From 28 July to 30 July, over 160 Marists gathered in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, for the Biennial Conference of Marist Schools Australia. It was an engaging and encouraging
experience. It was also faith-filled and hopeful. Many of us worry about the future of the Church, with some justification. However, such a gathering highlighted some realities: the Church is active and alive; people want to connect to a meaningful and purpose driven faith community; young people are open to its message (though how that message is
expressed must be different in 2024 to 1994); the Marist spirit is attractive and vibrant; there must be good authentic leadership.
Conference delegates entering the Santa Teresa Church.
Leadership was in abundance at the conference. To start, we had representatives, mostly Principals, Assistant Principals and Directors of Mission, from over 50 Marist schools, both MSA governed and affiliated ones. The Director and some staff of Northern Territory Catholic Education were in attendance for the whole time. Likewise, the Chief of Staff for Sydney Catholic Schools. The Directors and Senior Executive of Marist Schools Australia,
as well as the Mission and Life Formation Team were highly active throughout; Dr John Robinson, the NSW-ACT Regional Director for MSA, was Convenor and Chair, and he did a marvellous job in both roles. Of much delight to everyone was the presence of Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, leader of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, and member of the Marist Association, for the entire conference. Bishop Charles Gauci of the Darwin Diocese celebrated the opening Mass and welcomed us all to the Diocese.
Local elders preparing the Smoking Ceremony at the start of our visit to Santa Teresa.
Leadership was also evident in the keynote conference addresses: Professor Brother David
Hall gave the Introductory speech. It was welcoming, invitational and encouraging. We then
had addresses from Dr Frank Malloy, National Director of MSA, Most Rev Michael Morrissey, Bishop of Geraldton and more recently Administrator of the Broome Diocese (these areas are larger than the entire State of Queensland), Dr Jacqueline Frost, Chief of Staff for Sydney Catholic Schools, and Professor David de Carvalho, MSA Director and Professor at Notre Dame University. Their talks were diverse, but all interesting and thought-provoking. Synergies came in their focus on mission and the dynamism required for this.
Julia Wake, Principal of OLSH, welcoming delegates to Alice Springs.
Without doubt, one of the most impressive aspects of the program was the students with whom we engaged. Sunday and Monday the students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College Alice Springs were present to us, and a highlight was the panel of senior leaders who shared their thoughts and hopes with us. After hearing from them it was
obvious why they were leaders. One young man spoke passionately about his faith, and he received a loud, spontaneous applause.
On the hill above Ltyentye Apurte (formerly Santa Teresa).
On Tuesday we travelled to Ltyentye Apurte (pronounced L-Ginga Porter) formerly known as Santa Teresa (though it’s still the name of the Catholic Parish) to experience the life of an aboriginal community. The children of the school were our hosts and guides and were most friendly and attentive. They gave us a positive insight into the life of their community. In fact, the whole township was welcoming: the elders, the Principal and staff of the school, the Chair and staff of the AAAC, which is the governance authority. Brother Paul Murphy came from Alice Springs and joined Brothers Geoff Kelly and Mark Fordyce in emphasising the Marist history and presence in the township. Even though a full day of movement and interaction, the delegates returned to Alice Springs enlightened and buoyed.
Br Paul Murphy with a Missionary of Charity Sister at the Sunday Parish Mass of Welcome.
I must congratulate everyone involved in planning and running the Conference, too many to name individually. It was a very special time and showed that after 14 years Marist Schools Australia is a unique, vital and respected part of the Australian Catholic education landscape.
Before leaving for Alice Springs, members of my family expressed concern that I was going to an unstable and violent place. They cited reports from various media outlets, including a report that nominated Alice Springs as the 18th most violent city in the world!
Let me say, with everyone else from the Conference I’ve chatted to, there was no evidence of spiralling violence or social breakdown. The locals will tell you that “yes” there have been some problems - not unknown or unique to Alice Springs. Journalists and others have conflated events and issues, for the usual reasons: shock value and attention grabbing
headlines.
Unfortunately, the negative publicity has negatively impacted the town, with the tourist industry most adversely affected.
As in all such situations, balance is required.
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