Qualities
The Marist Charism
When we speak about spirituality, we refer to that fire that burns within each of us as to how we live our lives. As Christians, we believe that God is the spark of this fire. Marist spirituality follows the tradition of Marcellin Champagnat who followed Christ in a particular way. Marcellin Champagnat was a priest in southern France in 1817 who established the Marist Brothers as a group of men to teach poor, rural children about God and to give them a sound education. Champagnat's spirituality was based around his relationship with Jesus and with Mary. The Marist charism has been developed and passed on by the Brothers and lay teachers who have followed in his footsteps. At St Gregory’s we refer to the five characteristics of being Marist:
- Presence
At St Gregory's good relationships and being present for each other are the ways we build trust, respect and care for each member of our Comunity. - Simplicity
At the College we encourage all members to be genuine and honest in the way they interact with each other. It is personal effort that is recognised and rewarded. - Family Spirit
In the earliest Marist communities, Champagnat showed inclusion and acceptance of all people. At St Gregory's we build partnerships between students, parents, teachers, ex students and friends of the College to foster respect, regard for and acceptance of all, especially the weak and vulnerable. - Love of Work
Champagnat's life showed that he had a great love of work. Champagnat literally built the houses and schools for the first Brothers. This has meant that love of work is easily identified as a Marist characteristic. Staff and students are encouraged to set high standards and challenge themselves to be the best they can be. - In the Way of Mary
Champagnat grew up with in the wake of the French Revolution. Despite the violence and struggles that he witnessed, Champagnat retained in his heart a gentleness and simplicity that saw him entrust his life and his work to Mary, whom he called, 'Our Good Mother and ordinary resource'. At St Gregory's, we strive to reflect the gentleness, humility and acceptance that Mary and Champagnat showed in their lives.
At St Gregory’s, we hope to shape, in partnership with parents, young men of strong mind and gentle heart. The Marist Brothers and lay teachers the boys meet at St Gregory's, model these qualities and we hope that our young men will grow to live this also.
We place ourselves, with trust, in the hearts of Jesus and Mary
