Fiona , Br. Dennis, and Cassie receiving their certificates
On a rather warm Sunday afternoon we gathered at Brunswick for our final event of the year. A big thank you to all who were able to join us and celebrate what we have accomplished in 2017.
Both the prayer and the Marist Association Snapshot of 2017 (compiled by the Marist Association Council as way of providing annual feedback to all members) focussed on some of the inroads we have made into the Priorities (We Marists …Our Hopes and Priorities 2016-2018) this past year. It is good to stop and reflect on what has been achieved and be encouraged and inspired to do more.
Our thanks to Br Doug Walsh and Angela Tsotsos who spoke about their recent visit to the Philippines and the Marist involvement in the Bagong Barrio: Marist Connections project. While we were moved by the plight of the people there, we were also heartened by just what has been achieved and motivated to do more. Br Doug has promised to provide further details on what we can do to help to make a difference.
It was good to have one of our young Marists, Jack Stammers, speak to us about the Santa Teresa Holiday Programme which is up and running again next year from 8 – 17 January. They are looking for volunteers and support for this worthwhile programme. If you can help, please contact Jack: jack.stammers@marists.org.au.
We also welcomed three new members to the Marist Association: Cassie Wilmot, Br Dennis Cooper and Fiona Dyball. A warm Marist Family welcome is extended to each of you.
As always, our time together provided another opportunity to build community by sharing in conversations and getting to know each other better. Our gathering was followed by the annual Melbourne Australian Marist Solidarity Christmas event and so the hospitality continued…
Thank you once again for all that you have done to grow and strengthen our local Melbourne Marists. A big thank you to all who attended – these gatherings, where we pray and discern together, help to enrich us all.
Advent wishes and Christmas blessings to you, your communities and families.
God bless always
Best wishes
Gail Coates
