Unit of Australia

The Marist Sisters’ first foundation in Australia was in Sydney in December 1907 in answer to the need for a place of respite from the tropics of Fiji. Soon the Sisters found themselves answering the need for Catholic education here. Over the years the Sisters have taught in both primary and secondary schools in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

As the call of the Church in Australia extended to include pastoral work in parishes, the Sisters took up this challenge and began ministering to God’s people in various ways. These days in response to the ever-changing needs of our world and our Church, theSisters are engaged in a multiplicity of ministries.

One of the most recent initiatives is a Saturday Breakfast for homeless men. As the regular street vans don't cover theArea known as "The Rocks", a Marist Sister on the team at St Patrick's Church has taken responsibility for the venture.  Another who offers sisterly support writes how proud she is of this Sister, saying: It is so nice to see these men sitting at white cloth covered tables to eat  a hearty breakfast. (Below left: Bob Barber sm joins the table; right: Fidelis and helpers behind the scenes)

There are Marist Sisters who offer care to the sick and aged by serving in hospitals and aged care units. Some act as chaplains or pastoral care coordinators.

One works with an agency addressing the social needs of families in crisis.

Another Sister is a well-known face around a prison where she has become a trusted confidante for the inmates. Some work with the St Vincent de Paul Society and other groups in addressing the needs of the materially poor and those with disabilities. One or two teach English to those new to our country and offer them a listening heart as they struggle to adapt. Another gives computer classes to senior citizens who wish to overcome their sense of inadequacy in a technological world.

The Sisters retain a presence in the secondary colleges established by them so many years ago. They provide an induction for new staff members in the Marist approach to education, times of reflection for staff and for students and classes in meditation, as well as pastoral care.

Another ministry taken up quite recently is with Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH). One Sister serves as Project Officer for ACRATH giving presentations on the issue of Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery to schools, social justice groups and other organisations.

On more than one occasion she has teamed with others to address the issue with members of Federal Parliament, officials from Embassies and leadership from the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Institute of Criminology and various industrial Unions.

Another cry which has struck a chord in Marist hearts comes from our rural areas. For some years now in answer to a call from the Bishop of Rockhampton two of the Sisters have lived in outback Queensland travelling vast distances by four-wheel drive to reach families and communities otherwise isolated from the Church.

The Diocese of Toowoomba also asked for religious to support his people as they learn to take up leadership in a diocese where priests are on a rapid decline. Two Sisters ansered the call to live in one of the parishes where there is great need. In all our ministries we endeavour to be a compassionate, reconciling presence of God in the way of Mary. It is this spirit of Mary which is the motivating force of our life.

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