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Our Missions
It is also a wonderful means by which Members have co-responsibility for our Marist mission in Australia – carrying out this mission with vitality and passion.
These ministries include Marist Schools Australia, Australian Marist Solidarity, Marist180 and Marist Youth Ministry. Our mission also finds expression in several other smaller, localised ministry projects.
“As a family we belong to one another and we share responsibility for this Marist way, here in this country”
Marist Life
Members participate in Local Groups around Australia to pray together, gather together and work together.
Members have expressed that they find hope and feel uplifted by sharing time together.
We also have a sense of belonging to the wider Marist world by staying connected to our national and international family.
“The thing I appreciate most about being part of the Association is the relationships I’ve been able to make.”
Sharing our Gifts
One of the great gifts the Association offers is the opportunity for ongoing formation. Each year a calendar of events and programs is offered, to nourish and enrich the faith life of all Marists.
Among many other Association resources, there is the online monthly newsletter, ‘Christlife’, and the Daily Marist Prayer App.
There is a wealth of material on our website www.maristassociation.org.au, and Members stay connected through our social media platforms.
“I really appreciate being a Member of this Association family because it gives me another place for me to really explore my spirituality and to serve.”
New Members Welcome
The Marist Association has over 50 Local Groups located around Australia, in cities and regional areas. Many, but not all, are situated in Marist schools, and are eager to welcome new Members into the Association family.
Copies of the Marist Association Membership Brochure:
To see the PDF of the brochure click here