Journal 5
1. Define the word Charism.
A spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.2. Marcellin Champagnat outlined FIVE marist charisms that are identified within Marist schools. Simplicity-Champagnat was of strong rural stock, an uncomplicated person who made no fuss, worked hard, ate sparingly, went by foot most of the time, found schoolwork difficult as a boy, and as a priest had a great love for the little people of his world. With his spirit we have no need to boast, no matter what our talents or achievements are.
Deep Concern-Champagnat was a man of great compassion – for youth, the rural poor, delinquents, orphans, the sick, the elderly, the dying and disadvantaged. We too can have this great compassion for those around us.
3. Open-mindedness-Similarly, we can be people of great compassion towards the disadvantaged of our society – whether it be through colour, race, poverty, addictions, handicap or illness.
. Trust in God and Mary his Mother-Marcellin had an habitual trust in God as Father and in Mary as the “good Mother”. This confidence in God and Mary can be a characteristic in all we do, helping to remove fear when we meet crises (examinations, misunderstandings, times of trouble) and giving us calm in times of failure or loss.
Strength of Character-Champagnat never gave up, despite immense opposition on all sides, even from those he trusted, despite many disappointments and increasing ill-health. We too can imbibe this spirit – we can fight on, stick at what we do and not lie down. If we make mistakes or are in trouble, we can get over it, not give up, bear no grudge and strive on.
3. Provide THREE examples of how you have seen these charisms evident within Parramatta Marist.
We Show these charisms by singing,charity work and spirit.
4. List and describe TWO ways you believe we can create a better sense of ‘Marist Family’ within Parramatta Marist.
Two ways in which we can create a better sense of the marist family within Parramatta Marist is donating to the poor through Parramatta Marist like the Lenten Collection and the Christmas Hamper.

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