Marist Families
The Marist Way is for everyone; men and women. But a special thread of our story has been our commitment to mothers, motherhood and families in general. Here you can find some articles about the joys and struggles of family life.
Mary, our role model, was also a mother and we can look to her to be our mother too. Motherhood has many special gifts to offer the wider world: compassion, care, protection, selfless love. You don’t have to be a mother to share these gifts!
For many years in New Zealand, the Marists supported “Marian Mothers groups” - and some of these groups still meet today, even as grandmothers! Today we support “cuppa and play” a playgroup for all families here at Whanau Maria in Auckland.
An Invitation
Marist family reflections are monthly opportunities to pause and ponder. Be encouraged with a reflection on family life and its special place in the church and the world.
The School Car Park
Prior to juggling motherhood I don’t think I had spent much quality time in a car park. I sort of dismissed it as a brief stop on the way to the true destination. But now – now! It’s hard to think of what I HAVEN’T achieved in a car park.
Tenderness
At Mass the other day there was a dear little child toddling around, who caught my attention. Or should I say it was the actions of her mother that sparked off a train of thought.
Embracing our Humanity
Beware of family photos which are proudly presented on social media and on Christmas cards, because they simply do not reflect the true state of anyone's family.
How to be a “Good Enough” Family
Beware of family photos which are proudly presented on social media and on Christmas cards, because they simply do not reflect the true state of anyone's family.
Crazy Hat Day
It was “Crazy Hat” day at school for Sarah, my seven-year-old granddaughter. Her father, my son, who had attended the same grammar school, remarked that he had been teased unmercifully because of his “crazy hat.”
Helping Children Make Sense of Unanswered Prayer
A child hears her parents arguing loudly. One threatens divorce. The other begins to cry. Before sleeping that night, the child prays asking God to keep her mother and father together. A month later they separate.
The Quiet of Mary
Hail Mary, chosen of God. You were little more than a child, an empty room filled with sunlight, lacking in self-awareness, sensing only the tidal pull of the universe drawing you to a place and time.
Marriage Five Years On
congratulations on 5 years of married life. It seems only yesterday that we gathered so joyfully for your wedding and now, 2 children later, Thomas and Rebecca, a few grey hairs and you are still smiling and talking to each other!
The Blessing of Grandchildren
When my husband and I were dating, we would often take long walks around a local park, and fantasise about our future together.
