Marist Student Leaders Plant First Buy a Tree Seedlings at The Hermitage, New South Wales
- maristbrothers
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
Student leaders from 18 NSW/ACT Marist schools gathered at The Hermitage for the annual Marist Youth Ministry Student Leaders’ Gathering (SLG). Alongside the usual program, this year’s gathering included a significant milestone. On Tuesday, 11 November, the first group of Buy a Tree (BAT) seedlings was planted at the Hermitage.
The Director of The Hermitage, John Hickey, and the grounds staff had prepared the planting area ahead of time.
At the SLG formal dinner the evening before, Province Laudato Si’ Action Committee Chair, Jenifer Miller, presented each principal with a small tree. This gesture marked each school’s commitment to ecological sustainability and care for creation. The Buy A Tree initiative, a faith-based environmental project of the Star of the Sea Province, invites Marist communities and supporters to assist in the planting and ongoing care of native trees. The initiative aims to support the environment, build hope within communities, and contribute to carbon-offset efforts through Marist-led planting and conservation work.
The following morning, the student leaders participated in a short liturgy focused on the importance of trees in sustaining life and restoring the environment. During this time, students reflected on the link between leadership and stewardship, recognising the impact their decisions have on the wellbeing of their communities and the planet.
After the liturgy, each group of student leaders planted their assigned seedling, gently pressing soil around the base and offering an intention for their school and for the environment.
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