Who We Are
Charism
“Mary of Nazareth, the first disciple of the Lord and Mother of the Church, is the heart of our identity as Marists. This remarkable woman of faith has called us to this way of life. We believe that we have been called by a "gracious choice" into the family of Mary. It is her work that we do and so we commit ourselves to think, judge, feel and act as she did. These qualities mark us as Marists: mercy and compassion, availability, welcome and hospitality, simplicity manifest in everyday ordinariness and a common touch. We are self-effacing apostles who demonstrate a spirit of joy and respect for others; we are called to be humble and hidden and unknown in the world.” (US Province Identity Statement)
Fr. Colin envisioned a new Church characterized by the mercy of Mary – a Marian Church that opens its doors to all people by spreading mercy to the world.
Our charism emerges from our core spirituality of forgetfulness of self so that the grace of God can emerge in all we do for the sake of God's purposes in the activities and ministry of our daily lives.
Our spiritual life must be one of growing “emptiness of self” so that others we engage will find nothing that would stand in the way of their experience with God.
We reach out to all — especially those who feel alienated. We encourage the Church to unify in its diversity and to be transformed by the spirit of Mary.
In all, we seek to be Mary for God’s people.