Mission Update – Term 2 Week 3

This weekend, we celebrate all the wonderful mothers and grandmothers in our community. At this morning’s Mother’s Day Liturgy at Lavalla, we reflected on a simple but powerful moment from the Gospel. As Jesus was going through one of the most difficult moments of his life, Mary stayed beside him at the foot of the cross. She could not take away his pain, but her loving presence remained with him. During our reflection, I shared a conversation I had with one of our Year 2 students before the liturgy. I asked her how she felt about doing a reading in front of everyone. She smiled nervously and said, “I’m scared… but it will be okay because my mum is here.”

Those simple words captured something beautiful about our Mums. Often, mothers do not need to say or do anything extraordinary – their presence alone brings comfort, courage, reassurance, and love. I know it is certainly enough for my own two children. As a Marist community, we also look to Mary, our Good Mother, as an example of gentle strength, compassion, courage, and faithfulness. Mary teaches us how to live lives filled with love and care for others. God also teaches us ways we can be good and loving…with one of those ways being to honour our parents, especially on special days like Mother’s Day. My hope is that all of the children in our community can find a special way to give thanks to the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures who support and guide us today. While this weekend is a special opportunity to show our appreciation, perhaps it is also a reminder to show that gratitude more often – through our words, our actions, and the way we care for those who care for us so deeply.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY