Edition 4 : December 2001

Greetings all and welcome to this Christmas edition of Edmund Rice News.

ADVENT – CHRISTMAS – SUMMER – the seasons of preparation in Australia. Advent prepares us for the coming of Christ at Christmas, Christmas is the eternally renewing coming of Christ into our lives, summer is our season of renewal and preparation for the year ahead.

For the Christian Brothers and the Edmund Rice Family this Advent-Christmas-Summer season is a time of especial preparation, for the year 2002 is a whole year of celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the work of Blessed Edmund Rice.

It is fitting therefore that this Summer 2001 Edition of Edmund Rice Family News should have the theme of Celebration. At the heart of what we celebrate under the name Edmund Rice is a precious notion of serving other people and particularly assisting other people gain a more secure grip on the ladder of life.

We celebrate some of the many, many achievements of Edmund Rice Family members around the Holy Spirit Province in this work that simply cannot be evaluated by any of the normal tools by which the well-being of our community is valued. Who can put a price on the joy brought into a young person’s heart who has experienced the deepest meaning of friendship at an Eddie Rice Camp? Who can put a price on the endeavours of so many to give refugees a headstart in their new chosen land? Who can put a price on the independence given to even one landmine victim by one of Olly's wheelchairs? Who can put a price on helping restore to just one Aboriginal community of this ancient land even some token of the dignity that was stripped from them by the arrival of the Europeans? The list goes on: young men and women being assisted into leadership positions in society, others who are struggling at the margins simply being assisted to stay at school, others again are working overseas helping those who are marginalised even by the standards of the most marginalised in Australia.

No newsletter can tell all the stories. In this newsletter though we have endeavoured to bring together some examples. We also bring you a number of reflective stories from people who have been inspired by Edmund through their lives and work. Christmas joy, deep peace and a refreshing holiday is our wish to all our readers.

National Indigenous Ministries Conference

FORTY-EIGHT DELEGATES attended the National Inidgenous Ministries Conference at Trade Winds Convention Centre in Fremantle in early November. Marlene Jackamarra (pictured at right) reports that the three-day conference was an outstanding success and an opportunity for all the people engaged in indigenous ministries under the auspices of the Christian Brothers to share their experience. Pictured below are a few photographic highlights from some of the more poignant social moments and on a separate page we have included a fuller photographic collage. Marlene reports that one of the significant objectives of the meeting was for those working in indigenous ministries to explore the Edmunc Rice ethos. Delegates came from all the provinces in Australia.

News from all around Holy Spirit Province...

Major developments at Wakefield Street, Adelaide...

CBC WAKEFIELD STREET is in the throes of some major changes. Recently the old handball courts were reduced to rubble to make way for a spectacular new Chapel and Conference Centre. In recent years the once crammed property has been more than doubled in size to become a two-campus college. In 1991 a new playing field, swimming pool, car park and storage area were added. The current building program will provide facilities that make this landmark better able to serve the people of Adelaide in the 21st Century.

An old favourite at Moore River gets a makeover...

TUPPIN HOUSE AT MOORE RIVER is a place with pleasant memories for many older members of the Edmund Rice Family. Built at the mouth of the Moore River, this place was originally a holiday house for the brothers. Named after its original architect and builder, Br Norbert Tuppin, it is still well used by the Catholic Agricultural College Bindoon. Camps, retreats and staff seminars are just some of the events for which it is such a useful location. In recent times other bodies and schools have been requesting to use Tuppin House for music camps, holidays and schools camps. Each year the vibrant Tardun Old Boys Association comprised of Old Boys, their wives and families have a couple of working holidays at Tuppin House. Recently the Edmund Rice Camp groups have discovered this Moore River haven. No doubt the walls of Tuppin House could tell many stories. While the easily recognisable exterior walls are standing strong, in response to all the new interest in this wonderful place, the interior walls are changing and taking on a new look under the careful eye of builder and old boy of Castledare/Clontarf, Mr John Hollywood. Private cubicles for approximately 70 students are being developed, half for boys and half for girls. New ablution blocks will be attached to each section. Sufficient and appropriate staff accommodation is also part of the plan, besides an extended dining room/kitchen area with internal seating attached to an outdoor landing. Basement storage and some ground developments will be useful additions. Future developments will make the place an ideal hideaway for the many groups that want to use it but it will still be Tuppin House at Moore River.

CBC Freo Centenary...

THE YEAR 2001 has certainly been one full of centenary celebrations for CBC Fremantle. There was a display of memorabilia in a shopping centre, a re-enactment of the first day of school 100 years ago, School Centenary Mass, production of a very Freo 'Much Ado about Nothing', civic reception, centenary ball, Dockers tribute to CBC, Centenary music festival and most recently on Saturday 13th October, the CBC Old Boys' Reunion. During the course of the day nearly a thousand people visited the school. Old Boys, their wives and families mingled, shared stories ­ true and/or false but mostly embellished. More than thirty Brothers were present and each was soon surrounded by those whom they had taught. A highlight was the presence of Peter Casserly, 103 years of age, walking around, conversing and even singing every verse of hits from his day.

Whyalla names Library/Music Centre in honour of Br Ray O'Donoghue

RAY O'DONOGHUE you will remember from the last Edmund Rice news for his article describing his experiences in China. This edition he is in the news for a special honour. The new Library and Music Centre At St John's College, Whyalla, has been named in his honour. The official opening and blessing took place on Sunday 15th September, 2001. Unfortunately Br Ray was in St John of God Hospital Subiaco at the time, recovering after open heart surgery so was unable to be present for the occasion. Br O'Donoghue was the first superior and principal of St John's Whyalla when it opened. The small beginnings which Ray started have grown into a beautiful campus with nearly five hundred students. At present Pat Guidera is the only Brother in the town and on the staff. However, the school has strong connections with the Christian Brothers and wants to continue that association. Principal Charlie Allen regularly attends Province Education Meetings in Adelaide and Richard Horgan, one of the long time teachers there, has just returned excited after his Trasna experience where he strengthened his links with the Presentation Sisters, Patrician Brothers and Christian Brothers.

Clontarf Centenary...

CLONTARF WAS ESTABLISHED ON 8TH SEPTEMBER 1901. One hundred years later to the day a moving gathering was held of representatives of the many groups that have had an association with this campus over the last century. The simple, meaningful celebration in the chapel began by acknowledging the original owners of this land on the Canning River. Richard Wilkes was the guest speaker and appropriately he shared some of the Dreamtime stories of this land as he talked about the future when two very different cultures can live and work in harmony and build on, not just the last 100 years, but on the centuries of the story before 1901. Clontarf today is home to Clontarf Aboriginal College, Ab Music, and Marr Mooditj and is re-establishing itself as an important cultural and learning centre for indigenous people.

Goldfields farewell...

THE NINE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS who assembled for the ceremonies in Kalgoorlie had mixed feelings as they, as a representative body, were farewelled by the school, John Paul College, and by the parishes of Kalgoorlie and Boulder. The Brothers were featured and farewelled by the school at the John Paul College Annual Speech Night on Friday 2nd Nov in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Art Centre. Reg McManus, principal of JPC, made a special speech at the conclusion of the prize giving and presented a symbolic gift to Province Leader Tony Shanahan, who in response presented the school with a gift from the CB's. Tony and John Ahern, the last principal of CBC 1983 and the first principal of JPC l 984 both were called upon to present awards to class recipients. During the final speeches all me Brothers, except Ben Doyle, who was tired after his long train trip from Perth, were invited and escorted by Yr 12 students to be seated on stage. Saturday was a gentle day characterised by celebratory meals. At midday all nine Brothers, Reg McManus and his wife Mary, with a few admin and executive staff shared a sumptuous BBQ. That evening six Brothers hosted the last remaining religious in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Sr Anne Kavanagh, to a meal on the upstairs balcony of the distinguished Kalgoorlie Hotel opposite the land mark Town Hall with Paddy Hannan's famous statue gracing the footpath. Fr Tony Vallis parish priest accompanied by his assistants Fr Charles and Fr Vinh Dong celebrated the 10.00am farewell Mass in St Mary's Church. Incidentally it was the same day that the parish was commencing the centenary of two Goldfields' churches, St Mary's Kalgoorlie and St Mary's Coolgardie. The Brothers were honoured by being asked to join the entrance procession, do the readings, read the Prayers of the Faithful and take up the gifts at the Offertory. Hymns were appropriately chosen for the occasion and Fr Tony's homily highlighted the work done and the seed sown by Religious Priests, Brothers and Nuns in the region. After Mass the congregation joined with the priests for a morning tea in the Parish Centre to officially farewell the Brothers. Dick Scallan, chairperson of the Parish Council, spoke glowingly of his association with the CB's in South Africa and Australia. On behalf of the parish he presented a beautiful gift to the Brothers. Tony Shanahan then responded and presented a gift to the parish. Before leaving Kalgoorlie-Boulder the Brothers were taken out to lunch by the three priests. Br Pat Grant, who is still recuperating from his recent hip operation, is still occupying the Brothers house. Few, not even the school, are looking forward to the day Pat, the last Brother in the Goldfields, finally leaves, but that typifies the Goldfields, "Where you are always saying Goodbye."

I always will remain a Brother at heart --- the story of Brian Cassidy

Brian Cassidy is a former Christian Brother who has been struggling with ill-health for many years. Today he lives in the Parish of Spearwood within a stone’s throw of the Church. Some of his former colleagues in the brothers suggested his story helps give another perspective to the whole Edmund Rice ethos. We asked Brian to tell his story and here it is...

I was born in November 1932, the youngest of three boys. After my mother died of pneumonia when I was eleven months old, my two brothers and I went to live with my father’s mother.

Tragedy struck when I was five. While my brothers and I were playing under the tree in the backyard we heard agonising screams from the house. My grandmother, as was the custom of the time, was killing the bed bugs attached to the iron bed steads. This was done with a blowtorch, using kerosene. The torch had exploded and my grandmother was burnt to death.

The three of us soon found ourselves in Castledare Boys’ Home. I, the youngest boy ever enrolled at Castledare, was accepted because of the circumstances. I lived away from the dormitories, with Matron Broome in her cottage with a couple of other small boys. They were happy enough years.

Eventually there was the inevitable separation as my two brothers moved to Clontarf and then even further away to Tardun. While they were at Clontarf they used to walk through the bush, either after school or on weekends, to visit me. These visits meant the separation wasn't that drastic.

During the war I was a Clontarf boy myself. It was providential when the Air Force took over the Clontarf establishment as I was moved up to Tardun and reunited with my brothers again. Br “Tom” (Bernadine Thomas) organised for regular meetings between my brothers and myself.

I had great admiration for the Brothers and was accepted as a novice in 1950. I was now able to become a fully-fledged member of the community that had been my very life until now. My religious name was now Salvian, after Salvius Marques of Clontarf.

At Strathfield in NSW I was working long hours and with a flu epidemic going around I became unwell. In fact I was so unwell that the doctor doubted the veracity of his stethoscope and got a second one to verify the result he found hard to believe. This work ethic landed me in hospital with stomach ulcers.
In the late seventies I felt I couldn’t go on and left the Brothers. It has been a difficult journey since then owing to ill-health, but I think I always will remain a Brother at heart.

My memories remain of great men like Bernadine Thomas and Salvius Marques, giving their all to us youngsters – of Patrick Harty, Con Campbell and many others who have been a vital part of my life. I think often of them and bless them for that they did for me over the years. I know that we shall all meet one day as a family in heaven.

News from the Edmund Rice Centre, Mirrabooka...

Br Steve Bowman reports the past six months have been busier than usual at the Edmund Rice Centre in Mirrabooka with a large number of recently arrived Refugee families accessing the services provided by the Brothers and Edmund Rice Family volunteers at the Centre. The following is a summary of news and a number of opportunities where you might like to assist Refugee Families, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.

Adult Classes for Refugees...

OUR CURRENT ENROLMENT IS IN THE ORDER OF 140 attending one or more of the 32 classes being offered. The majority of clients are learning English but Computer Studies and the Art and Craft classes are also popular. Mrs Julie MacRae and the ladies in the Patchwork Quilting class have been producing some magnificent quilts ­ true works of art! We are very fortunate to have the services of a very dedicated and hardworking team of volunteer teachers who turn up every week to teach their class group. The teachers are very adaptable as new enrolments each week are a part of everyday life at the Centre.

Refugee Leisure Program...

LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH are offered every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. The program is organised by Melanie Van Hek (Social Worker), Steven Feehan (Indigenous Worker), Br. Jim van der Zalm and supported by a very committed team of volunteers, many of whom are also involved with Edmund Rice Camps. Some eighty-four young people are currently enrolled in the program with an average of twenty one attending each of the sessions. Our program is published and circulated at the beginning of each month and is available from the Centre.

A very special need – support for “unaccompanied minors” – CAN YOU HELP?

IN PERTH TODAY there are some forty-five Refugee youth between the ages of 13 and 17 who have been released from one of the detention centres and in most cases do not have the support of any family. Most of these young people have fled from Afghanistan. They really love their soccer, so with the support of the WA Amateur & Social Soccer Association we are endeavouring to provide training sessions for these young people beginning in the next few weeks. One of the challenges is to equip them for the game. We have managed to get access to good quality soccer boots at a heavily reduced price of $20/pair. We have also applied for funds from various grant organizations to purchase other soccer equipment and uniforms. However if some of our readers would like to give one of these young men an early Christmas present (i.e a pair of soccer boots) you could forward your cheque made out to "The Edmund Rice Centre" PO Box 613 MIRRABOOKA, WA 6941. PS: As a matter of interest the Edmund Rice Family group known as ERFLINK is organising an outing to Pt Walter for these young people on Sunday 16th December.

Material support wanted to Refugee Families

THIS ONGOING AND VERY PRACTICAL SUPPORT for newly arrived Refugee Families continues to gain momentum. So far this year approximately eighty-two families have been assisted with the setting up of their households through the provision of donated household goods. This work is done in conjunction with the St. Vincent de Paul, Migrant and Refugee Committee coordinated by Br. Geoff Seaman. Mrs Betty O'Neill and Mrs Ilma Newman do a magnificent job at the Centre sorting, cleaning and packing donated goods for distribution to families. We have quite a large network of people in the community who make regular donations of crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, linen, blankets and furniture. If you would like to support this work you could ring the Centre on 9440 0625 and we will arrange for these items to be collected.

Edmund Rice Volunteer Community Project for Perth...

THE PROVINCE LEADERSHIP TEAM IS SPONSORING A NEW INITIATIVE of an Edmund Rice Volunteer Community in Perth. The main purpose of this project is to provide a new opportunity for those associated with the Edmund Rice Family to deepen their involvement in the mission and spirituality of Blessed Edmund Rice. Some of the key aims of this community are: To provide an opportunity for young adults (between 20 & 40 years of age) to experience working with the poor supported by a community shaped by Gospel values. To grow in awareness and appreciation of Edmund Rice spirituality within the framework of one's own life journey. To give opportunities for reflection and prayer. Community members would be required to: Live in community with 4 or 5 others (comprising Christian Bros, male & female lay members) Be with people who are marginalised through some part-time service. Commit themselves to the program from February to December. Be in good health. Be free from full-time study and work pressures. An information and informal discussion meeting regarding this project will be held at Holy Spirit Province Centre, 53 Redmond Street Manning, on Tuesday, 18th December, commencing at 7.30pm.

Are you searching for your “calling” in life?

Brian Coyne recently interviewed Br Brian Clery at Aquinas College for the College Annual. The thrust of the interview was about how we go about searching for our vocations in life. None of us ever really “sign up” for a vocation. Somewhere deep down in our being we answer a “call”. There are literally as many vocations as there are people on this planet. Each one of us is “called” to make a unique contribution to this whole complex business that keeps civilization ticking along in the right direction. From the viewpoint from which God must look at the universe, every job is as important as every other job. Somebody has to be Prime Minister and somebody has to ensure the toilets are kept clean. The article might be of interest to readers of Edmund Rice Family News who are either working in the field of assisting people discern what their calling might be and for those who are seeking to find their calling themselves. The complete article and interview can be found here.

What you need to know about the Bicentennial Celebrations...

The preparations for the Bicentennial of Edmund Rice Schools in 2002 are now well underway at the international, national and local levels. Br Pat Kelly is now coodinating the plans for Holy Spirit Provice. Daryl Barclay is the co-ordinator of the International Bicentenary Committee and Michael Dredge from St Mary's Province heads the National Committee.

Perhaps the BICENTENNIAL PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND IRELAND will be the most symbolic event that emphasises the international character of the work started by Blessed Edmund. The pilgrimage will leave Sydney in time to take in the Easter celebrations in Rome and arrive in Ireland in time to link up with a national pilgrimage in Ireland and the principal celebrations for the year being held by the Christian Brothers and the Presentation Brothers. Pilgrims have a choice of a 21-day pilgrimage which includes the Rome segment or joining the pilgrimage for the final 15-days in Ireland. For prices, details and to express your interest in participating contact Br Pat Kelly in Perth or Marguerite Ryan in Melbourne on 03 8359 0114 (email: mryan@spp.edmundrice.org).

In the Holy Spirit Province the MAIN CELEBRATION in WA will be held on Sunday 13th October and in SA on the following Sunday, 19th October.

A YOUTH LEADERS' CONFERENCE for head students from Edmund Rice schools will be held at the end of January just before the commencement of the school year. At the Youth Leaders Conference the delegates will be presented with the Bicentennial banners to take back to their schools for their local celebrations. In SA a gathering of all staff in Edmund Rice Schools will be held on Friday 25th January and in WA a similar gathering will be held on Friday, 10th May shortly after Edmund Rice's birthday on 5th May.

EDDIE RICE CAMP LEADERS from Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand will be attending Edmund Rice Camps in the Australian provinces in January before themselves assembling at Moore River for their own conference from Jan 29th to Feb 3rd.

As part of your own preparations be sure to keep an eye on the various web sites not only for news but to pick up ideas and resources. The email/web edition of this newsletter contains a report from Ireland especially prepared for us by Donal O'Callaghan from the Bicentennial Office in Ireland has prepared a special report for this newsletter below. He includes details of a number of resources that might be of interest to schools and groups in Australia.

From the Edmund Rice Office, Dublin, Ireland...
A Special Focus on Schools in 2002

A special emphasis of the 2002 bicentennial celebrations in Ireland will be to mark the significant contribution that the Christian Brothers, the Presentation Brothers and their lay teaching colleagues have made in the field of education over two hundred years since Edmund Rice founded his first school in a converted stable in New Street, Waterford in 1802.

In particular a number of resources are being made available to schools, including innovative teaching materials such as a schools' version of the 'God is in the Ordinary' programme to be launched in December, a re-print of Frank Keane's excellent booklet on the life of Edmund Rice and a video presentation based upon the Edmund Rice icon to be completed during the course of the year.

A number of the 2002 events are specifically geared towards schools. The National Edmund Rice Awards ceremony will take place on May 2 at the Tallaght Arena. This will be the first time that all the participating schools will come together in one event to celebrate their achievements on a national basis. In addition to the presentation of awards, a major exhibition of school projects will be mounted.

Schools will be invited to send a delegation of students and accompanying staff to a Youth Forum to be held in Dublin Castle on 17 October. A number of high-profile speakers/contributors are being lined up for this event.

A Bicentenary Golf Classic for teachers and other school representatives will be held on a regional basis on three dates in May and June on three very prestigious golf courses and full details on the venues will be released very soon.

It is hoped that schools will be well represented by staff participation in 'Share the Vision', a three-day international celebration to be held at the RDS over the weekend 5 ­ 7 April. A first announcement flyer providing outline details has been distributed already and prospective participants will soon have an opportunity to book their places for the Friday evening Reception and Multicultural Event in the Concert Hall and the Saturday programme which has been named the 'Vision Forum' and will have workshops in areas such as Education, Youth Ministry and the Edmund Rice Family. Finally there will be an opportunity on the Sunday to attend the Bicentennial Eucharistic Celebration.

Schools are currently considering their own response to the Bicentenary and are looking at organising their own special events or mounting specific projects to mark the occasion, perhaps as part of a wider community celebration. This would be particularly apt where the Brothers have been an integral part of the local scene for many years. To this end schools are being supported, through a series of regional meetings and are being offered practical assistance, in the planning of activities to celebrate the Bicentenary.

A number of key resources are available to schools, including innovative teaching materials such as a teacher's handbook to accompany Teresa Pirola's 'God is in the Ordinary' text which will be launched in December, a re-print of Frank Keane's excellent booklet on the life of Edmund Rice and a video/CD Rom presentation based upon the Edmund Rice icon which will be available during the course of the year.

All teachers in Edmund Rice schools in Ireland have received complimentary Edmund Rice academic yearbooks, and in early December, commemorative calendars for staff, students and their families will be distributed.

Schools have also received information leaflets and specially designed commemorative posters, together with samples of various items of memorabilia such as banners for display in schools, the Bicentenary prayercard/bookmark and pens bearing the 2002 logo. Schools in Australia or any other country may wish to avail of these items which can be ordered from the Edmund Rice Office, St. Patrick's Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Telephone: 01- 8330566 Fax. 01-8330569 Email: info@er-in.com.

Eddie Rice Camp Volunteers kick up their heals!

The Social or Fundraising Committees in WA and SA have to be admired for the hours, effort and ingenuity which they put into the planning for the annual ERC Ball in each state. All the money raised goes towards funding for the holiday camp programmes. Those who attend and support the occasion know that they are helping a wonderful cause ­ and along the way they have a great time.

ERC SA had a most successful ball this year on Sunday 2nd September when they had 178 present to enjoy the night at the Stonysell Winery. The volunteers were overjoyed in raising $4,000 and have their eye on emulating the ERC in NSW where they somehow raised $15,000!!!
If hard work and effort were in proportion to the end result then WA ERC should have made a fortune. Unfortunately Friday 2nd Nov didn't prove a good night as the timing clashed with tertiary exams. However, the hundred or so who attended were enthusiastic in their praise of a good night.