BECOME A MARIST
Could this be for you?
We all search for meaning in our lives.
What is God calling you to be?
Marists Breathe the Spirit of Mary
To be a Marist is to be Mary’s presence in the world, to embody every day the simplicity, humility, openness and compassion that Mary showed us through her life.
We live a joyful fraternal life, and that joy and gratitude experienced and shared in the Marist community help us to live our charism, increase our concern for unity, and move us to be gentle and welcoming.
We have a missionary spirit, based on an intimate union with God and detachment from material goods. We seek to be the maternal face of the Church, simple, humble, merciful, welcoming and synodal. As Catholics, we are called to announce the Gospel and put it into practice in the manner of Mary by showing love to our neighbours.
Everyone can belong to this family of Mary either as religious priests, brothers, sisters or lay people, married or single.
“They belong by gracious choice to the family of the blessed Mary, from whose name they are called Marists.”
(Fr Jean Claude Colin)
As Marist religious we form an international congregation of men (priests and brothers) living in community, sharing a life of prayer and mission.
We influence many people around us through our words and actions. To be an influencer like Mary, means that we serve others in an inclusive and gentle way. As Marist Fathers we are involved in many different ministries and projects.
Action for social justice, peace and care of creation
Education
Pastoral ministry in parishes, chaplaincies and accompaniment
Welcoming Ministry
Mission abroad
How do I know that God is calling me to a particular vocation?
“Prayer is the oil that keeps our lamp burning”.
Fr Jean Claude Colin
God calls each of us in a unique way. If you want to discern what is his plan for you, there are some common signs of God calling you to a vocation:
Persistent thought or desire. When there is a particular vocation that keeps popping up in your mind, either in moments of prayer or in everyday life.
Joy and peace. When you are discerning a particular vocation and feel joy, excitement and peace that is a great sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Positive affirmations. If your family, friends, or other people tell you that you would make a good priest, spouse, or consecrated person, pay attention to that advice because God can inspire it.
Opening doors. When you start to move in the direction of the vocation God is calling to, He will make that path straight; not without difficulties but God will make your way forward possible.
Growth in holiness. If you start pursuing a particular vocation and becoming a better person, growing in virtue and love of God and neighbour, that is an excellent sign.
To become a Marist religious is a journey
Discernment
The Fourvière Pledge
- First contact
- Experience community life
- Learn about Marist spirituality
- Accompaniment
Postulancy
The first community of Marists in Cerdon
- Community life
- Marist life
- Philosophical studies
- Pastoral placement
Novitiate
Missions in the rural Bugey mountains
- Studies of the Constitutions, Marist spirituality, religious life
- Prayer
- Internationality
- First vows
Theologate
The Marists accept the new mission territory of Oceania (South-Western Pacific)
- Study of theology
- Pastoral work
- Missionary spirit
Final steps
St Peter Chanel is martyred in Futuna, Oceania
- Permanent vows: life commitment
- Ordination to the diaconate and priesthood
- First years of ministry