THE ORDER OF ST AUGUSTINE osa

As Augustinians, our roots go back to St Augustine of Hippo, who lived from the year 354 until 430 in the Roman Empire. He was a man of great passion and intellect. It was natural for him to want to live his faith with real conviction and with a group of friends. So he established communities, based on his Rule of life, that were to live the Gospel and work in ministry.

After his death, his way of life continued through those who followed his Rule. Then in 1256, Pope Alexander IV saw value in drawing these different groups together into a new religious brotherhood in the Church, the Order of Saint Augustine. Today, we live on with some 3000 Augustinian brothers and priests in 40 countries. As Augustine’s Rule states, the principal reason for our coming together is that we "might live together in harmony, intent upon God, united in mind and heart".

As a group, we, Australian Augustinians, reaffirmed our charism as being called to continue the mission of Jesus, in the footsteps of St Augustine, by

• loving God in and through community;

• developing interiority and prayerfulness;

• manifesting the kindness, the gentleness, the humility and the friendship of Jesus in all our relationships;

• proclaiming for our times the Good News of God’s kingdom.

Our spirituality is based on our common search for God, highlighting the interconnectedness between God, self and others. This approach calls one to spend time in prayer, service and friendship.

Mission and Ministry:

We were not founded for any specific mission but to respond to the needs of the Church. So where do you find us in our work? There are those of us who:

• work in parishes, schools, hospitals and universities.

• work in chaplaincies to people living with AIDS and to Indigenous Australians.

• work in the areas of adult education, spiritual growth and direction.

• work overseas in the foreign missions, with three of our men presently working in South Korea to establish the Order there.
   

The point is that our areas of mission are not strictly confined to specific works and whatever we do is not as important as who we are. This is reflected in our Mission Statement where we state that "We share in the mission of Jesus by witnessing through community living to the primacy of love, both of God and neighbour:

• by living simple and prayerful lives;

• by responding to the needs of contemporary society;

• by confronting injustice, both individual and institutional;

• by promoting authentic Christian community.
   

Formation:

Within the Augustinians, formation is aimed at enhancing the individual’s overall development as a person and as a Christian. Our formation program gives the opportunity for an education and pastoral training that skills one for ministry in today’s world and Church, as a priest or brother. It aims to enable the person to make responsible decisions for his future.

While being adaptable to individual needs, the program is also structured, beginning with the person’s initial enquiry and moving on through a period of accompanied discernment and of coming to know self and the Order better. During this time, one has an Augustinian assigned as his companion and will take in a time of living in an Augustinian community.

If it is so discerned by both the applicant and the Order, one becomes a candidate for the Order and moves into the formal formation program, which follows the stages of
 

• Pre-novitiate which is a time of initial formation and preparation for novitiate.

• Novitiate which lasts a year and is run in Racine, Wisconsin where there is a combined novitiate for the English-speaking provinces of the Order.

• Augustinian Profession which is taken on a temporary basis for a minimum of three years after which one may make a life commitment to live and serve as an Augustinian.

• Preparation for Ministry which follows on from novitiate as a time for pursuing studies to equip one for ministry. 
   

VOCATION INFORMATION:

For more information about the Augustinians, please contact:

Fr Tony Banks OSA
Augustinian Vocations Director
PO Box 679
Brookvale NSW 2100

Telephone: 02 9938 0200
Facsimile: 02 9938 4465
Email: tonybanks@augustinians.org.au

THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CONGREGATION - sss 

MEMBERSHIP
We are an apostolic group of priests, deacons and brothers whose mission is to assist the Church in its efforts to form Christian communities and who centre their life on the Eucharist. We commit ourselves to the implementation of this mission in collaboration with lay men and women engaged in Christian ministries.
We seek to live a life of community where all are accepted by making public profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience according to our Rule of Life.

FOUNDER
We were founded on 13 May 1856 in Paris, by Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868) who was canonized by Pope Blessed John XXIII at the Second Vatican Council in 1962. Ask about the Melbourne miracle. St Peter Julian was placed on the universal calendar of the Church in 1996 and his feast day is observed on 2 August.

HISTORY
Since our foundation in 1856 our priests, deacons, and brothers, together with our Sister Congregation of religious women, have reached all continents of the globe and continue the mission begun by St. Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist.
Like St. Peter Julian, Blessed Sacrament Religious want the Mystery of the Eucharist to be loved and lived in its fullness. We believe that Christ in the Eucharist has the power to effect a radical transformation in our society and in all people. The power of the Eucharist motivates and strengthens all to work for the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom on earth.
The Congregation now has just over 900 religious around the world with two archbishops and six bishops in mainly Third World countries. Our Australian foundation dates from 1929 at St Francis Church, Melbourne.

CHARISM
Our Charism is based on the Eucharistic life of St Peter Julian - Founder: “Stay with us, Lord, for it is almost evening”. We seek to live the Eucharist not only as celebration, but also as a way of life. Blessed Sacrament Religious share a common mission: to allow the mystery of the Eucharist to take hold of our lives so completely that we live this mystery fully and proclaim its meaning through many diverse ministries.
We proclaim the reality of God’s love in the Eucharist by our “gift of self” to Him and to our brothers and sisters. By prayer in the presence of the abiding sacrament and through an active apostolic life.
Our Eucharistic evangelizing includes celebrating the sacraments, writing, teaching, preaching, counselling, and working for justice. We promote the Second Vatican Council’s call for an ever deeper understanding of a contemporary Eucharistic Spirituality, and promote other liturgical and devotional materials related to the Eucharist. We minister to priests and religious, and we collaborate with committed laity to share a common call to live fully the Eucharistic life.
We promote a parish based catechetical program of Eucharistic Evangelization called Life in the Eucharist (LITE). LITE is a worldwide movement comprised of laity, religious, and clergy who commit themselves to empowering Catholics to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Eucharistic Mystery. Lay teams, in collaboration with - Religious of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, - other religious, - and diocesan clergy, promote and facilitate the LITE Seminar.
The Eucharist as sacrament of unity sees us active in the ecumenical movement. We bring the Eucharistic Lord to the sick in hospital and to those house-bound. Our communities seek to become - places of proclamation - places of prayer, and festive celebration, - places of sharing and fellowship, - places of freedom and human development and - oases of peace and reconciliation in the midst of busy city-centres.

 

Mission and Ministry:

We focus on Eucharistic mission which takes many forms:

• celebration of the Eucharist
   

• prayer and contemplation
   

• ministry of preaching the Word of God
   

• ministry of reconciliation
   

• liturgical education and formation
   

• chaplaincies to lay groups and tertiary students
   

• pastoral counselling
   

• spiritual direction

Formation:

Candidates are introduced by stages into the Congregation, under the guidance of a director. In the beginning they live outside our communities. Later on they become postulants and share the life of one or more of our communities.

The pre-novitiate consists of two phases: aspirancy and postulancy.

Aspirancy is a time of preliminary enquiry. The aspirant dialogues with the Director of Initial Formation. There is occasional participation in community activities such as prayer services and meals, engagement in some ministry and guided reading. The person continues to live at home and work as usual and maintain financial independence.

Postulancy is preparation for entry into the novitiate by helping the potential member discern his call to our particular way of life. Mature age candidates are welcome. The postulant ordinarily takes up residency in one of our communities whilst maintaining his existing employment, studies or professional activities. Postulancy is normally not less than six months and no more than two years.

The aim of SSS formation is to lead persons who feel called by God to live the mystery of the Eucharist fully and to make its meaning known. The goal of the formation process is to help an individual discern the call of God in his life, identify the gifts the Lord has given him, and mature and develop these gifts in order that he may offer his life unreservedly for the sake of the Kingdom, in brotherhood and apostolic service within the Congregation.

Initial formation is effected in three stages: the first emphasizes the personal discovery of Christ; the second focuses on vocation, on initiation into religious life especially as it is lived in our Congregation; the third aims at integrating religious life, studies and apostolic experience into a unified whole.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Director: Fr Patrick Negri SSS

Blessed Sacrament Provincial Officer
PO Box 229,
KEW EAST VIC 3120

Email PNegri@blessedsacrament.com.au
Phone: (03) 9859 0888
 

Cappuchin Franciscan Friars - ofm

By the sixteenth century the Friars Minor had grown into a large, complex institution. Friars seeking a simpler lifestyle were gradually formed into a distinct branch of the Order known as the Capuchins. Many of the first Capuchins were attracted to contemplative prayer in hermitages, which they combined with travelling preaching.
At present about 12,000 Capuchins live and work in every part of the world. One third of us live and work in underdeveloped countries. In the Southeast Asia-Pacific region, to which Australia belongs, there are more than 500 Capuchin friars. The Order is a community of brothers, who strive to live the Gospel, following the Rule of St. Francis, in a spirit of simple brotherhood and service, taking the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and living in community.

Mission and Ministry:

Initially the Capuchins were asked to come to Australia following the Second World War to work among the post-war European migrants.

Today the Capuchins live in fraternities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Our primary ministry is to live the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and this is lived out through a variety of ministries including the pastoral care of several parishes, the National Shrine to St Anthony in Victoria, chaplaincy, migrant work, youth and various other ministries, including service to the poor. In living the Gospel fraternal life, we love the Church and seek to work in harmony with the local Church and help meet its needs. While the talents of the individual are respected as gifts of God, a high priority is placed upon fraternity in prayer, in work and in daily living.

Pope John Paul II described the life and activity of the Capuchins as: "A truly brotherly life based on simplicity and evangelical charity, open to the meaning of the universal brotherhood of all people and indeed of all creatures... a most eloquent witness... to a society such as ours which is so strongly marked by inequality and by a spirit of wanting to prevail over others." (July 5, 1982)

Formation:

The goal of formation is to have friars who are first and foremost committed to Capuchin Franciscan values: fraternity, contemplation, service, and poverty. So that, whatever ministry they may find themselves doing, they will bring a Capuchin Franciscan spirituality to bear in it.

The first five years of formation are identical for all candidates:

1st Year: Postulancy - a time for the candidate to share more intensely our life of prayer, fraternity and ministry.

2nd Year: Novitiate - a time of deeper study of Capuchin Franciscan spirituality, a deeper experience of the contemplative life and preparation for commitment to our Order through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

3rd - 5th Year: Post-Novitiate - the young friar is guided through the relevant studies to complete his initial Capuchin formation, as well as participating in various ministries of the Order. At the end of this period there is also the possibility of making a final (life) commitment to the Order.

6th - 10th Year: if the friar desires to be ordained to the priesthood then studies for the priesthood begin. Friars who do not desire priesthood but may desire theological (or other) studies for particular ministries begin them at this stage.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr Robert Stewart OFM Cap
National Vocations Director
P.O. Box 1061
LEICHHARDT NSW 2040

Telephone: 02 9518 0868

Mobile: 0411 034 147

Emailvocations@capuchinfriars.org.au

The Discalced Carmelite Friars

The founder or founders of the Carmelites are unknown. They began at the end of the 12th C. on Mount Carmel in northern Palestine, modern day Israel, when a group of men gathered together to live a life of solitude and prayer. From their beginnings they drew inspiration from and were devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the prophet Elijah. With the expulsion of the Crusaders in the 13th C, the Friars (Brothers) moved back to Europe and flourished there. The nuns founded in the mid 15th C. were reformed by St. Teresa of Avila in 1562 and shortly afterwards in 1567 she initiated a reform of the Friars with the help of St. John of the Cross which eventually gave rise to what we know today as the Discalced Carmelite Friars. We number about 4000 men worldwide and we strive to give primacy to the cultivation of a life of prayer and solitude while also being involved in a multiplicity of apostolates. We have three communities in Australia, two in Sydney and one in Perth.

Mission and Ministry:

The fruitfulness of our ministry springs from our prayer; our most characteristic apostolate is to assist people to develop their Christian life through spiritual direction and teaching about prayer. This work is the main work of our community at our Retreat Centre situated on a beautiful 200 hectare property about 60km south west of Sydney but is also carried on by friars resident in the other communities. In this we draw on our rich Carmelite heritage and especially on the teachings of Sts. Teresa, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux and other Carmelite authors. Our other main apostolates are our pastoral care for our sisters, the Carmelite nuns, for the Secular Carmelites (OCDS), lay people who are members of the Order and for the three parishes in which we minister.

Formation:

After initial contact with those involved in promoting vocations the inquirer may be asked to live in one of our houses for a period of a year or more to discern if he is called to be a member of the Order; this is referred to as Postulancy. If one is accepted he then enters into formation proper by receiving the habit of the Order and thus beginning a year in which he is initiated into the way of life of the Order in an intensive way.  This is called Noviciate and it usually takes one year; it is characterised by an emphasis on solitude and prayer. Following the noviciate the candidate makes his First Profession, that is, he makes a commitment to the Order. He now begins the studies which will prepare him mainly for his future apostolic life. However he continues his specifically Carmelite formation by his living the life of the Order in community and by his continued study of the Carmelite heritage, all of which prepare him for his definitive commitment which normally follows after five years. Those who are called to the priesthood would, because of an added year of pastoral formation, would normally be ordained after 6 years.

THE CISTERCIAN MONKS osco

 

The Cistercian way of life has its origin in the sixth-century monastic rule written by St Benedict, following a twelfth-century reform at the monastery of Cîteaux (Latin Cistercium) in Burgundy. This updating sought for a more simple lifestyle marked by poverty and self-support together with a renewed emphasis on the contemplative life. St Bernard of Clairvaux is one of the well-known Cistercians of the period. In the twelfth century hundreds of monasteries were founded throughout Europe.

The Cistercian Order has survived many ups and downs during its 900 years of existence, including the Black death, the suppression of monasteries at the time of the Reformation, the French Revolution and religious discrimination and persecution in many European countries. There was a major reform during the seventeenth century associated with the abbey of La Trappe and from which the nickname "Trappist" derives.
Meanwhile the Cistercian monasteries increased in number and spread beyond Europe. Today the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance numbers 103 monasteries of monks and 72 monasteries of nuns in every continent.
Tarrawarra is the only Cistercian Abbey in Australia.

The Cistercian Order has raised up many saints during its long history. Among those recognised in the twentieth century are Blessed Gabriella Sagghedu (Italy), Blessed Michael Tansi (Nigeria and England), Blessed Raphael Arnáiz Barón (Spain), Blessed Joseph Cassant (France) as well as many martyrs in the Netherlands, China, France, Spain, Algeria and New
Guinea. Following the example of the great mystical doctors of medieval times are many authors of books on spirituality, the most prominent of whom in recent times has been Thomas Merton of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky.

Tarrawarra Abbey was established in the Yarra Valley, some 60 km from Melbourne in 1954. The founders came from Mount Saint Joseph Abbey in Ireland, at the invitation of Dr Daniel Mannix, the Archbishop of Melbourne.

First living in the large house already on the 400-hectare property, we have since built a church, accommodation units for the increasing number of monks and, to mark our Golden Jubilee, a monastic library. In addition, as means
of self-support we have improved the farm economy and established a eucharistic breads business. The monastery has a small guest house for those who wish to enjoy the solitude and peace of the monastic environment, and the possibility of participating in the Liturgy of the Hours.

Tarrawarra is part of an international order of monks and nuns; we are involved in many projects with other monasteries worldwide, especially with those in the Asia-Pacific region. Two monks from Tarrawarra have been elected abbots elsewhere, one in the Philippines and one in New Zealand. In 1998 we accepted responsibility for Kurisumala Ashram in India. As well as the Irish founders and Australians who have since joined, our community has welcomed into its midst recruits from different parts of Asia where no Cistercian monastery exists.

Mission and Ministry:
 

Tarrawarra is a contemplative community. The primary goal of our life is to seek God in prayer. The monk's day is structured around communal prayer: the celebration of a daily Eucharist and the singing of the Liturgy of the Hours, beginning in the early morning and continuing until the day's end. This communal prayer is supported by the practice of personal prayer and meditation and ample daily opportunity for sacred reading (lectio divina). We live in a lifelong community so that our spiritual search is supported and guided by brothers animated with the same zeal and pursing the same ideal. We live a simple and austere life, seeking a balance between prayer, work and study. We support ourselves by our work and try to be good stewards of the land and resources entrusted to us.

Prayer is our life and our apostolate. Through our guest house, we offer hospitality to those who seek to participate for a time in the monastic ambience.

Formation:
 

Our acceptance of Catholic men into our community is decided on an individual basis discerned through a period of mutual contact of increasing depth. Those who enter are able to begin living monastic life immediately, though they will pass through several stages of formation over a minimum of six years. During this time they will be guided in their spiritual life through personal direction and a program of monastic education. After profession, some may continue their studies either for priesthood or for other services in the community.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr Michael Casey OCSO (Vocation Director)
 

Tarrawarra Abbey

659 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road

YARRA GLEN Vic 3775
 

Telephone: (03) 9730 1306

Fax: (03) 9730 1749

email: tarabbey@ozemail.com.au

Website

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES - svd

The Society of the Divine Word is an international community of Catholic missionaries: priests and brothers, founded in 1875 by a German priest, St. Arnold Janssen. He built a missionary training center in Holland. Within four years, he sent the first Divine Word Missionaries to China, among them was Joseph Freinademetz, SVD, now a saint. 

The Divine Word Missionaries primarily work where the Gospel has not yet been preached at all or only insufficiently and where the local church is not yet viable on its own. The mission of the Society of the Divine Word is to carry out Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to all nations through pastoral and sacramental ministry, teaching and working among those in need. The society has shown a steady growth in membership since World War II. Presently there are more than 6,000 priests and brothers serving in 70 countries in the world.

God’s loving grace gathered us from various peoples and continents into a religious missionary community dedicated to Christ, the Divine Word.

Mission and Ministry

As Divine Word Missionaries, we are men of prayer and faith, embodying the mission expressed in our SVD Constitution’s preamble: “He made the goodness and kindness of God visible in his life and service to all.”

Every member is involved in a particular and unique ministry as we spread the Word of God. We serve where the Gospel has not yet been preached and where the local church is not yet established.

• We are working world-wide in various ministries that include:

• Parish pastoral and sacramental ministries

• Educational and religious training and teaching

• Evangelization

• Youth, adult and family programs and service

• Lay leadership programs

• Healthcare ministries

• Counseling and chaplaincy services

• Economic, justice and peace ministries

• Interreligious dialogue ministries

• Spiritual direction

Charism

As Divine Word Missionaries, our charism has continued to grow in the spirit of our founder, St. Arnold Janssen. He envisioned a missionary order of priests and brothers who would go everywhere the Gospel had not yet to be proclaimed. He is the man of faith and prayer who had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin, the Archangels, the Holy Trinity and in particular, to the Holy Spirit, who represents the Divine Word as expressed in the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word…” Our Society of the Divine Word derives its name and mission from this favorite passage of St. Arnold Janssen.

Our international community life and ministry is a special charism of our society. We are now fulfilling St. Arnold’s dream that is a global missionary congregation.  Members from many nations live, work and minister together in an intercultural environment. Serving in the far-reaching missions of the Catholic Church, we preach the Word where it has not yet been heard.   

Our SVD members profess vows of consecrated chastity, evangelical poverty and apostolic obedience. We learn the languages and cultures of those whom we serve, and are open to leaving our home countries to minister in any one of our society’s global missions. Utilizing our particular gifts, we minister as pastors, teachers and administrators- or we may use our talents in areas like science, technology and practical skills, living and working side by side with those we serve.

“As members of the Society of the Divine Word, we consider it our duty to proclaim the word of God to all, to bring new communities into being within the people of God, to foster their growth and to promote communion among them as well as with the whole Church. We work first and foremost where the Gospel has not been preached at all or only insufficiently and where the local church is not viable on its’ own. Other tasks must be oriented towards these primary aims.” (SVD Constitutions)

Formation:

POSTULANCY: Postulancy is seen as the first of experience of community life for the candidate. It is a time to deepen the understanding of his own vocation, and to experience religious missionary life in the community.

NOVITIATE: Novitiate provides a special time and environment for the nurturing and deepening of his growing vocation. The Novitiate will build upon what is already underway in a person’s life.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME: The academic program is based in Box Hill, Victoria. We study philosophy and theology at the Yarra Theological Union College (YTU). We also combine this with pastoral exposure. Students need to fulfill two or three years OTP course (Overseas Training Program). Some students undertake professional courses at universities. 

We invite you to follow Jesus Christ.  Be a Divine Word missionary for Christ’s mission is our mission.  Join us and you will be happy to fulfill your missionary dream of working with God’s own people!

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr. Viet Nguyen SVD
Divine Word Missionaries
Residential Address: 199 Epping Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122
Postal address: Locked Bag 3, Epping NSW 1710

Email: svdvocations@divineword.com.au 

Tel: +61 (02) 9868 9062

The Dominican Story
 

St Dominic de Guzman founded his Order of Preachers in 1216, to respond to a desperate need for sound, orthodox preaching in the face of a fatally confused notion of God, of Christ and his Church. His vision grew as he saw the need for sound preaching for the whole Church in every age. St Dominic's age was not unlike our own - one in need of a new evangelisation with so many baptised Catholics so far from their faith. The Friars Preachers were to be modern apostles, sent out to the rest of the world to preach the truth of the one God who revealed himself in the Lord Jesus, the Word made flesh.

Mission and Ministry:

The Dominicans were founded, from the beginning, "..especially for preaching and the salvation of souls." Because of this, we Dominicans offer ourselves in a new way to the universal Church, dedicating ourselves entirely to the complete evangelisation of the Word of God to all men and women, groups and communities, believers and non-believers and especially the poor. Attentive to the dynamism of modern society, we insist on the necessity of establishing our preaching on the new experiences and realities that contemporary men and women daily bring to the Christian faith.

Formation:

In answer to the question: "What would you look for in an aspiring Dominican?", Fr Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., Master of the Order 1992-2001, replied as follows: "A certain passion for life; that he should want passionately to understand the Scriptures; that he should passionately want to care for people .. but also curiosity. He should be puzzled by things, always questioning and not fobbed off by easy answers .. and prayer. Without the well-spring of prayer, one would run dry and have nothing worth saying."

Candidates are not normally admitted to the Novitiate earlier than the year in which their nineteenth birthday occurs. Candidates for priestly ministry need to be capable of tertiary study, and those for the brothers' life for study and training to develop their natural talents. The life of a Dominican calls for men who enjoy normal good health of mind and body.

Formation within the Dominican Order is a life-long process. Every friar is called to constant conversion; his vocation must mature continuously as he makes his own the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is, however, an initial period wherein the basic values and ideas of the Dominican charism are laid down. This we call initial formation.

The first year is called the Novitiate. This engages the novice in the dynamics of community living, and challenges him about the importance of concern for and openness with his brothers. In the Novitiate, he studies the theology of the vows, Dominican history, the Constitutions of the Order, the liturgy and various ways of prayer. The novice is called to live and love life to the full as if he had taken the vows already.

The Novitiate concludes with profession of simple (temporary) vows. For those called to the ministerial priesthood, formal academic studies begin in Melbourne. The initial academic programme lasts for six years and can lead to post-graduate study. The six years include a year of full-time pastoral work. Throughout the initial programme, each student participates in some form of supervised pastoral work.

Following a common Novitiate with the clerical novices, the friars called to the brothers' life begin a period of education and training which is individually arranged to equip them for their diverse roles in the life of the Province.

Once a brother has completed his first three years in simple vows, he may apply to take vows for life: Solemn vows, as we call them. Clerical brothers in Solemn vows are ordained to the Diaconate at the completion of their studies. Usually, a friar-deacon will spend a year exercising the ministry he received at ordination. He then proceeds to the Presbyterate (Priesthood).

VOCATION INFORMATION:

For more information about the Dominicans, please contact:

Fr Dominic Murphy, O.P.
Provincial Promoter of Vocations
St James' Priory
2 Woolley Street
Glebe NSW 2037

Phone: (02) 9660 9839
Fax: (02) 9660 3241
Mobile: 0418 245 394

Email:dom.murphy@op.org

THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS - OFM STORY
 

In 1206, during his trial for theft, Francis of Assisi stripped himself naked and declared he was in debt to no-one except his Father in Heaven. That act startled many people but it also started many thinking.

As Francis wandered the towns of central Italy in a life of complete simplicity patterned on the Gospels, he attracted followers who were inspired to join him and become what Francis called "Fools for God" and "Herald's of God's peace."

They became known as the "little brothers" or "Friars Minor" and, together with Francis, lived a life of the Gospel, showing to those around them the values of peace, simplicity, joy and respect for the environment they learned from Christ. Tens of Thousands have joined that movement in the centuries since and the friars of Australia keep alive the vision of Francis of Assisi in this land.

Mission and ministry:

Francis had no particular mission or task in mind for his friars - as long as they did some sort of work. For us still today, "what" one does is not nearly so important as "how" one does it. For us, the priority is a life in Gospel brotherhood that shows the Franciscan virtues of peace, joy and compassion. Our first mission is to be brothers - not just to ourselves but to all.

This means we try and use the gifts and talents that a person brings to us and that friars can be either ordained or not. Some of us might be priests but all of us are brothers.

Some of the ministries in which Australian Friars serve are:

• Providing counselling and assistance to young people in need
• Serving as Pastors in parishes around Australia
• Chaplains in hospitals and schools
• Working with migrants and refugees
• Lecturing at tertiary level and teaching in schools
• Counselling for families in difficulty
• Operating a printing business
• Librarians
• Ethicist at a hospital
• Assisting the homeless with food
• Involvement with environmental groups
• Nursing
• Working with the Deaf...

and whatever job you might bring!

Formation:

Learning to be a friar is largely done on the job - by living as a friar in a community with other friars. By living as one of us, you will come to know the message of Francis and the Gospel lifestyle and also come to discern whether this is a lifestyle to which you are suited. Some times in formation will be more given to study, others to prayer and others to work.

We ask to know you for some time before joining us - and for you to know us too! After an initial experience living with us for a year, you would spend a spiritual year in novitiate before spending 3-6 years "trying out" a vowed lifestyle while you undertook studies and preparation for your ministry. This might involve university study, apprenticeship or occupational training depending on your own skills and talents.

During this time, you are encouraged to grow as a human, Christian and Franciscan and be confident in any choice you might make to live as a follower of Francis for life.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr Paul Ghanem ofm
Vocation Director
47 Victoria Street
Waverley NSW 2024

vocations@franciscans.org.au

Ph: (02) 9369 9369
Monile: 0408 163 257

THE JESUITS - SOCIETY OF JESUS - SJ
 

St Ignatius of Loyola was born 500 years ago (1491) in Loyola, in the Basque country of northern Spain.

"Up to the age of twenty-six, he was a man given to the follies of the world: and what he enjoyed most was warlike sport, with a great and foolish desire to win fame." While he was fighting against the French at Pamplona, his leg was shattered by a cannon ball and he was forced to endure a long and painful convalescence. "As he was much given to reading worldly books of fiction ... when he felt better he asked to be given some of them to pass the time. They gave him a Life of Christ and a book of the lives of the saints ..." (Autobiography).

He was moved as never before. Dreaming of fame and honour excited him, but never fulfilled him. He noticed the difference, taking note of his feelings and reflecting on them. This led him to experience a lasting peace and a burning desire to follow Christ.

As soon as he could walk again, Ignatius left everything and set out as a pilgrim in search of a new way. In Manresa he chose a small cave, near the river Cardoner. Through hours of prayer he discovered the call of Christ, personally and radically. Ignatius wanted to be totally available for God's work and to spend himself in the service of those most in need. So he offered his whole life to Christ. Later he wrote the Spiritual Exercises, which have helped countless people to discover in Christ the answer to their deepest desires.

Ignatius gathered around him young men like Francis Xavier. They shared his vision, wanting to be at the service of all, in a union of minds and hearts. When this group around Ignatius realised that they needed to bond themselves to each other and to the service of the Church, they formed the Society of Jesus. The Order was officially approved by Pope Paul III on 27 September 1540.

Mission and Ministry:

There are many urgent needs today, to which we Jesuits feel called to dedicate our efforts. There is great variety in the works we do.

• We are involved in education at all levels throughout Australia. Our principal concern is to form men and women for others, people who will help bring about in society Christ's kingdom of justice, love and peace.
   
• We are particularly concerned about questions of faith and justice in Australia and overseas. Some Jesuits live and work among the more deprived members of Australian society: the unemployed, the homeless, the drug addicted, those with mental illness, the sick and dying, and remote Aboriginal communities.
   
• We do parish work which involves administering the sacraments, reconciling the estranged, seeking justice and Christian unity.
   
• We guide people through the experience of Ignatius Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, direct retreat centres, work among the young in community projects, produce publications, engage in writing and media work. We also have our own winery that produces sacramental wine for Australian and overseas markets.
   
• The Jesuits work in countries around the world.

Formation:

We begin with a two-year novitiate: a time of prayer, reflection and service. The Spiritual Exercises lie at the heart of the novitiate experience. At the end of this period, we take perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.

Candidates for the Priesthood then begin ecclesial studies at tertiary level. They study philosophy, scripture, systematic and pastoral theology, over a period of six years. After the third year comes two years of working and living in community with other Jesuits. These two years are called regency. When the final three years of ecclesial studies and preparation for priesthood are completed, the scholastic is ordained. Those who have not completed a secular degree before entry are given the opportunity to complete a degree that will benefit their future ministry. For those who already have a degree, opportunities may be given to complete a higher degree.

Jesuit Brothers, after the novitiate receive formation in theology and have two years working in an apostolic community. If they have not had secular training, opportunities are provided to acquire professional skills for a wide range of roles in our apostolates.

After a number of years in full-time ministry, formal training ends with a year of prayer, study, reflection and service, including once more the Spiritual Exercises of thirty days. This period is called 'tertianship'.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Please contact:

Fr Edward Dooley SJ
Holy Family Parish
PO Box 86
Mt Druitt NSW 2770

Phone: 02 9628 7272
Mobile: 0439 022 811

Email:  dooley@holyfamily.org.au

THE MARIST FATHERS - SOCIETY OF MARY sm

In 1816, a group of priests and seminarians met at Fourviere in France, and pledged themselves to begin a new religious order, dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. From this beginning, four separate but linked Marist groups developed: the Marist Fathers (SM), the Marist Brothers (FMS), the Marist Sisters (SM), and the Marist Missionary Sisters.

The Marist Fathers were officially approved by the Church in 1836. Many of the early members were sent as missionaries to the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. A community of Marists was established in Sydney in 1845 as a supply base and administrative centre for Marist missionaries working in the Pacific.

The founder and first General Superior of the Marist Fathers was John Claude Colin. It was he who put into written form the key ideas of our Marist spirituality, our way of believing and working. Marists, from the beginning, have projected a down to earth approach to ministry, working shoulder to shoulder with people rather than trying to direct people from above. Marists emphasise a merciful approach in their preaching and in the confessional; they try not to be judgemental. They attempt to model themselves on Mary, the mother of Jesus, who lived a life characterised by simplicity, openness to God's will, and compassion for those in trouble.

Mission and Ministry:

Marists are open to engaging in all forms of ministry. We aim to make ourselves available for whatever is most urgent and most difficult. The first Marists devoted themselves to rebuilding the neglected parish communities of rural France, ministry to youth and families through secondary schools, and preaching the Gospel to the peoples of the South Pacific.

Currently, there are just on 100 Marists in the Australian Province. Close by, there are larger Provinces of Marists in New Zealand and the Pacific islands.

Members of the Marist Fathers Australian Province are presently engaged in the following work:
 

• Missionaries in Japan, and working among Aboriginal people in Australia

• Parishes in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania

• Chaplains in schools, hospitals, prisons, and police departments

• Secondary education

• University and seminary lecturers

• Adult faith development and education

• Writing and publishing

• Supervising and funding development projects in Asia and the Pacific

• Counselling and spiritual direction

Formation:

Anyone interested in becoming a Marist is invited to enter into a programme of Accompaniment, involving regular meetings with a designated Marist for perhaps 12 months. This enables the enquirer to learn more about the Marist way of life, and to come to a realistic decision about whether to apply to join the Marist Fathers.

The Marist Fathers Australian and New Zealand Provinces have a combined formation programme, based at Auckland in New Zealand. Entrants would spend 1-2 years at preliminary theological studies in Auckland, before commencing an international English-speaking novitiate in the United States.

After the novitiate programme, which takes 12 months, candidates return to Auckland for several years to complete their theological studies. Opportunities for pastoral experience are provided throughout the formation programme, including an extended period living and working with a Marist community.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like information about the Marist Fathers please contact:
 

Fr Pius Jones SM
Vocations Promoter
200 Glengala Road
SUNSHINE VIC 3020
NSW 2066

Phone: 03 9363 2195

Oblates of Mary Immaculate

We are a congregation of priests and brothers, founded in France in 1816 by Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861). As a member of the French nobility, Eugene was forced into exile with his parents during the French Revolution. Upon his return to France as a young adult, he decided to leave behind his aristocratic lifestyle and dedicate himself to God. He was ordained a diocesan priest in 1811. However, his dream was to reach the many poor people of southern France who had lost contact with the Church during such turbulent times. Thus, he gathered around him a small band of like-minded priests and began the "Missionaries of Provence". The group preached missions throughout the countryside and also worked with youth, prisoners and the sick. They received papal approval in 1826 and changed their name to the "Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate". An ‘Oblate’ is someone who offers their life in service to God and the needs of His poor. The congregation quickly grew in numbers and Eugene was able to send his men to the mission fields opening up in other countries: Canada, Sri Lanka, South Africa and England. The Oblate motto is: He has sent me to preach the good news to the poor. In fact, the pope once described us as "specialists in the most difficult missions". As well as being the founder of the Oblates, Eugene also became bishop of Marseilles during his lifetime and was canonised a saint on December 3, 1995.

Mission and Ministry:

Today there are about 5,000 Oblates working in 65 countries around the world. One of the distinctive features of the Oblates is that we do not restrict our mission to any specific work. Our rule states that "there is no ministry which is foreign to us provided we never lose sight of the Congregation’s primary purpose: to evangelise the most abandoned". Thus you will find Oblates involved in a great variety of ministries.

The Oblates came to Australia in 1894 when we began working in Fremantle, Perth. Since then we have expanded and now have houses in every mainland state as well as New Zealand, and a mission in Hong Kong, China. Our men have also been sent to overseas missions such as Indonesia, Tahiti and South Africa. Our work in Australia consists of a range of ministries:
 

• parishes
• mission team (two men working on parish renewal programmes throughout Australia)
• secondary colleges (as teachers, chaplains, counsellors)
• youth work (including an outreach to streetkids in Brisbane and Melbourne called "Rosies")
• prison chaplaincy
• hospital chaplaincy
• army chaplaincy
• tertiary education (lecturers in history, philosophy and theology)
• counselling (psychologists and family therapists)

Formation:

As with any religious order, preparation for life-long commitment and full-time ministry with the Oblates requires time and specialised training. Those training to be Oblates reside at St Mary’s Seminary, Melbourne. Here they live together with other Oblates as a community.

The first year at St Mary’s is called the "pre-novitiate" and its aim is to help the person adapt to the challenges of living in community. During this first year, students usually begin their theological studies. The second year is special and is called the "novitiate". There is less emphasis on study and more on the individual person’s spiritual journey and the charism of the Oblate congregation. At the end of this year, the novice is able to take his first vows for one year. At this point he officially begins religious life under the ideals of simplicity of lifestyle (poverty), freedom to love all (celibacy) and availability to serve (obedience). After the novitiate, the students once again continue their theological studies. Classes are held at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne and the programme allows the student to obtain degrees such as the Bachelor of Theology and the Masters of Theology. They may also study an Arts degree at Monash University as well as a Diploma in Education. During these years, there is an opportunity to develop pastoral skills via a variety of experiences such as visiting the sick, working with youth, helping the aged, burying the dead etc. The student is allowed to take final vows (ie life commitment) only after at least three years of temporary annual vows. Those preparing for priesthood are ordained deacons and priests after this, at the conclusion of their studies.

Those who are genuinely interested in experiencing Oblate life first-hand, but are not yet sure if this is really their vocation, are invited to spend some time with us at St Mary’s. You can organise to continue your work or studies, or even try your hand at some introductory theological studies. The length of such an experience is flexible (from a month to a year). You can discuss the details with the staff of St Mary’s.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like to know more about the Oblate life and mission, please contact:

Fr John Sherman OMI   (Vocations Director)
Mazenod College,
PO Box 286
5 Kernot Avenue
MULGRAVE   VIC   3170

Mobile: 0411 8825 701
E-mail:jsherman@oblates.com.au

THE CONVENTUAL FRANCISCANS - OFM CONV STORY
 

The Conventual Franciscans are a worldwide Order of men, of both priests and brothers, who have dedicated themselves to follow the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The friars profess to live in obedience, in chastity and without anything of their own, and to serve God and his Church in humility, simplicity, and with gladness of heart.

In 1209, St. Francis received verbal approval from Pope Innocent III for his new way of life. He called his community the 'Friars Minor', literally meaning 'Lesser Brothers'. This sense of minority captured St. Francis' desire that his followers imitate the humility of Christ’s incarnation and to minister to the least, the neglected and the forgotten in society - a charism that continues to inspire and challenge his followers today.

After the death of St. Francis in 1226, the movement of brothers possessed such vitality, with many opinions on how to live his form of Gospel life, that over time his charism could not be contained in one single order. The rapidly growing community struggled to keep a united focus, such that by 1517, the Order divided into autonomous branches, each professing a valid, though different, observance of Francis' Rule.

Mission and ministry:

From the very beginnings of Franciscan history, the 'Conventual' followers of St. Francis chose to witness to this vocation and fulfil their ministry among the faithful in the heart of cities and towns. They chose to gather in large communities, or ‘convents’ (hence the name 'conventual'), which became centres of prayer and devotion, of study, pastoral ministry, and charitable works. This remains the aspiration of Conventual Franciscans today. Following the example of our father Francis, the Conventual Franciscans in Australia strive for a balanced religious life of both active service and contemplative prayer. They observe a regular schedule of common and individual prayer focused on the worthy celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, common meditation, Eucharistic adoration, Marian devotion, and regular days of retreat and recollection. Each of their four friaries - Kellyville (NSW), Warrawong (NSW), Springvale (Vic) and Dingley (Vic) - is responsible for the pastoral care of a parish, while individual friars are also involved in ministries of teaching (theology), spiritual direction, outreach to the disadvantaged, pro-life work, spiritual assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order, and promoting Marian devotion, especially through the Militia of Mary Immaculate (MI). In recent times, the Australian friars have been commissioned to establish a mission in Vietnam, which is already bearing fruit.

Formation:

Formation as a Conventual friar follows a traditional course through Postulancy (pre-novitiate), Novitiate, and a period of time in temporary (or simple) profession before making a Solemn Profession of Vows. Formation necessarily involves integration into the way of life of the friars, focusing on living the vows, fraternal life in community, and understanding our Franciscan tradition. The period of formation also includes the appropriate theological and pastoral formation required for priests and brothers. However, according to the Constitutions of our Order, the first and foremost duty of those in formation is ‘the contemplation of things divine and assiduous union with God in prayer.’ This primary concern for the friar’s spiritual life flows from St. Francis’ admonition to St. Anthony of Padua, allowing him to teach sacred theology to the friars providing it did not ‘extinguish the Spirit of prayer and devotion.’ Formation is accordingly a life-long process that extends beyond the years of initial formation, as the friar continually grows in union with God.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

For more information about the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, please contact:

Fr Paschal M. Corby OFM Conv.
Vocation Director
St. Joseph’s Friary
P. O. Box 270
Springvale 3171
Victoria
Phone: (03) 9547 4877
Fax: (03) 9547 5518

Email:friarpaschal@hotmail.com

Founded by St Paul of the Cross in 1720 in Italy, introduced to Australia by Father Anthony Testa CP and Archbishop Polding in 1843 for the first Catholic mission to the Aboriginals on Stradbroke Island, Queensland.  Later re-established by Anglo Hibernian Provincial of the Passionists Congregation in 1887 in the Diocese of Sydney from Ireland

additional information to be added early 2012

THE REDEMPTORISTS: CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY REDEEMER - CsSR

We are an approved congregation of priests and brothers, founded in Italy in 1732 by St Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church.

Through a revelation from God, Alphonsus began the new congregation to bring the unconditional love of Jesus, the most Holy Redeemer, to those who had never heard of it and to those in danger of not believing it. He saw these people as " the most abandoned" people - people on the fringe of the Church and on the fringe of Society. Alphonsus and his followers today are committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus and being the Good News of Jesus to those who are most in need of his unconditional love, care and forgiveness.

Our motto, taken from Psalm 130, is: "With the Lord there is Plentiful Redemption." We use the letters C.Ss.R. from the Latin, to identify us as the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer - Redemptorists.

Pope John Paul II reminds us that "St Alphonsus is a gigantic figure not only in the history of the Church, but also for the whole of humanity as well. He did for modern Catholicism what St Augustine accomplished in ancient times." His spirituality is reflected in his deep personal love for Jesus who was born for us, died for us and lives with us now in the Eucharist.

Mission and Ministry:

Inspired by the vision of Alphonsus, we Redemptorists, priests and brothers, aspire to be modern day Redeemers. Living and working together in a spirit of brotherhood, we are deeply committed to Jesus the Redeemer. We are sent to proclaim and to be Good News, especially to those in need - the poor and the marginalised in the world of today.

Redemptorists arrived in Australia in 1882. Since then Australian Redemptorists have taken the Good News to Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and China. We work in every state and territory in Australia, and in New Zealand. World-wide, you'll find Redemptorists in 73 countries.

In Australia, we serve in a variety of ministries, some of which are:

• Renewing parish communities by Parish Missions and relief work in parishes.

• Retreats to priests, religious, lay people.

• Overseas missions.

• Outreach to Aborigines.

• Adult Faith education.

• Ministry to special groups, eg alcoholics and homeless.

• Chaplaincies: e.g. hospitals, ethnic communities.

• Publishing Majellan magazine and other Redemptorist publications.

• Young adult ministry.

• Lecturing in universities and theological colleges.

• Community outreach to the non - practising.

Formation:

Formation for life as a Redemptorist is about understanding that your call from God is sacred. To help develop your vocation, every care is used to nurture and to bring to fruition the life that God may have in store for you. We are concerned for the whole person and this means formation in the human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, community and mission dimensions. Initially, we offer men the opportunity to discern their vocation as a brother or a priest through a process of enquiry and aspirancy. This is a chance to discover who Redemptorists are. Formation commences with Postulancy when the enquirer lives full time in community and shares in its prayer, work and community life. Postulancy usually lasts for 12 months. At the end of 12 months, the postulant asks to become a novice. This is a period of 12-18 months where the novice is accompanied by a special Redemptorist to know and to grow into the charism of St Alphonsus, through deeper prayer, study and ministry. This is very much a personal year of challenge, growth, exploration and deeper discernment. After this time the novice takes the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for 3 years.

Now as a seminarian, the newly professed Redemptorist will enter into a five year programme of theological study and ministry in preparation for the priesthood. Those aspiring to be brothers begin their particular training at this time to prepare them for their ministry. During this time the Redemptorist continues to be accompanied by another Redemptorist skilled in helping him to continue his discernment.

Now fully committed as a Redemptorist he begins to use his gifts as fully as he can in the service of the Kingdom. Those preparing for priesthood are ordained, first as deacon and later as priest, at the conclusion of their studies.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr EdmondNixon, C.Ss.R.vocations@cssr.org.au

Fr David Hore, C.Ss.R.vocations@cssr.org.au

Br Joseph Tuan Anh, C.Ss.Rvocations@cssr.org.au

Fr Bruce Duncan, C.Ss.Rvocations@cssr.org.au

Fr Felise Lemi, C.Ss.R. (N.Z.)felise@mangerecatholic.org.nz

The Resurrection Fathers:

We are a congregation of priests and brothers, founded in Paris, France on February 17, 1836 under the leadership of Bogdan Janski, a layman. The Congregation developed from the social milieu of the Great Polish Exodus that followed the November Uprising in 1830 and was born from its spiritual needs.

Janski became the leading lay apostle of the Polish emigres in France, and so inspired many to renew their own religious life, and awakened in the hearts the call to the priesthood for many young people. Sadly, Janski did not live to see any of his followers being ordained.Janski died in 1840, and his vision was continued by Peter Semenenko and Jerome Kajsiewicz, who are seen as the co-founders of the Congregation.

Mission and Ministry:

We are inspired by our Founder’s vision to be dedicated to the renewal of society by means of life marked by the Paschal Mystery; to proclaim with great fervour the presence of the Saviour in the midst of the people of today and of every age.

Our primary apostolate is modelling Christian community by praying and working together. Centred in the word of God and the Eucharist, we proclaim the paschal mystery through preaching and teaching the certainty of God’s love for every man, and every child. We proclaim God’s unconditional love for all by being sensitive to the languages and cultures of those we serve and by recognising the power of the laity to share our mission as a way of enriching the life of the Church.At the present time, the Congregation has three Provinces in Poland, Canada and the U.S., with two Regions in Brazil and Italy. However, its members work in 17 countries around the world.The Congregation came to Australia in 1978 with three members from the Polish Province. Today, we have 7 priests minister in local parishes in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Formation:

• Formation to be a Resurrectionist is concerned with the whole person. Prospective candidates, prior to being admitted for formation, have the opportunity to live with members in the local community.

• Formation commences with a novitiate which involves a year of preparation, concluding with a temporal commitment to live as a vowed member of the Congregation.

• Formation continues for a further period of at least three years. A Life commitment can be made at the end of this time.

• Studies in Philosophy and Theology, which span a period of seven years, commence after the candidate completes his novitiate. During this time, the candidate has ample opportunities for pastoral experience.
   

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Rev Marian Szablewski CR
Vocations Director
3 Venning Street
MORPHETT VALE SA 5162

Telephone 08 8326 1555 / 08 8384 8749
Facsimile 08 8326 5904
Email:mszabl@tpg.com.au

Rev Kazimierz Trawicki CR
34 Academy Avenue
Wheelers Hill VIC 3150

Telephone 03 9560 4511
Facsimile 03 9561 7819
Email:kaszub@bigpond.net.ua

THE SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO - sdb

Welcome to the world of the Salesians!

A young priest scarcely out of the seminary witnessed young children - labourers, deprived of schooling, others begging for alms, and bands of teenagers drifting through the suburbs. Don Bosco was perhaps struck most of all by the conditions in the prisons he visited with Fr Cafasso soon after his ordination. “I was horrified to see so many healthy, strong, and lively youths between twelve and eighteen years of age without occupation, crawling with lice, deprived of both spiritual and material nourishment.”

He was already telling himself: “What they need is a friend who cares and helps.” Don Bosco also visited hospitals, where he found many children, a number of them orphaned.

These early experiences awakened his deep concern for the poor and abandoned youth. In 1841 in Turin, Italy, Don Bosco began to gather some of these boys on Sundays and the numerous Feast days. The meetings were partly recreational and partly religious. The outings, games and songs were just what these youngsters needed. Religious instruction and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist occupied an important place in the day’s program.

By 1847, Don Bosco pursued another goal in the education of future priest [and soon Brothers] who would help him with his project. And so the Society of St Francis de Sales [Salesians] was to be born. Currently there are about 16,000 Salesian Priests and Brothers and a similar number of Sisters spread over all continents, as the third largest Religious Order in the Catholic Church.

 

Mission and Ministry:

Today in Australia, Don Bosco’s ministry continues through generous men who support needy young people and their families, through schools, parishes, chaplaincies, youth centres, Boys’ Town, hostels, camps, retreat programs, sporting organisations.  Salesians also contribute to tertiary formation of laity, priests and religious. Priests and Brothers also continue Don Bosco’s work of evengelization through media. Others work in overseas missions or in Rome. 

Formation:

The Inquiry Stage is discerning, from a number of sources, where and how God is calling you to serve him. Initially, you would be introduced to individual Salesians and this could lead to invitations from the local Rector to share prayer and meals or longer time with the Community.

The Prenovitiate is a time for a deeper study of Salesian and Religious living, and preparation for the Novitiate. While maintaining any job or studies you are engaged in, you live with a designated Salesian Community for about 12 months. From this time you will deal with areas of Human Formation, Spiritual Formation, Intellectual Formation and Formation to Youth Pastoral Ministry.The Novitiate is an intense 12 months of prayerful guidance, in community, to assimilate the Salesian charism, with the Director of Novices and formation team. At the end of the Novitiate, the candidate makes the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for 1 year. The following years temporary vows are made until final vows are professed after about 6 years.The Postnovitiate takes to a deeper level the four areas of formation. Intellectual areas include Philosophy, Education, Christian mystery, Salesianity, and curriculum for the Salesian Brother. This stage could be two years.Practical Training (ordinarily two years) is the time for a deeper living of Salesian educative and pastoral action, through living out Don Bosco’s preventive system among the young, through school, parish, youth centre, etc.

Specific Formation then follows, depending on whether the candidate’s vocation is to be a Brother or preparation for Diaconate or Priesthood (generally four years of Theology for priesthood).

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr. Peter Monaghan
Salesian College
10 Bosco Street
CHADSTONE
VIC 3148
 

Phone: 0418 484 943
Fax: (03) 9807 2291
Email: pmonaghan@salesians.org.au

The Servite Friars' Story
 

The Servite story began in Florence in the second decade of the 13th century. There a group of men, merchants, belonged to a lay society which sought to follow the message of Jesus of Nazareth. They took as their model the Blessed Virgin Mary, venerating her as their "Lady". This group of men, seven in all, decided that they wanted to live a more radical Christian life and so, with the permission of the Bishop of Florence, they began to live a common life in a small dwelling outside the city walls. This community they put under the protection of Our Lady of the Annunciation. Servite friars have been living at that location ever since. Today it is known as the basilica of Sanctissima Annunziata - the Mother House of the Servite Order. Tradition tells us that this community life began in the year of the Great Jubilee - 1233. Some time later they withdrew from the city to Monte Senario a mountain some 14 kms from the city in order to lead a life of contemplation and penance. Subsequently, others asked to join them and the group began to take on a more organized nature, adopting the Rule of Saint Augustine and a black habit. They also elected their first Prior who acted as the first among equals - prior inter partes. This new community received Papal approval from Pope Benedict XI in 1309.

In the constitutions of the friars we read:

"In order to serve the Lord and their brothers and sisters, the Servants have dedicated themselves from their origins to the Mother of God, the Blessed One of the Most High. They have turned to her on their pilgrimage to Christ and in their task of proclaiming him to the world. From the fiat of the lowly servant of the Lord, they have learned to receive the word of God and to become attentive to the promptings of the Spirit. From the participation of the mother in the redemptive mission of her son, the Suffering Servant, they have learned to understand and alleviate human suffering. (Article 6, Constitutions OSM)

Mission and Ministry:

In speaking of the mission of the friars, the Constitutions has this to say:

"As the Son was sent by God the Father to gather those who were divided into the unity of brothers and sisters, so our Order, a community of brothers in Christ, is sent to extend its fraternity to the people of today who are divided by reason of age, nationality, wealth and education. For this reason, the Order takes it place in society, works in the midst of the world, shares in its hopes and sorrows and helps it discover the value and full significance of human life and achievement. (Article 74 Constitutions OSM)

This directive of the Constitutions is put into effect in many ways. In Australia, the friars, though small in number, are involved in the following apostolates:
 

• Chaplaincy - high schools & university

• Parish ministry

• Teaching

• Preaching retreats

• Ministry to cancer sufferers through the St Peregrine apostolate, patron of cancer sufferers

• Administration

• Promoting authentic devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The community is open to other forms of ministry should the need arise.


Formation:

Formation for the life as a Servite friar is an on going process over many years. It seeks to integrate the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and personal needs of the candidate. Prior to admission, the candidate spends some time getting to know the friars in a local community. Should he seek admission, he will be asked to spend some period living in one of the communities. The formation programme begins when one is admitted into the programme as a postulant. During this time, the candidate will be introduced to the history of the Order in particular and of Religious Life in general. He will begin to study the Rule and Constitutions of the Order, and will be introduced to praying the Divine Office in common. Postulancy lasts for at least one year.

Entry into the Novitiate marks one's formal entry into the Order, and lasts for one year. Because of our small numbers in Australia, it has been the practice over recent years to send novices overseas for their novitiate. The year of novitiate ends with the reception of the habit and the profession of temporary vows.

Temporary profession lasts at least three years. During this time, the candidate will undertake studies which will help prepare him for his future ministry.

Solemn Profession, in the words of the Constitutions, "...is a public act which consecrates the friar for his entire life to the service of God and his people in the perfect following of Christ and in complete dedication to our Lady". (Article 150 Const. OSM)

Those seeking ordination will study the appropriate courses either in Australia or overseas.

During all of this time, the candidate will be given the opportunity to experience various pastoral activities, which will help him to integrate his studies with practical experience.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like further information on the Servite Friars please contact:

Fr Liam Mackle OSM
Servite Priory
PO Box 94
Parkville VIC 3052
Telephone: 03 9479 2979(work)/03 9347 8191 (home)
Facsimile: 03 9349 2633
Email:l.mackle@latrobe.edu.au

MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART - msc

The MSCs (Missionnaires du Sacrè-Coeur) began in central France in 1854.  Jules Chevalier, the founder, was a young priest of the Diocese of Bourges. He grew up with perhaps more than his fair share of poverty even for his own times. The ongoing revolutionary period in France saw the ultimate divorce between the State and the Church and, like many divorces it was messy. There was great social dislocation. It was the era of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and the poor were plentiful. In the secularist atmosphere that swept France following successive revolutions, large segments of French society were hostile to the Church and quite indifferent to religion. This was certainly the case in Issoudun, the smallish town Chevalier was sent to as a priest and from where he started his band of missionaries .

While the fractures of the church/state divide deepened, the Church, too, was oppressed with its own virus called Jansenism. Jansenism preached a hard God, deeply suspicious of human nature, and a moral rigorism that offered little consolation or hope for people in their struggles. Chevalier saw this as a contradiction to the Gospel Jesus. He wrote to his priests in the 1880s, “We must do all in our power to root out of the Church the spirit of fear and severity that is causing such havoc for souls.”

Expelled from France in 1880, the MSCs spread rapidly. Oceania was our first “foreign” mission in 1879 and the reason for beginning in Australia was as a supply base for PNG. When Fr Chevalier died in 1907 there were over 800 professed members. At the time of the 1880 expulsions there were less than 70.

Mission and Ministry:

MSC were not founded for any specific work, but for a mission: “Être sur terre le Coeur du Dieu” - “To be on earth the Heart of God”. It sounds over the top, even pretentious. How could anyone hope to be that? But, “Jesus chooses the weak and makes them strong in serving Him”, and so we take heart. The Spirituality of the Heart of Jesus is the lens through which we are invited to view everything, ourselves included.

The Australian Mission has taken many forms and continues to morph even today: the latest being a community in Vietnam which is already beginning to flourish. Australian MSC overseas : Japan, PNG, Fiji, Kiribati, China, Vietnam, India.
Australia: 21 parishes; 4 high schools; 2 spirituality and retreat centres; chaplains to gaols, hospitals, universities, ethnic groups; media, lecturers, justice issues. Around 200 MSC priests and brothers have worked with very remote Aboriginal communities.
MSCs have, historically, been involved in an amazing variety of trades and professions: plumbers, teachers, cooks, doctors, anthropologists, an architect, pilots, nurses, accountants and so on… Whatever the individual’s skills, they have nearly always been used for the work of the Province. For example, Dr Frank Flynn was a Harley Street-trained opthalmologist when he entered the MSCs and was missioned to the Northern Territory during WWII as a medical officer and chaplain. He identified and began to treat trachoma amongst the Aboriginal people. In his old age he introduced Fred Hollows to the problem and the rest, as they say, is at least “history in the making” even if, sadly, Aboriginal health seems to worsen.

Formation:

1. Postulancy- Willoughby, St Thomas’ Parish: 10 months, introduction to MSC religious life with pastoral work.
2. Novitiate – Douglas Park (near Picton, NSW) – 15 months formation in: prayer to become contemplatives in action;
   MSC religious life; 30 day retreat; continuing discernment leading to profession of vows.
3. Post Novitiate formation:

a) For MSC Brothers: Depending on the skills and interests of the Brother and the needs of the MSC apostolates, Brothers continue both spiritual and academic formation in various locations.
b) For Priesthood: Studies at Yarra Theological Union, Box Hill Vic. MSC residence, Kew. Depending on age and previous studies, formation is tailored to the individual needs and the needs of the apostolates. From time of entering postulancy to ordination is a minimum of 6 years, depending on previous academic formation.
c) Too old? May be – but ask us. We began the first Late Vocations’ Seminary in Sydney. Around 50 is the age limit.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Vocations’ Promoter:
Fr Peter Hearn MSC
Box 252
COOGEE NSW 2034
02 9665 8999

email:secretary@misacor.org.au

THEIR STORY ...
 

The Spiritans are a Missionary Congregation of priests and brothers who have religious vows, and of lay—associates. We are drawn from five continents and work in all six, in fifty countries. The focus for long was mainly on African missions, but now with our African foundations producing native—born missionaries our mission— field has become world—wide.

The Congregation was founded in 1703 in Paris by Claude Poullart des Places. It trained priests for the French colonies mainly, as well as for other works for the poor and neglected.

In 1841 our second founder or "restorer", Venerable Francis Libermann, a convert Jew who was declared Venerable by Pope Pius X in 1910, founded his congregation to preach the Gospel to those who had not heard it. Seeking Vatican recognition he was instructed to amalgamate his new congregation with the now depleted although well— established Spiritans.

The amalgamation took place with Libermann as Superior—General. Before this Libermann had already sent missionaries to Liberia in West Africa, and to Western Australia at the Bishop’s invitation to preach the Gospel to the Aborigines in the new diocese of Perth. This mission lasted from 1845 to 1848, proving impossible at that time. Another unsuccessful attempt to establish in Australia took place from 1888 to 1891. The project for which they came — the opening of St. Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Victoria. had happier and lasting results. The Spiritans returned to Australia and also began working in Papua—New Guinea in 1971. There are 13 Spiritans working here at present.

There are three Australian Spiritans — a lay associate who has done much building work in P.N.G., a priest ordained in 1995 and now on mission in Kenya, and a seminarian studying Theology in Dublin.

This year 48 Spiritans are being ordained and taking up their first mission assignments. The majority of these young men are from mission countries themselves.

Mission and ministry:

The Mission of the Spiritans is to preach the Good News of the Kingdom to the poor, to those whose needs are greatest, and to the oppressed, often in a culture and country different from their own. Their Mission involves first—evangelisation and often required before this is pre—evangelisation, that is, people having to be prepared to hear the Gospel. This usually involves education as well as social and economic development. To meet the varied needs of their Mission the Spiritans provide many Ministries, such as

• Village evangelisation
• Socio—Economic development
• Education, formal and informal, at all levels
• Parish ministry
• Liberation and Conscientisation efforts
• Training of lay leaders
• Pastoral counselling
• Small Christian Community promotion and guidance
• Chaplaincy — hospital, educational, and military
• Youth ministry
• Refugee ministry
• Famine and Disaster relief organisation

Formation:

The period of Formation is lived in community. It allows candidates to grow, to develop, and to train themselves on the human, intellectual, spiritual, religious, and community levels. It allows them to prepare progressively for their commitment to the following of Christ in the Congregation.

The candidate, who would normally be in his twenties, commences living in the Spiritan community in Melbourne for at least two years, engaged in ecclesiastical studies, or a degree course, or his vocational training if a candidate for the Brothers.

The next stage is the Novitiate, a one-year spiritual program. (Australians have been Spiritan novices in Canada or in Ireland). On its completion the novice makes his commitment as a member of the Congregation with temporary vows.

After this intellectual and mission formation continues. The Church requirement of studies is now completed by priesthood candidates and their professional training is completed by the Brothers. This period also involves an extra stage, a two—year experience of mission in a Spiritan mission in a different culture, usually overseas.

Final profession or commitment is made by perpetual vows by the Spiritan before ordination or before consecration to the apostolate.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Fr Michael Terry Watae CSSp
Vocations Director
408 Camp Road
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047

Phone: 03 9309 2575
Fax: 03 9309 2435
Email:Terry03@hotmail.com