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Lay People Responding to the Call

to think, judge, feel, and act in the way of Mary…

Marist founder Jean-Claude Colin (1790-1875) envisioned a multi-branched congregation of priests, sisters and brothers, and lay people united by a common name and spirituality that made visible Mary’s spirit to the Church. Today in partnership with the Society of Mary three lay groups of men and women – Marist Laity, Marist Associates, and the Third Order of Mary – embody that original vision and are doing the work of Mary.

Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world. She was a gentle, encouraging presence to Jesus in his lifetime. She was there at his death and there at the birth of the Church by the Holy Spirit. As Marists, we are inspired by Mary’s simple, steadfast presence and her model to the Church of a compassionate, merciful mother, a faithful disciple, and a quiet prophet for peace and unity. We believe that we are “graciously chosen by Mary” to take on her mind and heart and bear the love of Christ to others.

To be a Marist is...

	to have the faith of Mary that God would like to work wonders through us if only we humbly receive God’s gift
	to evangelize like Mary in a “hidden and unknown” manner, with a listening heart fully engaged in life with others
	to be “an instrument of Divine Mercy” as Mary, welcoming all people
	to be a disciple like Mary in helping to build and renew the Church
	to live prayerfully in the presence of God as Mary did – to intercede for the sake of God’s love for the world, especially for those who are lost or seem far from God
	to live simply, unselfishly, and compassionately like Mary and to stand against the forces of greed, pride, and violence

In all, the focus is on the spirit of Mary rather than any particular Marian devotion or practice. Marist lay groups take on a variety of structures and works to express that spirit. Some groups pray and study together, others work in a Marist ministry, and still others pray in communion with other Marists for the whole Marist family and their mission.

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