Spiritual Events
Liturgy
Eucharist is at the centre of our lives. It is far more than the ritual or the sacrament.
Living Eucharistically describes the process that underpins the spiritual life and our engagement in mission: gathered, blessed, broken and shared.
When we gather to celebrate this gift of Jesus we are in communion with all people, especially poor people, and with all creation.
Nurtured, we feel impelled to go out as the “body of Christ” to celebrate and continue to build God’s Kingdom.
(Marist Spirituality document Water from the Rock)
The Religion Programme that extends beyond the classroom has a central role in giving tone to the whole educational experience the College is able to provide. The qualities that should be characteristic of the whole school community find their roots in the aims and objectives of this programme. If we can genuinely claim to offer an alternative education experience we have to make it clear that the fundamental reason for all our work is the stand we have taken for Jesus and the Gospel Message.
Liturgy and Prayer
The College community gathers for reflection and prayer each week in Year Level and College Assemblies. Daily prayer is encouraged in Homeroom groups and the opportunity to join in quiet prayer with staff and students before the school day begins is offered regularly.
There is also a day of reflection or retreat for each year level. This challenges the students to bring Christian values into all aspects of both their personal and College life.
On a number of special occasions the College community gathers for liturgical celebrations:
Masses
- Champagnat Day – feast day of the Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers – our college feast day - whole school community celebration
- Year 8 Mass, Year 9 Mass, Year 10 Mass, Year 11 and 12 Mass
- Graduation Mass – whole school community celebration
College liturgies
- Opening of school year
- Ash Wednesday
- Holy Thursday
- Anzac Day
- Sorry Day
- Feast of the Assumption
- All Saints
- Advent
Class prayer
- At the beginning of classes
- At the beginning of the school day
- Special occasions
Stillness and Silence
- The College pauses for 5 minutes each day
RE classes organise and lead the college in prayer at each assembly
Weekly voluntary community prayer – Enoggera chapel Wednesday 8.20am
Mitchelton chapel Thursday 8.20am
The name Mt Maria reminds us that Mary is a special patron of the College and devotion to and the example of Mary is brought into many of our celebrations.
Education in Religion at the College is more than the planned lessons that occupy our core programmes. It includes the whole moral thrust and growth in community which the College espouses. It is nourished by the celebration of Eucharist and various opportunities for prayer and reflection within the College, and, most importantly, it is inspired by the daily attempts of teachers to act with justice, respond with care, and minister to the needs of students.