Sharing Marcellin's charism

In recent times, there has been a greater emphasis on sharing Champagnat Spirituality with laypeople. Many have been enthusiastic by being part of a group to seek out the Marist spirituality inpractical ways, not only here in New Zealand and Australia, but also throughout the Marist world. Itsexpression was marvellously caught and shown at the time of the canonisation of St Marcellin Champagnat in April 1999 in Rome and afterwards as the joy of the occasion spread worldwide.
 
Representatives, both Brothers and lay, from both the Australian and New Zealand Provinces have met on several occasions over recent years to establish ties between the Provinces among religious and lay. Recent years have seen the holding well received courses for people employed in schools throughout Australia and New Zealand.
 
One of the outcomes has been the establishment of the Oceania Champagnat Marist Partnership Commission, which is directly responsible to the Oceania Council. Its role is to foster the development of partnership among all those invovled in or connected with Marist mission in Oceania.
 
A Charter has been written which states it will do this by:

1. Assisting Brothers and Lay People to understand the 'paradigm shift' which is taking place in the mission of religious institutes in Oceania. 
2. Promoting and developing partnership within Oceania by providing opportunities for dialogue between and among partners and hence, creating more fruitful and authentic co-responsibility in mission. 
3. Responding to the needs of partnership in ways relevant to our times and various cultures within Oceania. 
4. Promoting Champagnat Marist values, in particular the spiritual formation of those involved in or connected with our Marist mission. 
5. Establishing stronger and more productive networks where resources are shared and co-operation across administrative units is strengthened.

Recently a working document was agreed on which expresses the Marist Lay identity

Purpose:

We exist to fulfil the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat in association with the Marist Brothers

It is:

• for men and women of all ages
• for people who choose to live St Marcellin Champagnat’s charism
• lived through mission, shared life and spirituality

It:

• entails a community aspect which involves accompaniment for the individual
• includes formation experiences, both specific and shared

It has:

• a core focus on children and young people, especially those on the margins
• Champagnat Marists living the core focus in daily life with or for these young people

It accepts

• Co-responsibility for the mission with the Marist Brothers

 

Interesting internet links include
 
Marist Melbourne Partnership and click Partnership on the home page.
 
Marist Sydney Partnership and click Ministries on the home page followed by Marists in the
Champagnat Way
 
New Zealand Province interest
 
Champagnat Associates
 
Marist Family News
 
Schools Champagnat Newsletter