About
Remar is a youth ministry program operating in many Catholic schools across the Melbourne Province of the Marist Brothers. It targets students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
The movement began in 1976 in Columbia where a Marist Brother, Br Nestor Quiceno, recognised that there were a number of students who were prepared to question the ’status quo’. They were looking to make a difference in society, particularly with respect to social justice issues and faith development. Br Nestor established a voluntary group where the passion and energy of such students could be harnessed and built upon. It was called Remar, and was translated into an Australian context in 1990.
The word Remar is formed from the Spanish word meaning “to row”, and as such, Remar utilises nautical themes to provide focal points for students. Further, it provides a ‘play on words’ from the phrase MARist REnewal, and it is hoped that young people will gain greater ownership and a sense of renewal in what it means to be a part of the Marist charism.
Remar has a fourfold focus:
- Evangelisation and faith development
- Personal development and leadership formation
- Strong experience of being a part of a community
- Social justice, ministry and service to others.
Remar is a movement in Christian formation as it encourages young people to discover their personal call, through being a disciple of Christ.
Through the Remar program, we are seeking to respond to the goals outlined in the document “Anointed and Sent: An Australian Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry” (www.youthministry.catholic.org.au), which are as follows:
- To foster the personal and spiritual growth of each young person
- To draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community
- To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
Remar seeks to form Christian leaders who are prepared to speak out against injustice in the world, and who are motivated to take action by standing in solidarity with those experiencing disadvantage and injustice.