Guidelines for the Religious Life of the School Launch: 5th September, 2008 WORKSHOP: Social Justice and Action Presenters: Cathie Stone & Caroline McClure Campus Ministry Team, Marist College Ashgrove

Social Action and Justice What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

I have come that you may have life, life in all its fullness. Marists Are Taking Everyone Seriously I have come that you may have life, life in all its fullness. John 10:10

MATES is the umbrella organisation of all justice and service programs at Marist College Ashgrove.

MATES is about relationship … inviting people to reach out in solidarity with the most vulnerable members of the local and global community.

It is more than fundraising. It’s about meeting and being with a cross section of people who make up our society.

It is an invitation to learn about others and build relationships that eventually will lead to growth for all parties.

MATES helps to animate the lessons learned in the classroom and acts as a platform for engaging in justice and service beyond the college.

Although we are engaging in service activities for others, we are ultimately enriching our own lives.

MATES is a whole school approach to educating our young men to stand up for justice.

MATES Awards All activities are voluntary. There is an award system in place to acknowledge to contributions made by individuals. Students receive a badge and certificate when they reach 20, 40 or 60 hours of service – Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards

Paddington Day Respite Centre, Nintendo Wii Sports Games Agency Visitations Paddington Day Respite Centre, Nintendo Wii Sports Games

Year 7 Outreach Ablecare

Regis Aged Care, The Gap

Little Kings Movement

BBQ with the Homeless People

Sony Camp with Disabled Children

Rosies - Street Retreat Program

The Shade House Project Junior School Projects The Shade House Project Green Ash Creek Care &

St Vincent de Paul Conferences Junior School Mini Vinnies Group Senior School Conference

Caritas Group - Ashgrove Action

The Oaktree Foundation

Staff and parents model and lead… Sony Camp is supported by teaching, nursing, kitchen and support staff, as well as parents… Volunteer Parents and Staff at the BBQ with the Homeless people …and even our local MP, Kate Jones Job Pledge Program ..and sharing skills on immersions

MATES Immersion Program St Dominic’s, Solomon Islands Lololima, Vanuatu LaValla School, Cambodia

FOBIC Riverwalk

Annual doorknocks and appeals Little Kings Movement …and others…

In summary… MATES focuses on: Spiritual Formation – reflecting on the Christian story and who we are called to be and become. Solidarity – standing with the marginalised, because our liberation is bound up with theirs Social Action – educating and working for justice to bring about change Charity – raising money and giving to the poor

Illustrations by Rob O’Brien, 2003 MATES attempts to give students the opportunity to live out the gospel message of Matthew 25 Illustrations by Rob O’Brien, 2003