Marist Bridge Builders

08/03/2026

Take a moment to read about Takoda’s experience in Cambodia. 🌏
His story shows how meaningful and life-changing volunteering can be—for the community and for the volunteer.

Would you like to volunteer as well? 💙

The students of Grade 5 and their teacher Samath will forever hold an extra special place in my heart as one of my favourite classes I taught in Cambodia. I had the opportunity to teach them everyday - allowing me to build a deeper connection with them during my experience. Their willingness to learn, kindness and smiles illuminated the classroom, encouraging everyone to always do their best. This warmth further extended outside the classroom, with students yelling ‘Hi’ through their classroom window and inviting me to join their afternoon activities after the school day.
During my time there, Samath essentially took me in as an extra student - teaching me Khmer, providing support and connecting me with other staff. When I hung around the classroom before or after class, she always gave me some food to try. Sometimes it was some fried sweet potato, mango pieces, a whole milk fruit or banana - I would always be cared for. Even if I was only passing by and the students were having something - she would invite me in to share some with the students.
A heartwarming memory was when we received a mango delivery mid-class as a snack for the coming break. Samath picked a bunch of mangoes, put them in a big bowl and went outside while I continued the class. When we had finished the class, she came back inside and all the mangoes were peeled and cut in the bowl. I was going to leave for my next class, but Samath told me to stay and have some with the students. So, in a circle around the big bowl, we ate mango and chilli together until the next class started - enjoying the food and each other’s company. This moment truly encapsulated the relationships I developed with the Grade 5 class, where I felt part of their family by the end of my time with them.

Star of the Sea Province Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry Brisbane Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat Marist Formation

04/06/2025

Volunteer Opportunity in Cambodia
Support the Marist Centre of Hope in Pailin, Cambodia

Marist Bridge Builders is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic volunteer to accompany the setup of a
basic administrative system for a developing Marist initiative in Cambodia.
You’ll be working alongside Ms Sokkean, a Khmer administrative assistant, and linking the system
with a local Jesuit sponsored NGO named Karuna, helping create a sustainable structure for ongoing
management. For cultural reasons, a female volunteer would be preferable.
��️ Ideal for: Retired or semi-retired, experienced office staff or administration professionals
�� Location: Pailin, Cambodia.
�� Timeframe: Flexible: short-medium term (from 1 month+)
�� Support: Orientation, Onsite Accommodation (en-suite & airconditioned), and Local Contacts.
�� Interested? Contact us at: [email protected]

Visit: Volunteers — Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat website: https://www.maristassociation.org.au/volunteers or https://www.mariststar.org/get-involved

Please share this notice

Star of the Sea Province Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat Marist Formation

The Marist Bridge Builders Program is for anyone over 18 years old who is connected with Marist Youth Ministry or the Marists. Your presence, knowledge and abilities would be most valuable to assist our international Marist projects and communities.

05/05/2025

MARIST VOLUNTEERING TRAINING PROGRAM
Say yes to something meaningful - through volunteering, walk with others, grow in faith, and make a real difference.

This unique program offers the chance to join an intercultural community that promotes a ‘Culture of Encounter’ - as proposed by Pope Francis in 2016 - where, alongside like-minded Marists, you will live the spirit of simplicity and adventure.

This opportunity isn’t just about volunteering. It’s about building bridges - between people, between needs and resources, and between faith and action.

https://www.mariststar.org/marist-volunteer-training-program

To express your interest or start a conversation, reach out to Bridge Builders Director, Br Chris Wills at [email protected]

Star of the Sea Province Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat Marist Formation Marist Youth Ministry Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry Brisbane Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide

19/08/2024

Who can be a volunteer?
ANY MARIST!! Anyone over 18 years old who has some connection with the Marist Global Family. It is a service to all Marists within the Star of the Sea Province.

The Marist Bridge Builders program offers both short and long term placements in Australian or International communities.

Whether you're a high school graduate, university student, tradesperson, principal, teacher, a retiree, or anyone who wants to get involved!

It would be amazing if you could share this information with anyone you know who might be interested. SPREAD THE WORD!

Your presence, knowledge and abilities would be most valuable to assist our international Marist projects and communities.

Find more information here: https://www.mariststar.org/get-involved

Marist Formation Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry Brisbane Marist Youth Ministry Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist180

16/08/2024

Haven't you heard about Sara?
Do you want to know what Sara is doing as a volunteer in Fiji?

Sara Petruzzella, 27, is a primary school teacher from Adelaide who began her volunteer experience in Fiji in July. She is living and supporting the Brothers’ community in Lomeri, where they operate an Ecology and Spirituality centre.

Sara will be in Lomeri for three months, immersing herself in Fijian culture, the Brothers' community, the stunning landscape, and her spirituality. She is eager to “roll up my sleeves and get to work — just as Marcellin taught us.”

In the following article, Sara documents her experiences over the past month and shares insights and reflections on what it means to live a Marist life while contributing to the community.

Don't miss the opportunity to read all about it!! Click the link:

https://www.mariststar.org/post/bridging-builders-volunteer-sara-writes-about-her-experience-in-fiji-s-lomeri-marist-community

Star of the Sea Province Marist Youth Ministry Brisbane Marist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Australian Marist Solidarity Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry

29/07/2024

What a great opportunity to know more about Mick Heelan's experience in Timor-Leste as a volunteer.
Read about it:
https://www.mariststar.org/post/building-bridges-australian-physio-provides-crucial-care-to-children-with-disabilities-in-timor-les?fbclid=IwY2xjawETvN1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHe9W8kBzFfHlKjxETrJf7Wgn0kEVBUckloAegHqYPEkF2s_7Rjwl9rRWZg_aem_hewTM8Di1j5T0AQQxUY5TA

Interested in volunteering? Maybe you are thinking about taking a gap year or a break from your job. Please contact Bridge Builders to get more information on possibilities.

03/07/2024

Marist Bridge Builders is delighted to introduce Sara Petruzzella. A teacher from Adelaide who will be starting her volunteer experience in Fiji next week.
Stay connected to her testimonials as a volunteer and remember... if you would like to live the same experience, please do not hesitate to contact us. You could be the next one!! 💞🌏

Hi!
My name's Sara, I'm a 27 year old primary school teacher from Adelaide and I am about to embark on my Marist Bridge Builders experience in Fiji.
I will be living with and supporting the Brother's community in Lomeri, where they run an ecology and spirituality centre. While also using my teaching experience to connect with the local schools.
In 2013 I was lucky enough to experience a Marist immersion to Suva where I stayed with the Brothers community there. I fell in love with the people and culture that Fiji had to offer during my 3 week stay, and hoped to one day return. Working for Marist Youth Ministry in 2016 and 2019-2020 allowed me the great pleasure of staying with multiple Brothers' communities all over Australia and I knew that I would love to live in one as a lay person for a longer duration.
This Bridge Builders experience combines both these desires and is something I have dreamed about for many years, so I'm thrilled for it to finally be becoming a reality.
I look forward to immersing myself into Fijian culture, the Brothers' community, the incredible landscape and my spirituality for the next 3 months while rolling up my sleeves and getting to work- just as Marcellin taught us.

Star of the Sea Province Marist Formation Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry FMS Champagnat

08/10/2023

Would you like to be a volunteer in a Marist project like Matthew Fairfax? Wouldn't it be great to carry out your vocation as a Marist?

The first option for volunteering is not classically needs based, but many Marist international and national communities would welcome your proposal to join in with their work.

The process is that you discuss your preferences here in Australia and we (Australia and Rome) will ‘broker’ an invitation from a suitable community.
You can contact br. Chris Wills ([email protected] / [email protected]) or have a look at http://www.maristassociation.org.au/volunteers for more information.
Voluntariado Marista / Marist Volunteering Star of the Sea Province Laicos Maristas / Marist Laity - Global Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry MelbourneMarist Youth Ministry Marist Youth Ministry BrisbaneMarist Youth Ministry Perth Marist Formation

FIJI: Bridge Builders in Action. The Marist Lomeri Community welcomed Matthew Fairfax, an Australian Marist Volunteer and ex-student from Canberra who will be living with the Brothers for the next 6 weeks. Matthew has a commerce background and will be supporting Brother Chris and Brother Anitelea in their future plannings with the ecology centre. We thank Br Chris Wills, FMS and Nathan Ahearne for their support in this initiative.

15/05/2023

Would you like to be a volunteer in a project like this one? Wouldn't it be great to carry out your vocation as a Marist?

Lavalla200> is a one of these international communities. It is a project which establishes intercultural communities on the peripheries. The periphery is not necessarily geographical. These communities are made up of lay and brother Marists appointed by the Superior General to work with the most disadvantaged people.

The first option for volunteering is not classically needs based, but many Marist international and national communities would welcome your proposal to join in with their work.
The process is that you discuss your preferences here in Australia and we (Australia and Rome) will ‘broker’ an invitation from a suitable community.
You can contact br. Chris Wills or have a look at http://www.maristassociation.org.au/volunteers for more information.

Voluntariado Marista / Marist Volunteering Star of the Sea Province Marist Youth Ministry - Sydney Marist Youth Ministry Adelaide Marist Youth Ministry Brisbane Marist Formation Marist Youth Ministry Melbourne Marist Youth Ministry Marist Youth Ministry Perth Australian Marist Solidarity