“YOUNG Marists in Brisbane” was officially launched on April 22 at the newly-renovated Lavalla Centre, Rosalie.
Operating from the former Marist Boys’ College, Young Marists in Brisbane work alongside the Marist Ministries Office of the Marist Brothers Sydney Province.
Their co-ordinator Christan Nobleza said the group aims “to enable and animate a network of young adults who share some kind of connection to the Marist story” offering the example of past students and “young teachers”.
“(It’s also for) those who have been attracted to the Marist charism at some point in their lives,” he added.
“In addition to the regular events held at the Lavalla Centre, Young Marists in Brisbane will provide opportunities for retreats where young adults can deepen their spirituality and awareness of their place in the world as well as offer links to immersion opportunities to communities abroad, particularly throughout the Pacific region, and to indigenous communities in Australia.”
Director of Vocations and Marist Life Brother Tony Leon, guest speaker at the launch, spoke about “celebrating different flavours in the Church”.
“The night involved lively discussions, prayer and reflection, and even a little bit of karaoke ‘Spicks and Specks’ style, attracting a number of former students from Marist schools and their friends, as well as a number of youth ministry workers from across Brisbane,” Christian said.
With his co-ordinator role beginning this year, Christian said he is “hopeful with how things have started”.
“What I’m trying to do is build on the great work that has already come before me in terms of Young Marist initiatives which have been facilitated by staff and former students of our schools,” he said.
“I’m hoping to do achieve this through the regular ‘Provocation Nights’ and ‘Lavalla Live’ sessions that are held monthly at the Lavalla Centre.
“There will also be special events like our Winter Pruning Retreat to be held at the Marist vineyards at Mittagong in the New South Wales Southern Highlands in July, and a spiritual direction course offered by Marist Brother Bill Tarrant in August and September.”
The next Provocation Night is May 14 – “an opportunity for post-school young adults to explore their faith in relaxed environment”.
Lavalla Live will next meet on May 19 – where “youth ministry workers, campus ministers and anyone involved in ministry with young people can share resources and experiences.”
Both events start at 7.30pm at the Lavalla Centre, 58 Fernberg Road, Paddington.
For more information contact Christian on 0401 017 144 or email cnobleza@fms-sydney.org.au
