MATES Ministry

The mission of Marist College Ashgrove is to make Jesus Christ known and loved. The MATES Ministry program – which stands for “Marists are taking everyone seriously”, is an avenue of solidarity, service and outreach that is a practical and living witness to this mission. It includes all service and justice activities undertaken by members of the College community that take place within the College and in the wider community.


The MATES Program aims to:

  • Build a spirituality of service and relationship
  • Be a reflective process
  • Give opportunity to stand with and for all people, particularly those on the margins

Throughout the year students, staff and families are offered many opportunities to share their time and resources with the disadvantaged and marginalised. Whether supporting Marist initiatives such as the project in Cambodia, Vanuatu or local organisations such as St Vincent de Paul and Rosies. The community of Marist College Ashgrove is exemplified through its spirit of unlimited generosity.

  • Respite Centre visits – a weekly visit to the Communify Centre at Paddington engaging with the patrons through games and conversation
  • The Little King’s Movement
  • LAMP – Year 10 Leadership and Mentoring Program which visits two local catholic primary schools engaging with younger students by working and playing with Preps to Year 4 on a weekly basis
  • BBQ with the Homeless – a weekly BBQ at West End with some of the people of Brisbane who call the streets home. Run with senior students, staff and families
  • Immersions – immersions offer students the opportunity for growth and transformation through the experience of service in other Marist Communities within Australia and in the Asia Pacific region
  • Fund and Awareness Raising – generous awareness and fundraising for special events throughout the year
  • St Vincent de Paul – student chapter that meet and engage in community:
    – Ronald McDonald House visits
    – Winter sleep out
    – Weekly yard BBQ
    – Winter appeal
    – Christmas hamper appeal
  • Sony Children’s Camp – annual four day live in camp for 35 children with disabilities companioned with Year 12 students
  • Rosies – four (4) visits annually participating with the ROSIES friends of the street ministry on the ROSIES Street Van