Kia Ora Lay Marists, Marian Mothers & friends
The Marist Laity Office is moving.
Of recent years the Office has been in Ophir St, Newton, Auckland sharing the space with the Logos Project, our Marist youth development and formation programme. The Ophir property is being sold and both Logos and Marist Laity are moving to 20 Ponsonby Rd, the former Good Shepherd Theological College, now under the umbrella of Te Kupenga which has moved to Vermont St, Ponsonby. We take over the keys of the new location at the end of May.
The new space has amazing potential for all kinds of events including, meetings, retreats, and gatherings for members of Marist Laity and others keen to be included when appropriate. Once we have taken possession, we will need some time to sort out the offices and spaces allocated to Marist Laity. For those who are local we look forward to welcoming you to our new premises.
Also in the pipeline are new initiatives regarding Marist Formation for those working in a Marist context. It is an exciting time with all these lay groups. With any change or new initiatives of course, patience is required, and adjustments will need to be made.
Moving forward, we are keen to maintain the services, as much as possible, that Bev McDonald provided during her time as Director of Marist Laity, until a new Director is appointed. We are very grateful to Margaret Russell as Administrator keeping the Office going and enabling a smooth transition to occur.
With a new director and input from members of Marist Laity we remain open to what will emerge in the future regarding Marist Laity, and it’s focus.
That being said, we would be interested to receive your thoughts and ideas about what you are keen to maintain and find helpful. Also, any new ideas you may have in moving forward.
It would be very helpful to us if you could email Margaret office@maristlaitynz.org and myself chrisskinner47@gmail.com with those suggestions and information.
Another possibility is for Pat Brophy SM editor of the Marist Messenger and me, if our other commitments allow, to visit some of the groups or perhaps a combination of groups if close by to listen to your initiatives, stories, and suggestions for living out your Marist way of life and how a new director can support you in that.
We give thanks to you for your faithfulness and commitment to Marist Laity and living Mary’s way in your particular context. Please keep this transition time in your prayers and we look forward to hearing from you.
In Mary, disciple, and Mother of the Lord,
Chris Skinner SM
For an easy-to-read PDF version of the Marist Laity news, click HERE
For an easy-to-read PDF version of the Marian Mothers news, click HERE
Synod 2021-23: Pope Francis Wants to
Hear from YOU!
‘Toward a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission,’ is the title of the global Catholic Synod running for 2 years (2021-23). ‘Synodal’ means to ‘journey together’ so a synod asks us to walk together, with the Holy Spirit while listening to each other, to God and the great needs of the world we are called to serve as the missionary People of God.
This global synod asks everyone to listen creatively to the Holy Spirit as we envision the Church of the future where all are welcome and nobody is left behind. YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Individual responses are welcome. But ideally, your response will be from a group who have prayed and reflected together.
All the details are available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AotearoaSynod1 or go to your diocesan website and look for the ‘Synod’ link. If you need extra help you could contact your parish.
Pope’s June Prayer Intention:
Families
We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives.
Living the Word Sunday Mass reading reflections are at www.livingtheword.org.nz
and are a help when we cannot attend Mass in person.
Mary, Mother of Good Hope.
A reminder to dedicate pregnant mothers and babies to Mary Mother of Good Hope.(maristlaitynz.org)
The Marist Family, dedicate mother, family and baby to the care of Mary. They receive ongoing prayer for a safe delivery, a life of grace and the gift of belonging in the family of God. Also a prayer to join with.
All are welcome – please share the invite widely.