Lay Marist Group Formed
New Zealand Province
October 2010

Kiribati
Fiji
Wellington

A two-day seminar was facilitated by Alan Parker (Director of Champagnat Partnership) at St Louis’ High School, Tarawa, Kiribati. The purpose was to support a group of Lay Marists strengthen their identity, sense of Marist vocation and discern their Marist direction. The workshop began with 14 e-Kiribati (local people) in attendance sharing expectations and questions. Time was given to reflecting on the definition of the Lay Marist vocation, practical application of the pillars in their ministries, and the call to vocation. On the second day much time was given to naming an identity, a vision, a mission statement, a set of goals (based around mission, shared life, spirituality and partnership) and one or two objectives for each goal. With the appointment of St Louis’ School’s (1000 Year 8 – 12 students) first lay Principal for the beginning of 2011 the formation of a strong Lay Marist group to support the community inside and outside the school is most timely.

This group is flourishing in 2011, showing support for St Louis High School, which now has a role of 1000 students and just one brother active on site. It is also sharing prayer time, discerning the pillars of the charism for personal living, and supporting the families of the young Marist brothers from Kiribati.

 

Kiribati Lay Marists

In May 2011 Alan returned to Kiribati to meet with the fledgling Lay Marist group. They spent two days reflecting on: changing models of Church, the pillars of Simplicity and Family Spirit and finally a review of their goals and objectives.

The reflection on the two pillars was very challenging as there exists a clash between Marist and Kiribati culture regarding time management (linked to Presence) and methods of discipline (linked to Family Spirit). The dialogue was deeply discerning and heartening.

The group, feeling its way, is committed and dedicated to ensuring the charism lives on at the school of St Louis and beyond.