CHANGE was in the wind when 36 students and staff representing four Marist schools met from July 21-22 in Toowoomba for the annual Queensland Year 11 Marist Forum.
During the weekend newly ordained Bishop of Toowoomba Robert McGuckin celebrated Mass for the participants.
Students and staff were from Marist College, Ashgrove; Trinity College, Beenleigh; St Teresa’s College, Noosaville; and Mt Maria College, Mitchelton.
Marist Brother Tony Leon and Christian Nobleza led the Being Agents of Change forum with the support of Brisbane-based youth ministers Laurent Dubois and Dony Rodriguez.
“Through a series of various presentations, small group work, creative liturgy and prayer experiences, the participants were provided with a space to think more deeply about the lives they lead as young people and where they are going,” Christian said.
“Our team designs these weekends for students across our Marist schools who demonstrate a strong sense of leadership, spirituality and a heart for service and mission.”
Christian spoke of the attentiveness of the students.
“Every year Br Tony and I are deeply struck by the way our students are able to listen to each other’s stories and articulate their desire to experience life more authentically,” he said.
“It’s just so real.”
The forum is beneficial on various levels.
“Our experience with these weekends have shown us that when we offer young people the invitation to reflect on where they feel God is moving in their life, moments of grace begin to spark in ways which surprise and unsettle,” Christian said.
“When you gather a group of young people in such a way, you expect God to do something big.”
Student feedback included: “This experience has showed me who I am, and gave me confidence. I was able to make real connections, and attain a new outlook on life.”
Another said: “The weekend helped me to value the gift my faith more and got me thinking about how I can invite other young people to consider what part God can play in their lives too.”
