Ministries

“They are called to be truly missionary: they are to go from place to place, announcing the word of God, reconciling, catechizing, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and doing the works of mercy. They attend especially to the most neglected, the poor and those who suffer injustice. They are ready to carry out these tasks anywhere and at any time” (Constitutions of the Society of Mary # 12).

 

I. Works of Mercy

Prison ministry –Digos

The Marist Prison Ministry is a collaborative work of the Marist Fathers,  Chapel leaders and members & Marist Laity, providing spiritual and pastoral services for the inmates. The Marist priests celebrate Mass in the prisons most Sundays.

 

HIV/AIDS ministry – Thailand

The migrant town of Ranong has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Marist Asia Foundation (MAF) staff care for the sick in their homes and train family members to be care-givers. MAF also facilitates hospital care when necessary and, in general, works to meet whatever needs arise for those who are sick and suffering.

 

II. Caring for the Young

Campus Ministry – Davao

Marist priests lead the Catholic Campus Ministry Davao (CCMD) team, working with university and high school students, faculty and staff, of non-sectarian schools in the Archdiocese of Davao. CCMD facilitates retreats and recollections, the teaching of catechism, and other spiritual and pastoral ministries. Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated with thousands of students throughout the academic year.

 

Education of Burmese migrants – Thailand

Many migrant Burmese children in Ranong do not go to school. Those who do usually finish around 12 years of age and look for work to help support their families. Marist Asia Foundation(MAF) has a school specially designed for migrant children, teaching Burmese, Thai, English, Maths, Science, Computer Studies, Social Studies and the Arts.

MAF also enables young migrant adults to study for a university diploma course through the Australian Catholic University, providing a tutor and an E-learning centre.

 

Balay Pasilungan home for street boys – Davao

Founded by the Society of Mary in 1989, Balay Pasilungan is home to some 30 former street boys. They eat, sleep, play and pray as a family, supported by a social worker and house parents under the supervision of a Marist priest. Many of the boys also attend a local school.

 

III. Support of the Local Church

Our Lady of Fatima Parish – Matti, Digos

In 2012, the Marists took up residence in Matti, Digos City, and began ministering to 24 chapel communities. These communities have developed and now formed the parish of Our Lady of Fatima which was established on 13th May 2019.

 

 

IV. Inter-religious Dialogue

Marist Asia Foundation – Thailand 

The education and healthcare projects undertaken by Marists serve predominantly Buddhist peoples. Christians are an extremely small minority in Thailand. The Marists in Ranong strive to give an attractive and faithful witness to the good news of Jesus Christ by serving any who are in need.