THE CARMELITES OCarm
 

A Contemplative Community in the Midst of the People.

We are the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The first Carmelites were hermits on Mt Carmel a little more than 800 years ago, living near the Spring of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet. The chapel, which stood in the midst of their cells, was dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Unlike most religious orders, we do not have a founder. The Carmelites have continually looked to Elijah and Mary for inspiration. Throughout our history, these key figures have helped Carmelites to clarify our identity and renew our spirit. They provide a wonderful integration of the two streams of the Carmelite tradition – contemplative and active: prayerful and prophetic: reflective and apostolic.

Shortly after our foundation, the Order spread rapidly throughout Europe. The early Carmelites decided to change their lifestyle to that of Friars. The distinguishing aspect of friars is to serve the needs of the people, living in the midst of the people.

We are unique individuals but we share a common heritage. We seek the face of God together and we find God in and through one another. Community is an important element of our journey to God.

The first task of a Carmelite is to enter more deeply into relationship with Jesus. This is done through personal prayer and by living a community life where friendship with God finds meaning in a life shared with others. Prayer, which is intimacy with God, is the ideal of the Carmelites.

The Carmelite Order is international. We are well established in Europe, Asia, North and South America. In Africa we are also well established in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have recently established ourselves in Trinidad and Mozambique and we hope to make foundations also in Kenya, Tanzania and Burkina Faso and Vietnam.

Mission and Ministry:

Prayer is at the core of the Carmelite spirit. To grow in friendship with God, to experience God’s love, to ponder the mystery and wonder of life, to search for meaning and to seek the face of the living God as prayerful communities in the midst of the people is the heart of the contemplative dimension of Carmelite life.

As friars we are available for the work of the Church and attempt to respond to the changing needs of the people. At present, Carmelites work in:

• Spirituality ministry

• parishes

• education – secondary and adult

• spiritual direction

• retreat programs

• chaplains in hospitals and schools, in young adult ministry, and

• formation.

Depending on the need, Carmelites will respond. The work is varied and interesting but it flows from the deep conviction that God is alive! God is present! God is with us! – this is the source of all our ministry in the Church.

Formation:

Carmelite formation embraces the whole of life with its special emphasis on living in the presence of God and on fraternal relationships and on service and solidarity with all people.

Carmelite formation is a journey of conversion – a never-ending journey of growth which continues throughout the whole of life as the way of following Christ.

Formation begins with an initial time of discernment as the candidate is accompanied prior to making application to enter the Order. Novitiate is the first stage of formation whereby the novice experiences our life concretely and interiorises its values. The primary aim of the novitiate is to initiate the novices into the Carmelite charism culminating in the simple profession of vows.

The period that follows is a time in which candidates intensify and deepen their following of Jesus Christ in the Order and the Church. They prepare themselves for solemn profession of the vows by completing a Bachelor of Theology, engaging in the various ministries of the province, living, for a time, in other communities. Following solemn profession, a period of final preparation for ministry is undertaken, especially for those preparing for priestly ministry.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like more information about the Carmelites please contact:

Fr Wayne Stanhope OCarm
75 Wright Street
MIDDLE PARK 3206

Telephone: 03 9699 1922
Facsimile: 03 9699 1944

Email:prov.aus@carmelnet.org

THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS - cfc

The Christian Brothers are an international congregation of consecrated brothers within the Edmund Rice Family. Founded in 1802 by Blessed Edmund Rice in Waterford, Ireland, the Congregation has grown to a group of about 1900 brothers in 29 countries. Today Blessed Edmund's mission for the evangelisation of youth within the mission of the Church is greater than the Christian Brothers. The Edmund Rice Family includes not only the brothers but thousands of co-workers in educational and other ministries together with youth leaders in the Edmund Rice Camp movement.

The Congregation Chapter of 1996, building on the spirit and tradition of the past, has articulated Christian Brother spirit and direction for the new millennium:

• We as a Congregation pledge ourselves to internationality.
   
• We call all brothers to move to ministry with people at the margins.
   
• We as brothers acknowledge and share our brokenness and fragility and claim the growth that God's healing brings to us.
   
• We as brothers acclaim the Edmund Rice Family as a gift for the Church and the world, and work in partnership with all authentic expressions of Edmund's charism.

Mission and Ministry:

In Australia the Christian Brothers live and work in four provinces: Holy Spirit Province, SA & WA, St Francis Xavier's Province, Qld & NT, St Mary's Province, NSW & ACT, and St Patrick's Province, Vic & Tas. These provinces have their beginnings in 1868 when Bro Ambrose Treacy arrived from Ireland with three companions to start a school in Melbourne.

While still associated with schools and colleges throughout Australia, the brothers together with other members of the Edmund Rice Family are also involved in various other expressions of educational ministry including:

• special educational centres for youth who may not be catered for in mainstream education;
• initiatives with youth "at risk"
• working with Aboriginal people in education, advocacy and practical community support;
• supporting migrant and refugee communities in educational programmes and re-settlement;
• involvement in establishing and maintaining educational facilities in various nations in Africa and in the Pacific;
• the workings of the Edmund Rice Camps which provide holiday and recreational opportunities for young people who may be experiencing special personal or family needs;
• tertiary education and adult faith programmes.
   

Formation:

Currently a new national approach to Christian Brother/Edmund Rice Family formation is being formulated. The proposed phases of formation are:

• Lived Experience - personal involvement with the Edmund Rice Family through one of its various communities and ministries;

• Deepening and Exploring - a one year formal and structured programme including ministry with a marginalized group, live-in formation experiences and regular mentoring;

• Immersion - a year which includes phases of preparation, immersion in ministry and community in a third world or marginalized location and reflection;

• Lifestyle/Public Commitment - a year or more of study, reflection and discernment for those who wish to embrace vowed commitment as a Christian Brother.

All phases are open to both men and women: those seeking to minister as a Religious Brother OR those seeking a lifestyle commitment within the Edmund Rice family.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Bro Bernard White cfc
Vocations Office
PO Box 1129
BENTLEY D/C WA 6983
Telephone: 08 9450 0901
Facsimile: 08 9450 0999
Mobile: 0439 948 981
Email:bernard.white@westcourt.wa.edu.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
Bro John Webb cfc
Christian Brothers' Community
103 A George St
THEBARTON SA 5031
Telephone: 08 8354 2100
Facsimile: 08 8354 1723
Mobile: 0415 196 835
Email:webbcfc@picknowl.com.au 

QUEENSLAND and NORTHERN TERRITORY:
Bro Ted Magee cfc
Christian Brothers' Community
PO Box 923
INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Telephone: 07 3327 2200
Mobile: 0418 718 567
Email:ted.magee@ericeqld.org.au


NSW and ACT:
Br Phil Redding, cfc
St Mary’s Province Administration
Private Box 154
BALMAIN NSW 2041
Telephone: 02 9810 3922
Facsimile: 02 9810 3033
Email:predding@balmain.sm.cfc.edu.au

VICTORIA and TASMANIA
Brother Sean McManus, C.F.C.
Christian Brothers Community
79 Parsons Street
Sunshine Vic 3020
Telephone: 03 9311 5932
Mobile: 0417 136 640
Email:seantmcmanus@yahoo.com

NEW ZEALAND
Brother Paul Robertson, C.F.C.
Edmund Rice Community
Queen Mary Avenue
Epsom
Auckland 1003
New Zealand
Telephone: 64 9 623 0160
Email:pmr@xtra.co.au

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' WEBSITES:
www.edmundrice.org.au
www.edmundrice.org.nz

 

De La Salle Brothers fsc

The extraordinary story of the Brothers began with the founder John Baptist de La Salle. Born into a life of privilege in France in 1651, the life of this young priest took a series of unexpected turns when he began helping a local teacher run a charity school for the poor. What began as a generous effort to help gradually became his life's work.  He gathered a group of young, unmarried men to help him provide poor children with a Christian education. He renounced his title and considerable wealth and moved in with these men, to form the community that became known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

De La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France. In addition, De La Salle developed programs for training lay teachers, Sunday courses for working young men, and one of the first institutions in France for the care of troubled youths. He died in 1719, only weeks before his sixty-eighth birthday. At the time of his death there were 100 Brothers in 22 schools, teaching 5000 students throughout France.


Mission and Ministry:

The purpose of the De La Salle Brothers is to meet the educational and welfare needs of young people, especially the poor.

Today there are over 5,000 Brothers working in 80 countries throughout the world, in innovative roles from teachers and lecturers to counselors and social workers. The Brothers Lasallian Mission in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea encompass twenty-six schools, involving more than 800 co-workers in touch with more than 10,000 young people.

In addition the Brothers are also responsible for the welfare work of BoysTown, Australia’s largest children’s charity which founded the Kids Help Line and other initiatives, and the Lasallian Foundation which funds projects for disadvantaged youth across Asia-Pacific. As recently as 2005, the Lasallian Foundation was established to fund developmental and emergency relief projects in the Asia Pacific Region.

Visit www.delasallebrothers.com to take one of our extraordinary two-week challenge programs to get a real sense of the Brothers life and work.

 

Formation:

Becoming a De La Salle Brother (Training Program):

Phase 1: Community Placement
Spend six months in a Brothers’ community living and working alongside the Brothers. During this stage you’ll deepen your understanding of the Lasallian way of life.

Phase 2: Novitiate
During the 12-month Novitiate stage, you’ll live as a Brother. It’s a time for deep, personal reflection as you develop your spiritual commitment, in preparation for taking your vows.

Phase 3: Vows
At the point of taking your vows, you will then receive your first posting to a Brothers community to begin your work and life as a De La Salle Brother.

Phase 4: Ongoing Commitment
As a new Brother, you renew your vows annually for at least five years before permanently committing to the Brother's vocation.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Visit www.delasallebrothers.com to sign up to our monthly e-newsletter, Upfront, or for more information please contact:

Brother Mark McKeon FSC
Director of Vocations & Youth Ministry
Po Box 3485
Bankstown NSW 2200
Telephone: (02) 9795 6412
Fax: (02) 9795 6499
E-mail: markmckeon@delasalle.org.au
Web: www.delasallebrothers.com

THE MARIST BROTHERS fms

The Marist Brothers were founded in France in 1817 by Saint Marcellin Champagnat, a young sensitive and energetic priest. He wanted Brothers to respond to the spiritual and social needs of the young and poor, especially through education. Marcellin’s was known as a man of "strong mind and gentle heart." By the time he died in 1840 (aged 51), there were over 280 Brothers, and already some had left as missionaries to parts of Oceania. Since 1817, over 40,000 men have become Marist Brothers. Today, Marist Brothers live and work in 74 countries and number about 5,000. In Australia there are currently about 380 Brothers.

After our names, Marist Brothers write the letters "F.M.S.", which represent the Latin words meaning MARIST BROTHERS OF THE SCHOOLS. Marcellin also called us the ‘LITTLE BROTHERS OF MARY’ to highlight the qualities of humility, simplicity, family spirit and attachment to and affection for Mary who is our inspiration and guide.

We live in communities where we work at developing personally and spiritually, supporting one another in our works. Our communities witness to the fact that people can live in peace and harmony with one another and that reconciliation between individuals is possible. Many young people, in recent years, have chosen to share community life with us for a time as they seek to explore Marcellin’s spirituality.

Mission and Ministry:

As Marist Brothers, we strive to live the mission of Jesus, revealing God's love for all. We respond to the needs of people of our time, especially the young and marginalised. We walk with them as brothers, with care and practical concern so that they may live full and active lives.

We use the word "ministry" when we refer to the works we do. In Australia our four main areas of ministry are: Education (at all levels – day schools; boarding schools; primary; secondary; tertiary – with both indigenous and non-indigenous students); Welfare (e.g. programmes for adolescents at risk); Youth and Young Adults (eg. retreats, camps, spiritual development); and Missionary Work (eg. Solomons, PNG, Cambodia, India,).

Formation:

This is a word that means a "gradual preparation and becoming". Marist formation exists for all people exploring a commitment to Marist life. Formation is seen as a life-long process of growth. The principal means employed on this journey are:

• IMMERSION: each person has the chance to get involved in Marist life at the level of both community and ministry.
   
• PRAYER: fostering of a vital prayer life.
   
• STUDIES: opportunities exist for professional, spiritual and Marist studies.
   
• ACCOMPANIMENT: all is undertaken in the company of a skilled person who walks with each person on their individual journey.

There are three main steps in the formation of a Marist Brother:

• ASPIRANCY: the first official stage; of no fixed time; seeing a Brother on a regular basis – talking about life and vocation and decision.
• POSTULANCY: actually "moving in" to a Brothers’ community to see firsthand what it’s like. While living in community a young person may commence studies that will assist them in their future studies in Novitiate. These studies usually have a Theological or Christological focus. Work and/or professional studies are often put on hold during this time (a period of at least six months).
• NOVITIATE: a period of two years for personal and spiritual formation. An excellent and challenging programme in preparation for First Vows.
• POST-NOVITIATE: continued professional and religious formation as a vowed Brother.
   

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Vocations Co-ordinator - NSW, ACT, QLD:
Br Tony Leon fms
14 Drummoyne Ave
Drummoyne NSW 2047

Phone: 02 9819 6622
Mobile: 0407 268 195
Fax: 02 9819 6184
eMail:  tony.leon@marists.org.au

Vocations Coordinator- VIC, NT, SA, WA
Br Rod Thomson fms
80 Nicholson Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

Mob: 0428 627 478
eMail:  rod.thomson@marists.org.au

Patrician Brothers  fsp   -   The Brothers of Saint Patrick

The Patrician Story

The Brothers of Saint Patrick were founded on 2nd February, 1808, in the remote diocese of Kildare-Leighlin in Ireland by Bishop Daniel Delany. [One year earlier he had founded the Sisters of Saint Brigid.] At that time, the ordinary fold of Ireland - especially the young - faced very bleak futures.  there was widespread economic poverty, unemployment and lawlessness.  Daniel Delany had the vision that by Providing the yuoung with an education in the Four Rs - reading (w)Riting, (a)Rithmatic and Religion - many of the social problems could be better addressed.  Therefore, he gathered a group of men who would enable the youth of the diocese to take more responsibility for building their own lives as members of their country and their church. After extremely difficult beginnings, the Brothers of Saint Patrick slowly spread to other dioceses in Ireland.  Today you will the Brothers in India (1875), Australia (1883), California (1946), Kenya (1961), Papua New Guinea (1968), and Ghana (2008).

The spirituality of the Patrician Brothers has its origins in the life of Saint Patrick - Apostle of Ireland.  Patrick wrote in his Confessions of his calling to bring to the people of Ireland the Good News of Jesus Christ; he also recounted the  many hardships he endured in this mission.  A strong commitment to the Presence of Jesus Christ in al the circumstances of life characterised Patrick's life.  The Patrician Brothers are enlivened by Patrick's faith in Christ: daily  we recite
The Breastplate of Saint Patrick to emphasise that we find Christ "in the heart of everyone who thinks of me."

Mission and Ministry

"We Patricians, inspired by the life of Jesus Christ, rise to proclaim our Creator's option for the poor.  We hold all of creation to be holy and worthy of reverence.  We dedicate ourselves to restore right relationships to our world by compassion and action for justice.  We refuse to separate our faith from life.  through life-giving Brotherhood and prayer we strive for a union of hearts and minds.  We carry forward with our apolostic initiatives to promote wholeness, welcome and self-worth." [Patrician Mission Statement].

We are involved in a variety of ministries throughout Sydney, Thursday Island and Papua New Guinea:

• leadership in Primary and Secondary Catholic schools
• teaching in Primary and Secondary Catholic schools
• support of Catholic Education through various works of (arch)diocesan Catholic Education Offices
• home visitations
• hospital chaplaincy
• Young Adult Ministry and job-skill training
• Nursing
• adult faith education and development
• parish ministry
• adult literacy

Formation

For the Patrician Brother, formation is a life-long journey.  We choose to live our Baptismal consecration by living celibacy in communities, sharing poverty, and obediently listening to one another.

Formation concerns the human, spiritual and pastoral dimensions in the development of a Patrician Brother, it is adapted to the needs of the individual candidate and to the Brothers as a whole.

Formation formally commences with a pre-Novitiate period of up to two years in which the candidate examines more closely Patrician Brotherhood by living in one of the Patrician communities.  The Novitiate of two years is a time for reflection and closer study  of the various aspects of Patrician Brotherhood and Church.  The candidate may then make his First Profession of Vows - Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.  He lives his Brotherhood engaged in the works of the Brothers and/or in further study.  After five years, he may apply for Final Profession of Vows.

If you would like information about the Patrician Brothers, please contact:

Vocations Director
Patrician Brothers
32 Bottlebrush Ave
Bradbury
NSW 2560

email: johnverhoeven@patricianbrothers.com

ST. JOHN OF GOD BROTHERS STORY - oh
 

The Brothers of St. John of God, formed themselves around John of God at Granada, Spain, in the early 1540s to help him care for those who were living on the ‘edges of society’ at the time. At the time of John of God’s death he confided the care and guidance of his brotherhood to one of its founding members, Anton Martin. In 1552 Anton led the brotherhood in its move, together with the persons in its care, to the new John of God residence just outside the city walls. Here the ministry continued to provide the welcoming, humanised care that was John of God’s legacy to the world. He was well known for his hospitality towards people and his followers today try to perpetuate his attitudes and values in a style of care that they describe as Hospitality.

Today John of God’s followers, form an international organisation of brothers, employees, volunteers and supporters that underpins the existence and operation of some 231 health care and social welfare services throughout the world. The Order today is found on every continent and in 55 countries. It is responsible for a spectrum of health care and social welfare services.

Mission and Ministry:

The Order came to Australia from Ireland in 1947. Its work was with a residential special school for boys with learning difficulties. This facility grew into the the "St John of God Family Services" in Carrington, New South Wales. In the early fifties the successful operation of the Order’s NSW residential special school brought invitations to set up other schools. Consequently the Order moved to Victoria and New Zealand. St. John of God Hospitals were established in the fifties. The Order has also made further foundations in Papua New Guinea. Presently brothers are involved in a variety of ministries.

• ‘Casa Venegas’ a housing programme for persons whose homelessness is compounded by a psychiatric illness.

• Being with people who are suffering with alcohol and other drug related issues.

• Working with marginalised young people who are homeless.

• Working with people who have AIDS and other related illnesses.

• Hospital and prison chaplaincy.

• Professional formation in developing Asian countries.

• Involvement in working with people suffering with disabilities in China.

• Working in the area of aged care both in a nursing home environment and those still living at home.

• Some brothers are involved in the area of Spiritual Direction.

• Working with adults who have disabilities.

• Working with families whose need for assistance is manifested in a child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties.

• Working in areas of administration in regard to health care and social welfare.

Formation:

The formation programme of a St. John of God Brother takes into a account the whole person. The Accompaniment Programme is a period of time for a person who is inquiring about the Order to discern with a brother the particular choices that are open to them in regard to their particular vocation in life.

The time of Novitiate is that part of the programme where a person after a period of discernment lives in a particular house of the Order in community with other people who are exploring their option to be a religious brother. It is a time when a person has the opportunity to explore their relationship with their God, themselves and with others. The Novitiate is situated at Richmond (one hour's drive from Sydney.)

It is following the time of Novitiate that a person makes their first vows and these are then renewed on a yearly basis from six to eight years before final commitment. This time following Novitiate is also a time when a person undertakes their professional studies and becomes more involved in the area of ministry.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like information about the St. John of God Brothers please contact:

Br. John Clegg. OH.
St. John of God Brothers
PO Box BN 1055
Burwood North NSW 2134
Telephone: 02 9747 1699
Facsimile: 02 9744 3262
Email:jclegg@stjohnofgod.org.au