We have established our new Ministries office (”Montagne Centre”) in a former Archdiocesan Primary School (St Ambrose) in the inner Melbourne suburb of Brunswick.
In its establishment phase the Montage Centre will bring together the majority of our Province ministries (Marist Young Adult Ministry, REMAR, Formation and Vocations and Solidarity – national and international). From January 2010 the Centre will also include the Doxa Melbourne school presently located in West Melbourne.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Montagne Centre
1 Dawson St Brunswick Vic 3055
Phone (03) 9387 3516
Fax (03) 9388 2396
Email montagne@maristmelb.org.au
THE MONTAGNE EXPERIENCE
Father Champagnat was summoned to a hamlet one day, in order to hear a sick boy’s confession. (His name was Jean-Baptiste Montagne, living in the hamlet of Les Palais, beyond Le Bessat. He was born on May 10th 1800 and died on October 28th 1816). As usual, he set out at once. Before proceeding with the confession, he put a few questions to make sure that he was sufficiently instructed to receive the sacraments. To his great surprise, the child knew nothing about the principal mysteries and, in fact, didn’t even know whether God existed. Greatly upset at finding a seventeen year-old in such ignorance, and fearing that he would die in such a state, he sat down beside him to teach him the mysteries and truths necessary for salvation. It took him two hours for the instruction and confession. It was extremely difficult to impart even the most fundamental truths, to a child who was so sick that he scarcely grasped what was being said.
Having heard his confession, and helped him make several acts of love of God and of contrition as a preparation for death, the priest left him, to minister to a sick person in an adjoining house. As he went out, he asked after the sick youth, to be told by his tearful parents that he had died a moment after the priest’s departure. He felt an upsurge of joy at having been there so opportunely…
He went home overwhelmed by those feelings and saying over and over to himself: “How many children are in the same predicament every day, exposed to the same dangers because they have no-one to teach them the truths of faith”
Then he became obsessed with overwhelming intensity, by the thought of founding a Society of Brothers to obviate such disasters through the Christian education of children.
Life, VI, pp. 58-59
DOXA SCHOOL WEST MELBOURNE
The Doxa School West Melbourne provides alternative education for young disadvantaged students who are finding staying at their regular school challenging. The students are between 11-14 years old and are usually referred by their school because their education is being disrupted by personal circumstances and behavioural or learning difficulties. Since the school opened in 2000 its aim has been to excite young people about learning and help them succeed on a chosen path. So it is important that students come to Doxa School because they want to. Not because they feel obliged.
The unique Doxa School program involves a six-month intervention, followed by a 12 month supported return to regular school. This model has proven very successful in increasing retention rates amongst our young disadvantaged students.
Young students are referred to the school from all over Melbourne and the metropolitan area. Approximately 18 students are interview to commence every six months. For more information about the school or referring a student please contact the Principal Megan Moore on (03) 9348 9695.
The school welcomes visitors and interested students by appointment. The current address is:
Doxa School West Melbourne
300 Rosslyn St
West Melbourne 3003
The Dova school is a joint venture between the Marist Brothers and the Doxa Youth Foundation.