CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
MARIAN LECTURE
PILGRIMS OF HOPE: LOOK BEYOND
Award winning journalist, author, moral philosopher, thinker, film maker and communicator Stan Grant will challenge us in a dynamic presentation, offering a pathway for humanity which inspires hope for all in a fracturing world.
Stan Grant is a Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharrawal man who has blazed a trail for First Nations journalists in a four-decade career reporting from more than 80 countries. Stan is a three-time winner of Australia’s highest journalism honour the Walkley Award, four-time winner of the prestigious Asia TV awards, twice winner of the US Peabody Award, and a recipient of the Columbia University DuPont award (the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize). As a writer he has published several books and is currently working on his first novel. He holds a Doctor of Letters from the University of New South Wales, and in 2024 was awarded the Doctor of Theology degree from Charles Sturt University. He continues to write for national and international news publications.
Date: 13 May 2025 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
Venue: Online and open to the public at Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood, Sydney
Contact: Mark O’Farrell | mark.ofarrell@marists.org.au
biennial conference
Every two years the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference brings together Australian educators from 19 Australian dioceses, situated in seven states and territories. Each conference is intentionally focussed on enlivening the provision of high quality, contemporary evangelisation and Catholic education in the Marist tradition drawing on the annual Marist theme which in 2024 was First Light – “You are the light of the world... let your light shine.” (Mt 5:14-16).
The 2024 MSA Biennial Conference took place in Central Australia, at Alice Springs with a pre-conference program on Saturday 27 July and the formal program from Sunday 28 July – Tuesday 30 July 2024.
Faith Formators' Colloquium
For Directors of Mission, RECs, APREs, Local Coordinators
The Colloquium takes a deep dive into the annual theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond’ and explores the implications in this Jubilee Year for forming staff and young people in the Catholic tradition whilst genuinely remaining open and encouraging to all. Through a rich blend of new thinking, discussion, prayer, music and creative expression, participants will deepen their appreciation of the spirituality required for modern day pilgrims in faith leadership positions, learning to imbue all situations with hope from a broad vision for mission.
The Colloquium features keynote speaker Mike Munro AM, an Australian broadcasting icon whose tough childhood, faith, Marist connection and experience in the media make him an ideal match to explore the annual theme, along with MSA Regional Director Dr John Kyle-Robinson, an expert in unlocking evangelisation success in Australian school contexts.
Contact: Br Michael Callinan | michael.callinan@marists.org.au
PRIMARY SCHOOLS COLLOQUIUM
The Marist Primary Schools’ Colloquium is for teachers involved in faith formation in the fifteen primary schools that draw their inspiration and charism from Saint Marcellin Champagnat. It is a significant opportunity for our family of educators to gather for the purpose of exploring issues of faith formation affecting staff and students in our Marist primary schools.
MARIST ASSOCIATION REGIONAL GATHERINGS
The Regional Gatherings aim to strengthen the connections between members of the Marist Association in geographical regions across Australia. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experience of Marist life and explore ideas and resources for nurturing the Marist Association. The format and content of gatherings will be determined by the local groups in the region and may consist of a shared meal, spiritual input and time for reflection and prayer. The Marist Mission and Life Formation Team are available to provide resources and support Local Coordinators in the facilitation of Regional Gatherings.
Contact: Mark O’Farrell I mark.ofarrell@marists.org.au
GOVERNANCE - FORMAtION RETREAT DAY
For Board Members, Chairs of Regional Councils, Chairs of College Advisory Council.
Contact: Sally Dillon I sally.dillon@marists.org.au
MSA ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ CONFERENCE
Date: 3-5 August 2025
Venue: The Hermitage, Mittagong
Contact: Eva Brennan I eva.brennan@marists.org.au
MSA GOVERNED SCHOOLS PA & ea CONFERENCE
Date: 18-19 September 2025
Venue: Day 1 - Marist Centre Sydney
Day 2 - The Hermitage, Mittagong
Contact: Eva Brennan I eva.brennan@marists.org.au
MSA BOARDING CONFERENCE
The Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Boarding Conference will bring together boarding staff from all boarding communities across the MSA network. The conference is intentionally focused on enlivening the provision of high quality, contemporary evangelisation and Catholic education in the Marist tradition.
Contact: Luke Morrissey I lmorrissey@stgregs.nsw.edu.au
MSA PRINCIPALS’ CONFERENCE
Date: 18-20 May 2025
Venue: The Hermitage, Mittagong
Contact: Sally Dillon I sally.dillon@marists.org.au
