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2017 Marist Sharing our Call by Fiona Budd
The annual Marist ‘Sharing our Call’ retreat took place from Thursday 20 July – Sunday 23 July at the Good Shepherd Retreat Centre in Hartebeespoort. ‘Sharing our Call’ was hosted this year by Marist Brothers Linmeyer and altogether 45 staff members from the five South African Marist Schools took part (St David’s, Marist Brothers Linmeyer and Sacred Heart College in Johannesburg, St Henry’s in Durban and St Joseph’s in Cape Town). It was particularly significant to be gathering together during the 200 Years of the foundation of the Marist Institute and 150 Years of Marist Education in Africa anniversary year and to also celebrate Mass together on Sunday 23 July, which was the 201 st Anniversary of the date on which St Marcellin and his fellow Marist brothers, one day after their ordinations, dedicated their Marist vision and pledge to Mary at the Shrine at Fourvière. It was also a privilege to have Br Jude Pieterse and Mike Greeff (Director of the Marist Schools Council) join us for some of the days of the retreat. We extend huge thanks to the Marist Brothers Linmeyer organising team for an exceptional 4-day Marist experience. Eight staff members from St David’s attended and below is some feedback of our experiences:
Sharing our call for me was a really unexpected journey of personal growth and spiritual awareness, it put a lot of what we feel at St David’s into words and lovely experiences. The five Marist values Simplicity, Family Spirit, Presence, In the Way of Mary and Love of Work were discussed and shared amongst us ‘Lay’ people and a real sense of community was formed with the other Marist Schools attendees. What a privilege it is to be part of MARIST! (Carey Fisher-Gietzman: Marketing Liaison)
I loved every minute of the Sharing our Call experience. It was such a privilege to be able to spend time with our fellow Marist Schools and to realise how much we share in common as a Marist family. I experienced a real sense of community and belonging and immense gratitude for a young priest who, two centuries ago in France, had the courage to believe in and follow his vision to bring God to young people, but particularly to the most neglected. (Fiona Budd: Foundation Manager; St David’s Marist Foundation)
Sharing our Call was a great experience for me. I struggle in social settings and I was in anxiety fest, but the warmth and encouragement from everyone after our very first session really made me feel welcomed and at ease. Because of Sharing our Call I now have a more broad understanding of what it means to be Marist. Even more proud to be a part of the Marist family. (Tsholofelo Dire: Receptionist)
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of the road ahead and imagine the kind of successful person our child will become.
