CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

Holy Spirit Province (W.A. & S.A.)

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Formation Programs

Introduction

Edmund Rice inspired ministries have a distinctive character. Collectively we are invited to live out Edmund’s liberating vision in our contemporary context. We have the opportunity to offer something unique to our world.

As we all navigate our way through these times of change we are faced with many important issues. The programmes outlined below are designed primarily to address the following question - in what ways does our ministry and the people within it, give new life to the Edmund Rice tradition and express this Charism within our community?

With over twenty Edmund Rice Ministries in our Holy Spirit Province, each with its own unique character and expression of Edmund’s vision, it is important that we acknowledge the need for practices and events that keep us connected to Edmund Rice’s Charism. For this to be successful the most vital ingredient will always be a vibrant and dynamic culture of formation at the local level of each ministry. Ideally community members would gather regularly to share their own story and reflect on the significance of their role as individuals and their work collectively.

However, we do share a common founding story. We nourish this by gathering across ministry borders to share and reflect upon our experience of Edmund’s story in today’s world, celebrate our successes, challenge our boundaries and set new goals for the future. There is a variety of such opportunities outlined here.

Many of the programs listed have been operational within the Province for many years; others are more recent additions. New programmes, like the ‘Edmund Rice Staff Retreat’ are offered in response to needs identified in conversations with Ministry Leaders, the Christian Brothers and requests from staff who have participated in our “renewal” programmes. Repeatedly during program participation staff have stressed the priority they place on REFLECTIVE PRACTICE. However they universally lament the fact that this crucial Charter characteristic is difficult to find time for within the normal ministry environment. 

Now more than ever, lay staff are being asked to carry on the Edmund Rice tradition in schools and other ministries. Hence the need for staff to access structured opportunities to take time out to do some reflection, as the Brothers themselves do as a matter of priority in their own lives.

It is with this in mind that we offer this package of Formation programs, tailor made for staff within Edmund Rice Ministries. While each program has its own emphasis, all programs include times for reflection and discernment. Most importantly, they are designed to be inclusive of all members of our ministry communities.

We hope that you find that these programs serve to support and enhance your own localized formation initiatives. We would welcome your feedback on existing programmes and possible future directions. (return to top)

Province Programs

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International Programmes

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EIRWAYS - New Staff Inductions

Brief : To provide an introduction to the life and vision of Edmund Rice and the significance of his charism within our contemporary world.

The programme encourages participants to consider their capacity to contribute to fostering the spirit of Edmund’s vision within their own ministry. It will explore participants' understanding of the Sense of the Sacred in both their own lives and their daily mission. The Gospel values of Liberation, Compassion and Justice are highlighted as central values within the Edmund Rice vision.

Accreditation

(i) Province Certification:
Plus (WA only) ‘Faith, Story and Witness’ or ‘Ongoing Renewal’ accreditation:
3 day attendance plus 750 word reflection paper
OR

(ii) (SA only) Province Certification + Graduate Certificate unit. Attendance over 3 days, further reading, 2 group meetings plus a 4,500 word equivalent project
OR

(iii) (SA 2006 only) Province Certification + Accreditation B unit
Completion of 3 days plus 1500 word reflection paper

2007 Dates

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Renewal - Longer Serving Staff

Brief : To provide an opportunity to look closely at issues of personal story and matters of faith, with an Edmund Rice focus. The program is very much about one’s journey in life, but also our journey in work and in ministry as part of the Edmund Rice network. Throughout the programme there will be a key emphasis on respect – respect for self, the vocation of teaching, the lives of those entrusted to our care, and the Gospel of Jesus in an ever changing world. Emphasis is placed on the role senior staff play in promoting the vision and mission of the ministry and in establishing the culture within the staff environment. The aim is to renew staff in a process of encouragement, reflection and challenge.

Accreditation

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Board Inductions

Brief : To provide an introduction to the person, life and vision of Edmund Rice and the significance of his Charism in the contemporary world. In the light of the changes to future governance structures within Edmund Rice Ministries, Boards are being called upon to assume greater responsibility in working with ministry leadership to witness to the spirit and tradition of Edmund Rice.

The program will support new Board members by helping them understand their role in the broader context of the Edmund Rice vision, including a look at the Charter for Edmund Rice Education in Australia. This program aims to instill confidence in their capacity to make a difference in the unfolding mission of the ministry.

2007 Dates :

Accreditation : Province Certification (return to top)

Leadership Gatherings

Brief : To provide an opportunity for leadership personnel to reflect on their priorities as a leader and renew their vision as key facilitators of staff formation. This gathering provides formal recognition of personnel in ministry leadership and time for sharing of experiences and perspectives.

Emphasis is placed on creating an environment which enhances quiet, prayerful reflection while broadening understanding and appreciation of the breadth and variety of Edmund Rice Ministries in the Holy Spirit Province. This event is also intended as a unique opportunity to encourage collegial networking amongst personnel from different Edmund Rice ministries.

2007 Dates :

SA January 25th 5pm – 9.00pm
WA February 9th 5pm – 9.00pm (return to top)

Leadership for Empowerment: Staff new to leadership

Brief : This gathering provides an opportunity for participants to explore the role of leadership and the models of leadership offered by Jesus and Edmund Rice. The importance of story, beliefs and values, and the traditions of our Christian heritage are examined. Emphasis is on personal goal setting but the building of a collegial support network is also promoted. The aim is to challenge new leaders as well as affirm them in their role in the future direction of Edmund Rice’s vision.

2007 Dates:

SA: Wednesday 14th February 4.30 -8.30p
WA Wednesday 21st February 4.30- 8.30p (return to top)

Edmund Rice Staff Retreat

Brief : This initiative is primarily designed to provide a retreat experience for the individual. It is set up as a small group-based experience of spirituality that provides opportunity, space and time to recognize God’s presence in our life and explore our response to this presence.

A relaxed opportunity for reflection in scenic surroundings where individuals can deepen their own spirituality, seek balance between work and personal life and explore their beliefs and values. In a small group based experience they enjoy the space and time to recognize and embrace the divine in all aspects of life and their response to these many blessings.

Highly recommended for staff as a follow up to the renewal programme. However, some staff may be encouraged to attend the retreat after 3 or 4 years employment, inbetween their Induction programme and the Renewal programme.

This Retreat provides a rare opportunity to invite staff to take time for some personal reflection, renewal and time in community with the sharing of story a key focus of the evening together. This program will be conducted at a relaxed pace to allow an encounter with the inner spirit.

2007 Dates :

WA 9:00am Thursday 23rd– 3:00pm Friday 24th August
SA 9:00am Thursday 7 th – 3:00pm Friday 8th June

Accreditation : WA: Ongoing Renewal CEO

Cost: $180 per participant (return to top)

Justice Gatherings

Brief : To provide opportunities for people, within the contexts of education, the Gospel and Edmund Rice, to reflect on their work in Edmund Rice ministries as part of a quest for justice.

As individuals working within Edmund Rice ministries we are compelled to face what this search for justice really means. These sessions are set aside as time to ask ourselves the justice questions which arise for us within our lives and ministry.

These opportunities will also offer people the challenge to learn more about Justice, meet others who share this interest, workshop strategies and consider new actions to effect change. (return to top)

All Ministries Conference

Brief : This one day gathering offers all staff the chance to broaden their perspective, to step aside from the confines of a particular ministry and to interact with many others engaged in spreading the Gospel of Justice, Peace and Hope within the Edmund Rice tradition.

It aims to issue new challenges to ministry personnel as well as affirming their role in the future direction of Edmund Rice’s vision. The day normally follows a format of Keynote speaker, range of optional workshops and celebratory rituals.

2008 Dates: To be advised

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God in the Now – Retreat

Brief : This is a month-long part-time retreat with opportunities for communities to deepen their experience of the Mystery we call God – ever present in the ‘now’ of our environments and movements of life and work. Participants continue life and work while engaging in group sessions (4 hrs per week) and individual spiritual practices, accompanied by a member of the Renewal Team.

Centering prayer, focused awareness, spiritual companioning and group processes will help surface and nourish individual and group spirit and deepen the sense that we are part of a single unfolding reality. Is it possible to work and pray in today’s world? Let’s try it! Are there ways of being and living that enable persons and communities to pray always? We will consider these and other questions.

Cost: $200 per individual. (plus accommodation and travel for the facilitator)

This event is an initiative of the Christian Brothers Congregational Renewal Team internationally. For more information visit : http://www.edmundrice.org/crt/

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Province Forum Indigenous Ministry

Brief: This forum enables participants to gain an insight into Indigenous ministry within the Edmund Rice Network. The day provides a chance to listen, learn and share.

2007 dates:

WA: 28th May 2007 8.30am - 3.30pm
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Special Requests

Brief : The Province Formation Team is available to provide particular services on request. This may be for a select group within a school or other ministry, or attention to a particular area of life. Examples include Retreats, staff in-service, small group facilitation, leadership development.

Contact a member of the Province Formation Team (details elsewhere) to discuss your ideas. Please make contact prior to finalizing any bookings etc.

2007 Dates : Decided by negotiation. (return to top)

Karibu

Brief : This exciting month-long residential international program in Nairobi, Kenya offers you an opportunity to experience cross-cultural living and community service in Africa and to situate life and work in a global context.

There will be time to connect with the spirit of the landscape, the rituals, people and many cultures of Africa. The experience will include the use of journals, shared reflection and the planning of initiatives for the future.

2007 Dates : July 1st– 27th 2007

Approximate Costs : US $1500

This event is an initiative of the Christian Brothers Congregational Renewal Team internationally. For more information visit : http://www.edmundrice.org/crt/

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Toir

Brief : “Tóir” – Takes its name from the Irish word meaning “Search” or “Quest”. The experience begins in Larne, Northern Ireland and includes pilgrimages to the historical sources of three congregations; Presentation Sisters, Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers at Callan, Waterford and Cork. The programme is designed to energise people to respond sensitively to the needs of our world in the spirit of Edmund Rice and Nano Nagle.

Throughout the program participants will explore dimensions of contemporary spirituality in an international setting to re-think images of God; walk in the footsteps of Edmund and Nano in the places where they lived and worked and engage in a journey with self and others through a variety of processes. The group will explore social analysis and engage in direct contact with people and projects in the spirit of Nano and Edmund.

2007 Dates : July 29th to August 20th 2007

Approximate Costs : €3,000

This event is a collaborative initiative of the Presentation Sisters, Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers internationally. For more information visit : http://www.edmundrice.org/toir/ (return to top)

Spirituality Immersion: Zambia

Brief : The retreats which in the past have had participants from New Zealand, Switzerland, Uruguay, Canada, America, Australia, Ireland and England follow the experience/reflection model. Participants are exposed to a number of different aspects of the lives of the poor in Zambia and then meet in small groups for reflection, sharing and prayer. There are visits to places like schools, compounds, orphanages, home-based care programmes, markets, hospices, parish liturgical celebrations and the great Mosi-o-Tunya (Victoria Falls) in Livingstone.

Without exception, these retreats have been highly significant events in the lives of the participants and have impacted strongly on their leadership upon return to their workplace.

2007 Dates:

Cost US$700 (return to top)

Immersions: Edmund Rice Centre for Social Justice, Fremantle

Availability: One Immersion per year to each site.

Brief: Immersions occur at the intersection of travel, compassion and exploring our shared humanity. Their purpose is to build relationship with folks in other places 'doing it tough', usually by doing something useful with them that they have nominated. Our website (www.ercfremantle.org) expands on such immersion objectives as service and experiential learning principles, building relationship, exploring what the rich world can learn from the poor world, 'walking a mile in my shoes', and seeing the world through the lens of the poor.

2007 Dates

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Edmund Rice Volunteers

Brief : The Edmund Rice Volunteer programme offers a well-planned experience for a volunteer to live and work with another Edmund Rice inspired community or ministry in a developing community. This represents an opportunity to enter into a spirit of partnership over a long term (usually 8-12 months) with a local community, living, working with them and learning from them.

Edmund Rice was open to the presence of God in his life. He embraced the gospel message and so he opened his heart to the poor of Ireland, especially the young. People inspired by Edmund's charism today, are people who are also energized by the gospel to be with the poor and marginalized of our world and to be agents of change for the liberation of people from oppression and poverty.

Like Edmund, his followers today are focused upon educational enterprises that are particularly directed towards the empowerment of youth, thereby contributing to the establishment of a more just and loving world in accordance with the Gospel. If you’ve ever wanted a very dynamic way to contribute to the building of a more just world and are open to an experience of personal challenge and growth, then this could be an opportunity that interests you.

Cost: Usually the airfares are the only costs met by volunteer

This initiative is a collaboration between various parts of the Christian Brothers congregation internationally. For more detailed information please visit : http://www.edmundrice.org.au/erv/

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