Community

St Mary’s in Exile is a vibrant, diverse community comprising people of many faiths and traditions. Community members participate in weekend liturgies, including people from a wide range of suburbs, coastal, regional and rural locations. The community regularly welcomes interstate and overseas visitors and over 1200 people maintain connection via our community’s eNews. Spiritual and social events are also held throughout the year.

Spiritual Practice

In addition to liturgies, community members can participate in meditation and mindfulness practice, spiritual retreats, community building activities, action for social justice, and ‘Cluster’ groups.

Social Activities and Pastoral Care 

St Mary’s in Exile aims to build community through connecting the spiritual, social, pastoral care and social justice focus of the SMX community. Community members coordinate regular social activities including morning teas, dinners, spiritual and cultural events, support for social justice actions, and pastoral care for people experiencing illness, grief or difficult times.

Cluster Groups

Over the years we have had a number of cluster groups spread across Brisbane suburbs who gather to discuss matters of common interest, or of interest to the broader St Mary’s in Exile community including books, social justice issues and general topics of interest. Individual group’s activities vary from social ‘get-togethers’ to theological discussions and spiritual reflection. 

There are two active cluster groups, one in the Northern suburbs and one in the Redland City Bayside suburb. 

From time to time people enquire about joining a cluster. Perhaps the time has come to start some new ones. If you would like to do this, contact us on email at smx.info.enquiry@gmail.com and you will be given help on getting one going.

Social Justice

A key aspect of St Mary’s in Exile is the community’s emphasis on social justice focusing on partnership with, and commitment to Micah Projects and the relief of homelessness, support for organisations and individuals assisting refugees and asylum seekers, advocating on environmental and other social justice issues, and supporting various programs that assist vulnerable people at home and in other countries.

Buddhist Meditation Group

St Mary’s in Exile has a long affiliation with this group, with participants from the community meeting weekly for over 13 years. Initially held in St Mary’s Church, the group now gathers at the Merthyr Road Uniting Church.

For more information contact:
Mark Chalmers
0401 684 782