Marists in oceania 2015

Marists in Oceania

November 2015 • Issue No. 6

Contents 12 6

2 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

38 22

24 Administrative Units

3

Oceania Council

4

The Montagne Year

6

Towards the Bicentennial

7

Montagne Today – Marist Youth Care

8

Montagne Today – Melanesia

10

Montagne Today – Pacific

12

New Era Leadership

14

Marist College Bendigo

15

Just Living: Hearts Without Borders

16

School Immersions

18

MIME

24

Lay Formation

26

International Mission Assembly – Nairobi

28

Mission Assembly

30

Champagnat Marist Coaching

32

New Initiatives

34

Road Map

36

Australian Provincial Chapter

38

Administrative Units Wenzhou

China

Province of Australia Marist Centre Sydney PO Box 1247 Mascot, NSW 1460

Okinawa

Fuzhou

Hong Kong (SAR)

Macau (SAR)

South China Sea

Philippines Sea

Philippines Panay Bacolod Negros

Brunei

Band ar Seri Begawan

Borneo Samarinda

Halmahera

Palu

Celebes

Ashmore & Cartier Islands (Australia)

Jayapura

Wewak

New Guinea

East Timor

Papua New Guinea Madang

Marist Centre Melbourne 1 Dawson Street Brunswick, VIC 3056 Phone: +61 3 9389 3100 Fax: +61 3 9381 0417 Marist Centre Brisbane PO Box 273 Ashgrove West, QLD 4060 142 Frasers Road, Ashgrove, QLD 4060 Phone: +61 7 3354 0600 District of Melanesia Marist Brothers PO Box 1881 Boroko, National Capital District Papua New Guinea Phone: +675 703 12272 Fax: +675 325 5697

New Britain

Lae

Townsville

Mount Isa

Santa Cruz Islands

New Caledonia (France)

Rockhampton Gladstone

Kalgoorlie

Broken Hill

Esperance

Whyalla

Adelaide Bendigo

Geelong

Newcastle

Canberra Melbourne

Indian Ocean Hobart

Sydney

Viti Levu

Suva

Apia

Wallis & Futuna (France)

American Samoa (US)

Pago Pago

Tonga

Niue (NZ)

Iles Marquises

Cook Islands (NZ)

Society Islands

Alofi

Nuku’alofa

Ceva-i-Ra

Kiribati

Tokelau (NZ)

Samoa

Minerva Reef

Avarua

Tahiti

Papeete

French Polynesia (France)

Maruroa

Iles Tubuai Rapa

Brisbane Gold Coast

Geraldton

Fiji

Port-Villa

Noumea

Kiritmati (Christmas Islands) Kiribari

Rawaki (Phoenia Islands)

Mata-Utu Vanua Levu

Jarvis Island (US)

Baker Island (US)

Funafuti

Rotuma

Vanuatu

Coral Sea

Howland Island (US)

Kiribati

Tuvalu

Honiara

Mackay

Kingman Reef (US) Palmyra Atoll (US) Kiribati (Gilbert Islands)

Banaba

Nuaru

Solomon Islands

Guadalcanal

Coral Sea Islands (Australia)

Cairns Port Headland

Perth

Majuro

Tarawa

Darwin

Indian Ocean

Bunbury

Bougainville

Port Moresby

Timor

Alice Springs

Email Provincial: provincial@marists.org.au Province Secretary: matthew.clarke@marists.org.au

New Ireland

Marshall Islands

s nd

Kupang

Sorong

Hawaii

North Pacific Ocean

la

Flores

Kwajalein

Yaren District

Ambon

Oahu Honolulu Maui

S)

Is

Indonesia

Sumba

Ceram

Buru

Makassar

Bali Sumbawa

Lombok

Pohnpei

Palikir

Caroline Islands

Palau

Kaui

nd s (U

Eniwetak

Federation States of Micronesia

Yap

Koror

Isla

e Lin

Surabaya

Denpasar

Cebu

Davao

Manado

Banjarmasin

Java

Sanar

Iloilo

Mindanao

wa iia n

Johnston Atoll (US)

Hagatña Guam (US)

Cagayan de Oro

Zamboanga

Ha Wake Island (US)

Northern Mariana Islands (US)

Saipan

Manila

Palawan

Marcus Island (Japan)

Volcano Islands (Japan)

Okino-torishima (Japan)

Luzon

Midway Islands (US)

Bonin Islands (Japan)

Daito-shoto (Japan)

Ryukyu Islands (Japan)

Taiwan

Kao-hsiung

Malaysia

Level 1, 247 Coward Street Mascot, NSW 2020 Phone: +61 2 9218 4000 Fax: +61 2 9218 4084

Naha

Taipei

Xiamen

Shantou Guangzhou

Kingston

Norfolk Island (Australia)

Kermadec Islands (NZ)

Lord Howe Island (Australia)

South Pacific Ocean

Wollongong

Auckland Hamilton

Tasman Sea

North Island Hastings

Wellington

Tasmania

Christchurch

South Island

Invercargill

Chatam Islands (NZ)

Dunedin

Stewart Island

The Oceania Council was established in 2012 by the College of Leaders of the three Administrative Units, The Province of Australia, the District of Melanesia and the District of the Pacific.

A core function of the Oceania Council is to promote collaboration in Marist life and mission across the Region.

Oceania Council Logo The Southern Cross represents the common sky that covers Oceania.

The stars also have the sense of being ‘Stella Maris’ that is, guidance in our mission, with a focus on what is bigger than us as individual districts or province.

Email District Leader: jmbatickfms@yahoo.com District Secretary: district_secretary@datec.net.pg

The waves are a stylised ‘M’ for Marist. It suggests the tides of change, constant energy, restlessness and a sense of movement. The waves also suggest the ripple effect spreading out across the Oceania Region.

District of the Pacific NZ Marist Brothers’ Trust Board PO Box 24400 Royal Oak Auckland New Zealand 1345

Cover Image

4 Pacific Rise (Building D, Unit 3) Mt Wellington Auckland Phone: +64 9 573 5233 Fax: +64 9 573 5241 Email District Leader: nzdl@fmspacific.com District Office: nzmarist@fmspacific.com Web: www.maristbrothers.org.nz

The image is taken from the painting of the Montagne Event by Mr Paul Newton. The painting hangs in the provincial house, Drummoyne, Sydney. It depicts Fr Champagnat holding the dying young man. Br Emili Turú (Superior General), in his letter Montagne: The Dance of Mission, writes that the image of Marcellin holding the dying boy “depicts Marcellin, in an attitude of quiet suffering and deep meditation, a living image of the Mary presented

by Michelangelo in his famous Pietà.”

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Oceania Council

Br Peter Carroll Provincial of Australia

Br Jean-Marie Batick District Leader – Melanesia

College of Leaders: Peter Carroll FMS – Provincial Australia Jean-Marie Batick FMS – District Leader Melanesia David McDonald FMS – District Leader Pacific Council Members: Australia - Melissa Clohesy, Peter McNamara, Graham Neist FMS Melanesia - Ruth Hihiru, Mark Kenatsi FMS Pacific - Terence Costello FMS, Dan Dungey, Siaosi Ioane FMS Oceania Executive: Kevin Wanden FMS, Oceania Regional Coordinator (ORC) Tony d’Arbon FMS, Executive Officer New Provincial for the Province of Australia Brother Peter Carroll was born in Brisbane, the middle of three children. After completing his secondary schooling at Marist College Ashgrove he commenced the Postulancy in 1977 and entered the Novitiate in 1978. Peter took first vows in January 1980 and made Final Profession in 1986.

During the post-Novitiate period he completed studies at Macquarie University and post-graduate studies at what is today the Australian Catholic University. His mid-life renewal was particularly satisfying. He had his first real experience of international community at Manziana and completed a Masters in Religious Education at Loyola University Chicago in 2001.

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Br David McDonald District Leader – Pacific

From 1984 Peter’s ministry was exclusively in secondary schools where he specialised in Religious Education. He then spent fifteen years in school leadership as Principal of St Peter Claver College Riverview, Marist College North Shore and Trinity Catholic College Lismore. He has been Community Leader at Booval, Lismore and Fitzroy.

Peter was first elected to the Provincial Council of the former Sydney Province in 2003, elected to the Provincial Council of the Australian Province when it was formed in 2012 and appointed by Br Jeffrey Crowe as his Deputy Provincial at the same time. Over the past three years he has supported the Provincial, assisted with a range of pastoral matters and been involved in the professional standards area.

Br Emili Turú (Superior General), appointed Peter as the Provincial of the Australian Province in January 2015 and he assumed office at the Provincial Chapter on 27 September.

Peter feels that the good Lord has blessed him in many ways: having truly admirable parents, being raised in a loving home with supportive family, being called to the Marist way, being given so many opportunities over the past thirty years. He feels honoured and privileged to have been appointed as Provincial of the Australian Province, and looks forward to collaborating with many wonderful Marists both within and beyond Australia, especially in our region of Oceania.

Oceania Council The Oceania Region The idea leading to the establishment of our Oceania Region first emerged within the Institute at the 19th General Chapter in 1993 when the final Message to the Brothers invited all Provinces, Districts and Mission Sectors around the world to engage in dialogue about future restructuring and regionalization in order to strengthen the vitality and viability of our Marist mission. This ultimately led to the formation of the Oceania Region in 2013.

College of Leaders (COL) The College of Leaders has the collective canonical responsibility for the vitality and viability of the Marist Institute in the Oceania Region. The Members of COL are the Provincial of Australia; the District Superior of Melanesia and the District Superior of the Pacific. Its focus is: • To model and take forward the Principles stated above.

• To build up and promote a sense of community and brotherhood across the Region.

• To develop programs and projects that bring about greater interdependence of the three Administrative Units.

Oceania Council The mandate of the Oceania Council is to promote greater collaboration for “vitality and viability for mission” across Oceania. Final authority for any recommendations rests with the College of Leaders (COL).

The role and responsibilities of the Oceania Council include: • Establish and maintain a common vision for Marist life and mission across the Region in accordance with the documents of the Church and of the General Chapters.

• Provide opportunities for Marists to deepen their sense of Marist identity and belonging and so nurture the Marist way of living the gospel across the Region.

• Ensure the vocational growth of Lay Marists within a common vision, at the same time respecting the cultures and traditions of the Region.

• Develop strategies to implement the objectives of the Marist International Secretariats that impact on the Region.

• Be a voice for the Regional perspective of all Marists.

• Be responsible for the annual production of the Oceania Marist Calendar or equivalent.

• Support those who have been appointed to a Regional role and to ensure that their role is properly communicated within each of the Administrative Units.

Oceania Lay Partnership Commission

• Approve the annual Oceania Budget and forward it to COL for ratification.

NOVEMBER 2015 5

The Montagne Year

In its elements this relatively simple story has become the foundation myth for Champagnat Marists. On 28th October 1816, ten weeks after his arrival as the curate at Lavalla, Fr Champagnat was called to attend to a dying adolescent boy in the hamlet of Les Palais, near Le Besssat on the slopes of Mt Pilat. This necessitated a two-hour hill climb on foot. Marcellin found that the boy had virtually no knowledge of the Christian faith so he spent several hours explaining the truths of the faith. The boy was then able to make a simple Act of

Contrition and was anointed. The boy died shortly after Marcellin left the house to visit another sick person nearby.

The death of the adolescent boy made a deep impression on Marcellin who resolved immediately to try and address the situation. Within a week Marcellin had approached two young men in the parish Jean-Marie Granjon and Jean-Baptiste Audras to join him.

After buying a house in Lavalla and spending two months renovating it, the two young men moved in on 2

6 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

January 1817. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

While a single event may have crystallised his thinking and brought Marcellin to a decision to actually form a group of brothers, it was probably part of a larger picture. As a priest, Marcellin was challenged by the high level of ignorance about religion in the parish and among children and young people in particular. Marcellin had engaged in catechism classes for children as a seminarian. He had also

Towards the Bicentennial 1817-2017 insisted on the need for teaching Brothers to be an integral part of the new Society dedicated to Mary.

A New Beginning

We now see how providential this encounter was for the future of the Little Brothers of Mary. It had a significant impact on Marcellin and brought home to him the urgency of his project.

This theme recalls the pledge, at the Basilica of Fourvière, by the first Marist priests and aspirants to form the Society of Mary, on the day following the ordination of Marcellin Champagnat and Jean-Claude Colin.

Who was Jean-Baptiste Montagne?

It is only since 1966 that the adolescent boy, in this seminal event for Fr Champagnat, has been named. Br Gabriel Michel, a Marist scholar, after researching burial records identified a 16 year old youth, Jean-Baptiste Montagne, as the boy that Marcellin visited.

Who is Montagne for us today?

Jean-Baptiste Montagne has become the archetype for all the children and young people to whom the Champagnat Marist mission, of making Jesus Christ known and loved, is directed. To some extent the name of this adolescent boy is irrelevant. A more important question is ‘Who is Montagne for us today?’

What burned in Marcellin Champagnat’s heart as he made his way back to La Valla after encountering the young Montagne?

What energy pulsed through him, leading him to found the Institute just a few months later? We might ask ourselves, are we not called to travel this same road again, allowing ourselves to be deeply challenged by the situation of the young Montagnes of today? How are we responding to the call of the Church and the Institute to leave our own comfort zone in order to reach the “peripheries” in need of the light of the Gospel?

It is an invitation to us to renew our devotion to Mary, our Good Mother.

A Fourvière Prayer Mary, first disciple of the Lord, we thank you for the group of priests, Champagnat and Colin among them who consecrated themselves to you in Fourvière 199 years ago, committing themselves to renew the Church, inspired by you and under your protection.

Thank you for the Marist Family, at present extending to all parts of the world, heir of that dream of the first Marists.

It desires, today like yesterday, to place itself at the service of our sisters and brothers especially those who live in situations of greater vulnerability.

Thank you in a special way, for the Charism received through Marcellin Champagnat, who, on so many occasions, travelled to Fourvière to entrust his projects to you and to abandon himself into your hands.

Aware that You always do everything among us, we thank you for so many generations of Marist Brothers who, on the five continents, gave their lives to the evangelisation of children and young people.

Thank you for the growth of the Marist Laity, women and men called by the Holy Spirit to live their Christian vocation as Champagnat Marists, in communion with the Brothers, and sharing the one same mission.

As Champagnat Marists, we entrust ourselves to you, our good Mother of Fourvière, pilgrim of faith.

With daring and generosity, may we be signs of your tenderness and mercy among the Montagne of today, and may we be faithful to our mission to make Jesus Christ known and loved. Amen.

La Valla This theme recalls the cradle of the Institute around the table that Marcellin constructed. It is an invitation to us to focus on the mystical dimension of our Champagnat Marist spirituality, the table, the place of encounter with Jesus, the bread of life.

NOVEMBER 2015 7

Montagne Today

Marist Youth Care (MYC) Marist Youth Care (MYC) is the welfare ministry of the Marist Brothers in Australia. Our origins began in 1891 with St Vincent De Paul and the Marist Brothers establishing a major work for the benefit of under privileged boys in Sydney, which saw the establishment of St Vincent’s Boys home Westmead in 1896.

Today MYC is a not-for-profit organisation focused on helping at risk young people, their families and communities. MYC has 350 staff assisted by 114 volunteers. With offices in Sydney and Melbourne MYC’s programs and services give priority to young people learning skills that will assist them to work towards social and economic independence.

Vulnerable young people are encouraged to “See Life Differently” through education, vocational training and employment programs where they are supported by professional and experienced staff.

Our Mission Marist Youth Care in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat stands in solidarity with young people at risk in their struggle for wholeness of life. We endeavour to nurture these young people with care, love and understanding and work towards reconciling them with their families. In working with these young people and their families, we are prepared to go beyond recognised limits of care and tolerance. Through a variety of innovative activities we support these young people on their path to personal, social and economic independence.

Our Values • Client Focused – we put young 8 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

people first, recognising their worth, focusing on their needs whatever their circumstances and regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs • Respect – we respect, value and acknowledge people, their differences and unique needs and this is reflected in the professional delivery of our services and in our relationships • Integrity – we behave in an open and transparent manner; acting honestly and consistently in undertaking our work and in our relationships • Perseverance – we are prepared to go beyond the recognised limits of care and tolerance in working with young people and ensure that we are always there for them • Innovation – we are innovative, courageous and imaginative and willing to take risks to achieve the best outcomes for young people we serve Our Work As a youth specialist, MYC provides services to a minimum of 1700 young people per year. We offer a range of services that are dedicated to working with youth at risk including accommodation and support for those at risk of homelessness, tailored support and case management, family preservation services, community development and capacity building with Aboriginal and CaLD communities, prevention of reoffending behaviours through case management and diversionary activities, providing assistance with accommodation and re-engaging in

education and employment, health and wellbeing support for unaccompanied minors awaiting their visa determination, and vulnerable adults and families in the Community Detention program, provision of Outof-Home Care and Foster Care services.

The young people MYC works with are the most disadvantaged in our community and include those at risk of exclusion from mainstream education, early school leavers, young offenders (both ex-prisoners and those in detention), homeless youth and those at risk of homelessness, Aboriginal young people, migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants, and young people in transition from care.

Pete’s Place Pete’s Place is an alternate school setting in Blacktown. Our aim is to provide educational opportunities for the most disengaged and educationally challenged youth in our community. Pete's Place offers more intensive support with learning and an individualised education program for each student focusing on academic, social and emotional learning.

Pete’s Place currently has 20 students enrolled in Years 7-10 who receive individual, tailored support with a high teacher-student ratio. Teachers enable students to receive their Record

of School Achievement in Year 10 providing a pathway to further education and training. This year we have 11 students enrolled who are on track to achieve a formal Year 10 level qualification.

Skills Development Centres Marist Youth Care’s Skills Development Centres (SDC) provide pre-vocational training and employment opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged job seekers in both Sydney and Melbourne. Our primary objective is to provide these participants with the opportunity to gain full time employment and as a result, commence their journey towards social and financial independence.

Our training programs aim to reflect industry needs and expectations, providing our participants with the critical tools to become successful in their chosen career. Training is a mix of practical and theory tasks and support is provided along the way to tailor the program to the needs of each job seeker. Throughout the program we work closely with referring agencies, providing regular feedback on participant progress. All of our stakeholders, including employers are encouraged to visit and meet with the trainees during the pre-employment phase, allowing hiring managers to view potential employees ‘in action’.

Marist Youth Care’s Specialist Youth Worker will then provide up to 6 months of post placement support to the employee, helping to guarantee employment sustainability.

and licensed Painting and Decorating contractor operating in Sydney’s West.

Working primarily as a sub contractor, MYC Painting Services prides itself on first class workmanship on a range of residential and commercial jobs.

Currently experiencing growth, a total of six Aboriginal apprentices have been hired in the first six months of operation.

Having already partnered with Programmed, Blacktown City Council and the Sarina Russo Group, MYC Painting Services is looking to expand its services and in turn, create further social impact with its employment model.

MYCafe operated for 12 months in 2014 -15, servicing construction workers at IKEA, Bunnings and Masters within the new Sydney Business Park development in Marsden Park, NSW. In this short window, MYC directly employed eight Aboriginal trainees, in many cases providing job seekers with their first ever employment opportunity.

Reclaimed is a recycled furniture and homewares enterprise that engages young Aboriginal job seekers, providing a safe and rewarding

activity that builds skills, confidence and employability.

MYC accepts donations of recycled furniture, which job seekers refurbish, repair and repaint to bring the item back to its former glory. Once completed, job seekers learn how to resell items which in turn provides participants with a short term income whilst looking for long term work.

MYC’s footprint now extends across a number of states and territories, with services in New South Wales, Victoria, Canberra and Queensland. MYC Star Foster Care services continue to grow.

This has required a significant investment in infrastructure which will continue as we work towards becoming a truly national organisation continuing to provide services for vulnerable children, young people and their families.

In response to the situation in Western Sydney, MYC has invested heavily in creating social enterprises that provide a supported entry point into the labour market, cultural mentoring, and on the job training. Examples of three of these include: MYC Painting Services is a qualified NOVEMBER 2015 9

Montagne Today –Melanesia

Child Rights Awareness The Marist Youth Group of Divine Word University, Madang gathered for a child right awareness workshop in August 2015. The awareness workshop was organized by Marist Youth to help raise awareness about children’s rights in Primary Schools. Almost 500 students and teachers from Lutheran Day Primary School attended the presentation given by Marist Youth of DWU and Chris Lus (Child Advocacy Coordinator) from the District of Melanesia office in Port Moresby.

In the first half of the awareness workshop, students and teachers were put in touch with the language of the United Nations and what it means to promote Child Rights particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It focused on the responsibility and the importance of respecting, promoting and fulfilling children’s rights. A lot was shared and presented

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using animations and role play to engage the students.

The second part was taken up by exploring various child protection issues concerning children and young people around Melanesia. There was a lot of discussion on children rights and protection to make sure everyone recieves the best start in life. The

challenge now is to maintain and build a community fit for children, where every child can grow to adulthood in health, peace and dignity. Whilst Duty Bearers were urged to build an alliance, secure in the knowledge that in serving the best interest of children (Art 12 Right to Participation) we serve the best interest of all.

NOVEMBER 2015 11

Montagne Today – Pacific

Champagnat Institute – Suva, Fiji

Marist Learning Centre – Glenfield,

The Champagnat Institute in Suva, Fiji, educates secondary students who are unable to attend mainstream schools, including children with disabilities who now have access to vocational education at the Institute. The Institute is the only secondary school in Fiji that specialises in teaching vocational and mainstream curriculum to young people with disabilities and learning difficulties. The Marist Champagnat Institute has smaller class sizes than mainstream

The Marist Learning Centre provides educational opportunities for young men and women who, for whatever reason, have not managed to fit into the mainstream educational system.

Many of the students come to the Centre with very real problems or special needs which the Centre attempts to help with while also giving a fresh perspective on school and learning.

schools which enables students to achieve their learning outcomes in a more supportive environment.

Francis Varea, the Principal comments that “The Marist Champagnat Institute is different from other special education schools because it is a secondary school where disabled students learn side by side with non-disabled students. We have 120 students from various backgrounds, but most have started life with a significant disadvantage due to either health, social or economic factors.”

The Institute also runs a tertiary level programme for early childhood teachers.

12 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

Auckland The Centre seeks to work with students to help build self-esteem and through this give them a sense of their own self-worth and the worth of others. The staff set out to guide the students through challenges and tasks with encouragement and affirmation, teaching them new skills, and developing their abilities in a supportive environment.

Kaikohe, Northland, New Zealand The Champagnat Marist community is involved in a number of activities to support young people in a marginalised rural area of New Zealand. The town is about 75Kms from where Bishop Pompallier and the first Brothers arrived in 1838.

Three days a week the Brothers support is at the local alternative education centre. This caters for approximately 15 students who have been excluded from local secondary schools. The Brothers work with students in their on-line literacy and numeracy programmes through the Correspondence School.

Brothers have been able to extend the programme so that students are able to access this assistance weekly.

Once a Term, Enviro Skills offers an over-night camp for twenty-five students from remote areas to learn agricultural skills such as chain sawing, possum trapping, skinning and fur plucking, quad bike safety and maintenance, First Aid and fencing.

These courses are registered with the National Qualifications Authority and provide an employment pathway for many students.

The Brothers also assist in providing support for Correspondence School students from remote rural areas who are unable to access secondary schooling due to their isolation. The Correspondence School Tutors come to Kaikohe every fortnight. The

NOVEMBER 2015 13

New Era Leadership

New Era Leadership participants and presenters in the Lomeri chapel.

As part of their ongoing formation ten Brothers from the District of the Pacific have been participating in a two year programme of leadership development. The purpose of the New Era Leadership programme is to address the important questions of leadership in the District into the future, to identify what needs to be done, and who needs to do it.

The programme takes the form of three 10-day gatherings. The first gathering was held at the Noviciate in Lomeri, Fiji Islands from 1-10 April.

Further gatherings are planned for December 2015 and 2016 respectively.

The programme is facilitated by

Brother Michael de Waas FMS from the General Council and Sister Maria Piluca Benavente Serranc MSOLA, a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa.

The process seeks to encourage the participants to acknowledge and free themselves from the obstacles that limit them from creating a viable vision for the District of the Pacific, a vision for the future that must be global. To achieve this vision effectively, greater leadership skills may be needed, that will equip the Brothers to share their vision with the Brothers and Lay Champagnat Marists of the District, and to implement the vision.

A variety of exercises, formation experiences, personal and group reflection, prayer, the development of appropriate skills and ongoing mentoring are the major elements of the programme. Perhaps one of the more challenging aspects of the course for each individual participant is to take responsibility, ownership, in being aware and attentive to what is going on, and being proactive at both the personal and collective levels. The beauty of the programme lies in the fact that, it was not just theoretical; it was also a handson course, involving a balance of prayer and meditation, sharing ideas, personal and cooperative planning.

Brs Samasoni, Michael, Luke and Sr Piluca

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A New Marist School – Marist College Bendigo Marist College Bendigo welcomed 220 students comprising Years 7 and 8 to its new campus at Maiden Gully on Monday, 2 February. Mr Darren McGregor the foundation Principal in his welcome reminded the students that their school is built on the land of the Jarra Jarra people and builds on the traditions of Marist education which commenced in Bendigo in 1893.

In addition to the students and staff there were many parents present at this historic occasion and all were given the opportunity to inspect the new facilities which have been built to meet the needs of the first students at the College.

The College has been purpose built to allow for the implementation of a Project Based Learning Model of education to deliver the Australian Curriculum. The state of the art facility

provides an enticing environment in which to engage the students in their learning.

Learning at Marist College Bendigo is structured differently than some schools with the Australian Curriculum Projects 1 and 2 forming a vital part of student learning. Instead of separate classes the College has small groups, the 1:14, as well as triads and clusters. Each 1:14 group consists of 14 students and one educator. The 1:14 educator helps

students to learn, organise ourselves and looks after their wellbeing.

Learning can also occur in larger groups, triads (three 1:14 groups) or clusters (four 1:14 groups) if needed.

During the coming years the College will introduce a new year level each year until 2017. The first Year 12 students will graduate in 2019. To find out more about Marist College visit the website http://www.marist.vic.edu.au/wp/ Christus Vita Nostra.

NOVEMBER 2015 15

Just Living: Hearts Without Borders

The first national Marist Youth Festival (MYF) in the Marist Brothers Province of Australia was held in January with the theme: ‘JUST Living: Hearts without Borders’. It brought together 180 young people from every state and territory, including 89 Marist senior students from 25 different schools and 75 young adults. Participants stayed at Sancta Sophia College, Camperdown and the main events held at the Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, Sydney.

In the evaluation survey, 72% of participants rated the overall experience as ‘Excellent’ (with a further 23% rating as ‘Good’). 90% rated the atmosphere as ‘Excellent’, 94% rated the music as ‘Excellent’, and 90% would want to attend another MYF within the next two years! This overwhelming response simply matches the enthusiastic, buzzing atmosphere that we could feel so many times during the Festival.

Keynote addresses were a source of inspiration and new perspectives.

Brother Emili Turú, Superior General of the Marist Brothers, challenged the participants to adopt a Marial approach to life, through service, sorority and silence: “To be Marist today is to be grounded in prayer and action. Contemplation and a spirit of interiority are the foundations of any Christian life which nurtures our desire 16 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

for service and justice”.

Other speakers included Sr Brigid Arthur, educator and refugee advocate; Laura John, Australian youth ambassador to the United Nations; Fr Peter Day, founder of “HOME” in Queanbeyan, a home for people with chronic mental illness; and Kate Fogarty, Principal of Assumption College, Kilmore.

Workshops held during MYF invited participants to delve deeper into issues of faith and social justice, including healthy relationships, justice for developing nations and the poor, justice for young people at risk, advocacy, and environmental justice.

Workshops also introduced opportunities for volunteering, overseas immersions, and to connect with the broader Marist community.

MYF was also a celebration of our faith and offered a range of dynamic worship experiences throughout.

Highlights included “Evening Prayer with Songs from Taizé”, when we gathered in prayer, song and silence around the Taizé Cross, the Icon of

Mary and the Marist heart, calling on God to renew our hearts in love. The transformative theme of MYF climaxed on the final evening, with the Festival Eucharist, celebrated by Bishop Peter Ingham from Wollongong Diocese.

Mass was followed by a vibrant praise and worship session, led by Fr Rob Galea, his band, and Genevieve Bryant.

So many participants commented on how they were deeply moved on this spirit-filled night.

These are only highlights from a hugely significant time in our Marist family. A time where young people have felt that they have a home in the Church. It’s been a time where young people have nourished their relationship with God, in both heart and mind, and opened up new possibilities for their lives, communities and the world.

NOVEMBER 2015 17

School Immersions

Marist Students’ Immersion Experiences in Fiji For the last three years or so, a number of Marist schools in Australia have included Fiji in their destinations for an immersion experience for their students and staff. The schools come to the Marist Champagnat Institute in Suva and are hosted by the Marcellin Centre community in Vatuwaqa, Suva.

The Brothers’ residence is adjacent to the St Marcellin Primary school; in addition the Marcellin Angels Kindergarten is also on this same compound. So all three schools are included as part of the immersion visit. The students are primarily linked in with the Marist Champagnat Institute, but also spend time at the St Marcellin Primary School (one whole day) and the Kindergarten (half a day).

In addition there is a visit to one of the two other Marist schools in Suva, Marist Brothers Primary School and

Marist Brothers High School.

When groups arrive they are invited to be totally open to immersing themselves into the school and family culture of the “buddies” who are assigned to them. Each immersion student is partnered with a student from the Champagnat Institute who is their “buddy” for the time they are here. The immersion student and their buddy participate in whatever is happening at the Institute and also spends one night with the family of their “buddy” – a sleep over as it were. Families from St Marcellin primary school also host the immersion students for a one night sleepover.

Br Kees van der Weert comments that in his experience “students who come

Team Leader Millie Sharpley of Sacred Heart College enjoys a refreshing drink from the green coconut at the Champagnat Institute.

Chelsea from Lavalla College with her buddy Arieta, a student in the Child Care programme. Arieta was one of four hearing impaired students in this class.

18 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

Students from St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown and Marist Brothers High School in Suva have been very open to the experience and have bonded very well with their buddies, and have certainly come away with a new appreciation of how students in another country and culture live�.

Comments from students at Lavalla College, Tararalgon and Sacred Heart College, Adelaide The Fiji immersion was an amazing experience, it was one of the best things I have done with my life. Seeing how a developing country lives was heart wrenching, all those people who have next to nothing but are still so happy, but it definitely has changed my perspective of life. It was an extraordinary experience and I would do it all over again if I could. I have become a better person. The only thing

I would have changed about the trip is that we could have more time at the primary school but other than that there is nothing I would change. Thank you for giving us the opportunity for this amazing experience I really will miss Fiji!

Chelsea Our immersion experience was, for me, a life changing experience. It has helped me not to take for granted all the opportunities we have in Australia, as the Fijians we were with were so happy to be receiving any education at all. They were so grateful for everything they had, even if to us it was not much. These people have all impacted my life in such a positive way and have reminded me that the number one thing in life should be family. The food was great,

accommodation better than I expected and the week ran smoothly. I think more time spent at the primary school would've been fun.

Maggie I really think that this Fiji immersion made an impact on not only me, but everyone on the trip! It made people realise how fortunate we are with what we have. The buddies we met made us realise that you don't need everything to be happy! I learnt from this experience that the most grateful people are the happiest! And I am now even more grateful than I ever have been. What made this experience amazing was the people! The community! And how warm and welcoming they were!

Grace NOVEMBER 2015 19

School Immersions

The Fiji Immersion was amazing! It was really well organised and we are extremely thankful that you organised it so well. I really enjoyed the food, the schools and the home stays.

Altogether, I thought this trip was an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend to other students at Lavalla. I'll come visit you when I come back to Fiji in the near future.

Alexandra I really enjoyed the Fiji immersion this year. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I had a great time with my host families, I was so privileged to get such nice families that made my time in Fiji very enjoyable. Overall I found this immersion an experience that I will never forget. I would recommend this trip to all high school students.

Sam and her buddy, Laura

Samantha This Fiji immersion was well organised.

I enjoyed going to the schools and visiting the host families. I enjoyed the food and the hospitality. One improvement I would suggest is more

Ravishek and his buddy Timoci kava nights. Overall I really enjoyed this trip and would recommend it to others.

Ravishek

Alex and her buddy, Sulueti 20 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

This immersion wasn't a holiday for any of us. It was a life changing experience that pushed me to not only challenge, but opened myself up to new things. Fijians are such welcoming, loving people that always go out of their way to involve you.

Interacting with the students was by far the highlight of my trip. They are such happy, energetic kids that know how to have a good time regardless of their financial status. The environment and living conditions were different, but that's why this trip meant so much to me. The immersion has taught me to enjoy the little things in life and just

The Sacred Heart College students at St Marcellin Primary School joining in with the music and dancing put a positive attitude into things. I will forever remember this trip and all the amazing memories that came with it. Thank you.

Mersina The Fiji immersion for me has been the best experience I have ever been a

Mersina and her buddy, Lavenia

part of. I loved every single minute of the week or so that we were in Fiji and getting to live the experience of the Fijians’ life was amazing, the buddies and their families were definitely more than welcoming and I couldn't thank them enough. This trip has made me realise how lucky I am for everything I

have, and now I feel I want too many things instead of making the best of things. I will take the experiences from this trip to help me grow as an individual and appreciate my life and the opportunities that are given to me.

Bridgette

Bridgette and her buddy, Mereoni NOVEMBER 2015 21

School Immersions

My stay with the Marist Brothers in Fiji has been absolutely amazing. I can safely say that it has been one of the best experiences of my life and it has greatly impacted me. Interacting and establishing relationships with the locals has been my favourite part so far. They have taught me so much and my outlook has completely changed.

Their happiness, generosity and welcoming nature is incredible. I am so grateful for everything on this immersion.

Ruby While in Fiji I have experienced things I would never have imagined I would do. Not only did I meet amazing people, but I also gained new friendships and 3 “Fiji families.” I was accepted by people I had never met,

Ruby and her buddy, Laura 22 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

Brandon from St Gregory’s, Campbelltown at the Marcellin Angels Kindergarten

Jaz and her buddy, Sulueti

and everywhere I went I would always hear a friendly ‘Bula!’. My time in Fiji is not one I will soon forget and I am extremely grateful for the experience.

Jaz During my stay at the Brothers I spent about a week in the Marist Schools in the area. Whilst at Marist Champagnat Institute I got to spend heaps of time with the students there. It was amazing to see how similar they were to us and to be honest it surprised me to see how friendly they all were.

Corey

Corey and his Buddy, Riki

Marist Students’ Immersion Experiences in the District of Melanesia Marist Schools from throughout Australia annually send small groups of students and teachers to Marist programs all over Asia and the Pacific, with the Marist District of Melanesia receiving five groups in 2015. With over 50 students and teachers participating in an immersion in 2015, the positive impact on the local community and the school are immeasurable and invaluable. Marist Solidarity has seen the links strengthen between an overseas Marist project and individuals, schools and communities as a result of an intensive immersion experience.

An immersion is an important journey in the lives of young, high school students as it gives opportunities to feel part of the wider Marist community as they meet and befriend Marists from a different country and culture. The appreciation and understanding of cultures, and the sharing of ideals and experiences,

leads to reflection in these students own lives.

friendship with St Michel Technical College and the Brothers community.

Vanuatu

Bougainville

Despite being devastated by Tropical Cyclone Pam in March, three schools undertook an immersion to St Michel Technical College and the Brothers community on the island of Espiritu Santo. For St Gregory’s College Campbelltown it was their first year visiting Vanuatu and, despite not knowing what to expect, the immersion had an impactful experience on the students and teachers. They were warmly welcomed by all involved and participated in classroom and cultural activities.

Teachers and students from Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood have visited St Joseph’s College Mabiri with immersion groups since 2009. Each year a different group of boys sets out to experience Bougainvillean culture, learn about the regions history and spend time immersing themselves with the students at St Joseph’s College as they go about their daily lives. It is an experience that few ever forget.

Marist College Ashgrove and Marist College Canberra are due in Vanuatu in September and October and have both been visiting for a number of years. All schools have committed to an ongoing partnership and

Solomon Islands During Easter every year, St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School Tenaru, receive an immersion group from Trinity Catholic College Lismore. There is a long standing relationship which sees the schools share in Easter celebrations and cultural exchanges during this period.

NOVEMBER 2015 23

Marist Immersion Mission Experience for young

The aim of MIME for Young Adults is to provide an experience of Champagnat Marist community in mission outside of New Zealand in a cross-cultural environment with the marginalised.

Hopefully it will allow the participants to gain a greater appreciation and respect for the dignity of the poor and homeless. It is also an opportunity for them to stretch their understanding of what religion means and to gain a greater appreciation of their own faith with a greater openness to how they perceive God. The reflective dimension of MIME seeks to provide participants with the space to gain a greater sense of where they are in their own journey and what God might be calling them to.

Programme The programme operates from the Marist Centre, Vatuwaqa in Suva, Fiji. It comprises an inter-religious dimension with input from different speakers led by Sr Denise McMahon SMSM. The participants visit a Hindu temple and the Flagstaff mosque.

Fr Kevin Barr introduced the group to the squatter settlements in Suva and

24 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

to the families of the Pacific Community Network. The opportunity to stay with families without permanent homes provided an awareness raising experience.

The third dimension is working with students at the Champagnat Institute, a secondary school for students excluded from mainstream education.

The participants assist with one-toone reading activities with older students whose reading ages can be ten to fifteen years less than their chronological ages.

The group also took the opportunity to visit the Marist Noviciate at Lomeri.

Impressions of the Participants • It is good to be part of the Marist community, and to begin with Champagnat Institute.

• The study of world religions is very good and has expanded my ideas about God, about religion in which I see other religions having similar ways in their rituals and prayers.

– A greater awareness about social justice and advocacy and what

adults (MIME)

social action should I take regarding poverty.

– The family stay - how generous and giving they are to others, not just to me. Such generosity and hospitality.

very generous giving me a room to myself. It felt a bit awkward.

How have I grown?

• I’ve become aware of my deficit

thinking regarding the poor, I have a better understanding now of poverty.

• It is possible to live simply and be happy. Dirt isn’t so important.

– The women work, the men are at home. It’s a big family, and they are not stressed. They were so

NOVEMBER 2015 25

Lay Formation

Champagnat in the Pacific Champagnat in the Pacific is a programme of formation in the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat SM. It was held at Vaughan Park, Long Bay Auckland, on 16-19 August. All the schools in our Champagnat Marist Schools network sent participants and there were also participants from the staff of Pacific Rise, the Chair of the MAEC (Glenfield) Board and three teachers from Marist Brothers Primary School in Suva.

Ruth Hihiru, Christopher Lus (Melanesia) and Dan Dungey (Pacific)

Champagnat Marist Lay Formation - Rome Returning to Rome 15 years after being pick pocketed (with a lot of wonderful stories that followed) and travelling alone as the only Pacific representative out of the 55 Lay Marists gathered from around the globe, could have seen a few anxious moments set in for me but this was not to be. Like all Marist groups I have encountered, I felt very much at home throughout this lived experience as our shared spirit overcome any perceived barriers, like language, that we may have felt on day one.

The conference was held at the general house in Rome from May 19 – June 2. Its aim was to teach the laity how to form other Lay Champagnat Marists in their own Administrative Units and Regions.

Dan Dungey and Br Joseph Mc Kee (Vicar General) ‘What happens next?’ Brother Joe McKee’s words rang true ‘…sometimes we have the experience but miss the meaning’. With Mary our Good Mother as our companion and guide, I look forward to the next steps on our journey together, in solidarity with our International Champagnat Marist family - being brother and sister to all those who we encounter.

A stimulating programme including themes on Vocation, Mystics and Prophets in Communion, Mission and Joint Formation was delivered with a partnership focus – Brothers and Lay – together in mission and full of hope.

The Oceania Region is holding a formation programme for participants from across the Region in November 2015 with further local programmes in the following years.

For me, the key question upon my return to the District of the Pacific is

Dan Dungey, Director of Lay Partnership, District of the Pacific

26 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

The kaumatua from Hato Petera College came for the welcome and performed the mihi to the participants. The feedback on the whole course was overwhelmingly positive.

The facilitators, under the leadership of Br Terence Costello and Dan Dungey (Director of Lay Partnership), included Br Barry Burns, Louise Oliphant (HOD Special Needs at Sacred Heart College), Brian Sparrow (Guidance Counsellor at St John’s College) and Jan Waelen (Principal of Marcellin College). Brothers Douglas Dawick and Martin Pattison were the two Brothers interviewed on their Marist Journey in the session known as the “Fireside Chat.”

Typical of the feedback were the following comments of some of the participants: • The course was exciting and compact.

• I found the course to be really engaging and inspiring.

• I never thought a Brother would encourage me to find more realistic images of Mary.

Fijian teachers and Fr Chris Skinner SM The feedback certainly indicates that the staff in our schools find the Champagnat charism a very attractive way to give meaning to their work.

Footsteps I – Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved As the warmer weather of spring breathes new life and colour into The Hermitage (one and a half hours drive south-west of Sydney), 30 participants from around the country gathered

Champagnat in the Pacific together to embark on the annual ‘Footsteps – Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved’ programme. Over four days, 13-16 September, our Marist colleagues were able to explore the context of their own lives, reflect upon their individual faith journeys, and discern how these experiences enrich their spirituality and ministry. Bringing such energy and vitality into their conversations they were able to deepen their understanding of Marist life both personally and professionally. Like the emergence of new leaves, warmed by

fresh sunlight and rain, the participants were able to grow in a Marial appreciation of the beauty of the rich gift of our charism. The programme, as stated by a participant, was “an enriching encounter of Marist people where all embraced those familiar qualities of welcome, family spirit and companionship”.

Spring is here, and ‘Footsteps’ allowed us to appreciate the artistry of the legacy Marcellin left behind and how we continue it today.

Footsteps 1 – Making Jesus Christ Known and Loved NOVEMBER 2015 27

II International Marist Mission Assembly - Nairobi

It is with great joy and deep gratitude to God for the experience lived in Nairobi that we share the message of the II International Marist Mission Assembly, September 2014.

The Assembly was nourished by the life, challenges and dreams born of the local processes, the reflection of more than 25,210 persons in more than 1,123 groups. We are convinced that God manifested himself in different ways during the Assembly, we wish to express with Saint John: “What we

have seen and heard we are telling you so that you too may be in union with us” (1 John 1:3), we want to return the reflection so that each person, community, province, district or region feels itself challenged and called to continue giving life to the dream of Champagnat by being “prophets and mystics in communion”.

To ensure our continued relevance of the Champagnat Marist charism in the decades ahead, the Assembly named some challenges and posed some key questions addressed to local, provincial, regional, and international levels.

Challenges - To generate strategies that promote and accompany the vocational journeys of all Marists, personally and communally: How do we envision the Marist vocation? What forms and styles of community express vitality in these calls to be Marist? What new elements should we include in our Marist communities in order to achieve greater vitality? What kind of accompaniment processes would be necessary? How can we enhance a spirit of communion among us?

- To cultivate the contemplative and inner dimensions of our lives for sustaining and nourishing both life and mission: What kind of relationship are we living with the God revealed by Jesus of Nazareth? How are we revealing God to others at personal, community and institutional levels? Which traits of Mary are we called to embody today?

How can we become Spirit-filled evangelisers? What paths must we follow in order to deepen our contemplative and inner lives? How are we connected to the Earth?

28 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

- To imagine new structures that will be required for enhancing vitality in the Marist charism: What should we change in order to give birth to a new beginning? What strategies, processes or structures could promote relationships based on communion? What kind of structures do we need in order to accompany Marist life and mission and ensure greater closeness to children and young people? What would be the structural implications of functioning as an International Institute? How can we develop structures that foster continuing missionary availability?

- To overcome any fears and resistances for moving to the peripheries and promoting the rights of children and young people: How could we go in haste to the peripheries of poverty and exclusion to be with the young Montagne of today? How could we help people to understand that getting to know Jesus Christ and his Gospel is a right for children and young people? How could our educational works be spaces that guarantee the rights of children and young people? What plans and projects should be our priority in order to engage in social transformation? How could we defend the rights of children in social and political forums?

- To promote “inter” processes (international - intercultural intercongregational - interecclesial), which can strengthen the Marist mission in new lands: How could we foster ongoing missionary availability? What could we do to envision diversity as an opportunity to grow? How could we enrich each other at all these levels?

What networks could we organize to be at the service of these “inter” processes?

Opportunities With hope and joy, we have also identified the following as opportunities that will allow us to generate greater vitality for the Marist charism and mission: • the thousands of children and young people for whom we are caring of as part of our mission; • all the people already involved in Marist life and mission; • the relevance and attractiveness of our Marist charism, which is an expression of ecclesial life for our time; • the processes that accompany and develop new Marist vocations; • the new forms of expression of the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat, especially among the lay Marists; • the thirst for spirituality, and the search for meaning that is present in our world; • the perspective that women bring to the Marist charism, integrating into our lives the Marian attitudes of tenacity, maternal tenderness, sensitivity towards those who are “the smallest”, attention to detail, and intuition; • the strength and sensitivity of young people in our Marist Youth Ministry programmes, showing us potential for change and the face of the evangelisers of the future; • the capacity of our works and Marist schools in the five continents with all their history and accumulated experience – the significance and relevance of the Marist educational and evangelising tradition; • the commitment of many Marists

who are already working with children and young people in situations of vulnerability and exclusion; • the support and resources already in place at local, provincial, and international levels;

• the agencies and networks of solidarity and volunteering within the Institute that are responding to the Montagne of today, who are the reason for our mission; • new technologies and social networks.

NOVEMBER 2015 29

Mission Assembly of the Marist Association,

Over four days in August this year, sixty‐four Marists gathered at Mittagong for the first representative gathering of the Marist Association of St Marcellin. It was a graced‐filled few days, a simply wonderful and inspirational meeting of Marist hearts and minds. There was a profound sense of the Spirit at work among us.

In its structure and dynamics, the Assembly resembled a Provincial Chapter: a meeting of delegates (two‐thirds nominated by fellow members, one third by virtue of their current roles and responsibilities) who spent time in prayer, in discussion, and

Br Michal de Waas and Br Greg McDonald

30 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

in social time together.

Their purposes were to review the progress of the Association, to identify imperatives and directions for it over the next three years, and to nominate a Council. A framework for generating the priorities for the Association was provided by the message of last year’s Marist International Mission Assembly in Nairobi which called Marists to be “mystics” and “prophets”, and in “communion with one another as Marists”. The delegates devoted time to translating what these calls could mean in practical terms for Australian Marists in the local contexts of our

schools, ministries and communities.

It is intended that these proposals will now go back to the members more generally for further discernment at their local meetings later in the year.

A major task of the Assembly was to nominate an Association Council. It is anticipated that during the next three years, once the Association has been approved officially by the Holy See, that the Marist Association (Australian Conference) will take over from the Marist Brothers (Australian Province) the canonical and civil responsibility for Marist schools and other works, as well as accepting full leadership of its

Australia

Mittagong, Sydney, 20‐23 August 2015

own life and mission. The enormous significance of this transition of legal responsibility from Brothers‐alone to a wider group of Marists was something that the delegates received most seriously. The nominations were entrusted to Peter Carroll, the Leader‐elect of the Association in Australia, who will make the appointment of the Council once he takes office.

A number of people commented just how uplifting, engaging and challenging they found the experience of Assembly. Brother Michael de Waas (General Councillor)

added weight to this by pointing out to the delegates the degree to which the Marist world was looking at the initiatives that are being taken here in Australia as a possible model for how Marists in other parts of the world may choose to proceed.

From all perspectives this was an enormously significant event, one that is likely to have a defining impact on the future of the Marist project in Australia. We can be deeply thankful for the great richness of Marist life in our country.

Mr Peter McNamara and Mrs Cate Sydes

NOVEMBER 2015 31

Champagnat Marist Coaching Programme

Introduction The “Growing Coaches Programme” was held in Samoa from 27 April to 1 May 2015. The aim of the programme was to continue to develop the Champagnat Marist tradition of leadership and excellence amongst the local communities and amongst the young through coaching and participation in a wide range of sporting activities. Recognition of the origin and the Champagnat Marist philosophy is to be upheld and recognised in any further development of this programme. The programme is coordinated by Terry Horne.

Presenters Under the auspices of the Marist Brothers the “Growing Coaches Programme” was presented by Sue Emerson, the writer and developer of the programme, and Head of the

School of Sport, UNITEC, Auckland. She was ably assisted by three specialist lecturers from Unitec, Vera Williams, Robert Gambolati and Deborah Garea.

Also acting as a lecturer, presenter and interpreter was Siaosi Vaili, a former Manu Samoa rugby representative and presently Head of PE and Health Sciences at Kelston Boy’s High School, Auckland.

Welcome and Opening Ceremony Br John Hazelman, Principal of Marist Brothers Primary School, Mulivai organised a very impressive and moving traditional welcome involving his staff and students with sport and its participation as its theme. Matai Harry Schuster, Lawyer, Member of Parliament and Marist Old Boy, opened the second programme and made the historic connection between the Marist Brothers,

education and sport in Samoa. This was all captured on the three local TV channels including Catholic TV. For much of the week the media were present interviewing the presenters and recording the workshops and associated activities. A similar and equally moving farewell ceremony was highlighted by the quality of the school choir and the presentation of traditional gifts to the visitors.

Programme Two separate programmes were conducted over the five day period, each day being of six hours duration.

Programme A on Monday and Tuesday was based at St Joseph’s College where the participants, 60 in total, were mainly from the Year 13 St Joseph’s students, all perceived to have leadership potential, as well as 14 third year PE students from the National University of Samoa. Br Siaosi Ioane, Principal and Br Bryan Stanaway, Deputy Principal, ably hosted this section of the programme.

Programme B on Wednesday - Friday was based at Marist Brothers Primary School, Mulivai under the watchful eye of the Principal and prime mover and instigator of the overall programme, Br John Hazelman. Participants in this group consisted of a combination of twenty mainly PE teachers from the two Marist Brothers Schools in Apia.

The remaining 40 were welcome invited guests and coaches from the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC).

Workshops Workshops were presented on a rotational basis. Participant numbers in the groups was kept to a minimum to ensure a close rapport with the

32 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

lecturers. There were four workshops plus a practicum where in the participants in pairs organised and ran coaching sessions for over 300 Marist primary school participants all at the one venue. The workshop topics were 1) What is coaching, 2) Designing great coaching sessions, 3) Games approach and 4) Coach leadership. The practical sessions involving the implementation and personalisation of information delivered from the workshops was assessed and feedback was given.

Summary The written feedback and programme review is still being collated but all other indicators reflect a very successful and initial Marist Brothers Coaching Programme in Samoa. The presenters and lecturers were overwhelmed with the positive feedback and the desire for more such programmes to be delivered to the young people of Samoa. Leaders evolved and were seen to grow with

their communication, organization and skill set. Their role is now to hand those qualities onto the next generation in Samoa.

Thanks • A big thanks in particular to the Marist Brothers, especially Br David McDonald, Leader of the District, Brs Siaosi Ioane, Brian Callaghan and Bryan Stanaway who provided such a Marist welcome at St Joseph’s. Thanks also to Br John Hazelman who originally put forward the invitation to bring a team to Samoa, and their communities for allowing this all to happen.

• A big up to Sue Emerson and her team of professional and animated presenters from Unitec. They took Apia and the Marist Coaching world by storm with their presentations and associated support. A lot of the programmes content would have been lost in English were it not for the

translational skills and personal presence of Siaosi Vaili our support and translator.

• With such a big representation from SASNOC it was appreciated that they took such a supportive and beneficial role in providing meals and sustenance for all of the Programme B participants as well as logistic and financial support for their travelling coaches many of whom had encountered an 8 eight hour journey from the outlying regions of the island of Savaii.

Future “The future is now” so here’s hoping all those participants and observers start the next developmental stage by assuming their roles as leaders of youth in Samoa by taking ownership and run future similarly based programmes.

Terry Horne, Programme Coordinator NOVEMBER 2015 33

New initiatives

Pago Pago – American Samoa At the invitation of the Bishop of Samoa-Pago Pago, Most Reverend Peter Hugh Brown, CSsR, Champagnat Marists have returned to American Samoa to support the mission of the Church in the diocese and in particular Catholic education. The Brothers established their first school at Leone in 1905. In 1991 the Brothers withdrew and the schools became the responsibility of the diocese. Currently there are two Montessori pre-schools, Marist-St Francis and St Theresa elementary schools, and Fa'asao-Marist High School.

Our ministry in the community is to work with and develop the spirituality of local Champagnat Marists and to support initiatives focused on the needs and education of young people.

Br Christopher Poppelwell is Director of the Office of Catholic Education. Br Iulio Suaesi is assisting with various youth initiatives in the diocese and teaching Religious Education at the High School.

Brs Chris and Iulio with the Champagnat Marist Group 34 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

The La Valla Project - Mount Druitt, Sydney Since gathering in late January, the Brothers of the La Valla Community Project have been active in their research and development of this new initiative. Much of the work for the first months of the year was a process of consultation with various community groups and organisations who work directly with poor and disadvantaged young people.

Some of these included the Marist and Exodus Communities at West Heidelberg, Edmund Rice Education Australia, the Parramatta Diocese Pastoral Planning Office and Institute for Mission, Marist Youth Care, Holy Family Parish Emerton, Chifley College Mount Druitt, Fr Chris Riley from Youth off the Streets, Blacktown City Council, McAuley-Champagnat Programme at Notre Dame Shepparton and others.

Consulting with such a wide variety of organisations provided a sense of the reality of some of the poorest young people and families in Australia, and also emphasised the importance of listening, genuine dialogue, and how initiatives such as the La Valla Community Project need time and patience.

This process of discernment has called the Brothers to establish the community in the suburb of Mount Druitt in Western Sydney. While much focus has been placed on location and ministry, the Brothers are also very committed to forming a contemporary religious community. In doing so, fraternal dialogue, in-depth sharing, regular community prayer and contemplation are priorities of

each day. Group accompaniment with the assistance of the Provincial Council have also aided the formation and discernment of the community.

The new community is exploring ways to be aligned with the Marist Association of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. As the first steps are taken in forming this community in Mount Druitt, Brs Michael, Justin and Lawrie are conscious that the gifts they offer are their consecration as religious Brothers, their Marist spirituality, an openness to listening, and a readiness to develop relationships. Already, the brothers have been warmly welcomed by the Jesuits and parishioners of the Holy Family Parish at Emerton, as well as the Baabayan Aboriginal community who provide support for local Aboriginal people, including a homework club in the local library. These are simple ways of being a part of the Mount Druitt community that hopefully make a difference in the lives of those they live amongst.

Brs Michael, Justin and Lawrie outside the community house NOVEMBER 2015 35

The Road Map - New Models of Animation, Gover

The New Models Project emerged from the last General Chapter. It seeks to address how best to organise the future Animation, Governance and Management of the Institute. This is to ensure the vitality of Brothers and Lay as well as the sustainability and growth of our mission into the future.

In July 85 participants, the Leader and one Brother from each AU as well as the General Administration met to discuss the proposal. In introducing the New Models Project Br Emili called for a “change of heart and mentality”.

He noted that change is coming and that we must lead the change. He echoed the words of Pope Francis, that “things cannot continue as they are” and that the Church needs “a pastoral and missionary conversion.” Br Emili

said that the Institutes needed “to be capable of acting as a global institution, not each one in his own corner. It is like disconnecting our mobile phone from our local network and connecting it to the global network.”

The New Models Project starts with

our Champagnat Marist vision and has two foci, People and Mission. A set of Marist Principles have been articulated to guide the process. From the July gathering a project team is working with the regions to develop a Road Map to progress the implementation of the New Models Project.

Our new beginning needs to start from our vision and needs to involve our People and our Mission Vision

Laity and Brothers, mystics and prophets in communion, with significant evangelizing presence among poor children and young people

A new beginning For our people: encourage Brothers and lay to be joyful, passionate and committed with the Marist charism • How can we improve our vocational response?

• Are we properly developing our people?

• How can our internal processes facilitate a new beginning?

• How can we increase the engagement of laypeople?

36 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

For our Mission: assure the sustainability and vitality of the Marist Mission • Improve effectiveness of our Mission • Are we properly defining our objectives?

• Are we fully using our goods?

• Are we suitably organised?

• Are our enablers aligned with the nowadays’ society and church?

nance and Management for a New Beginning

Our Marist principles ...

One Mission

• Make Jesus known and loved (c.2) with a significant presence among poor children and young people

Key components Based on core Marist values ... ... with a particular spirituality ... ... a global institute ... ... immersed in the world of our times ... ... with a new relationship among Brothers and lay ... ... serving children and young people ...

• Family spirit, love of work, in the way of Mary, presence ... ... with humility, simplicity and modesty • Apostolic and Marian expressed today as mystics and prophets in communion • Marian face of the Church • One global body to serve our mission • Co-responsibility and global availability • Sharing of resources • Deeply connected with the Church and the society • Thinking globally, acting locally • Able to benefit from innovation • Co-responsibility, spirit of communion, eventually forming a “charismatic family” • Dialogue, mutual support, respect and learning from one another • Builders of the kingdom of God making Jesus known and loved • Through education and evangelization with new methods and languages • In the new peripheries of the world

Passion for the Marist life and mission

• The vitality of the Mission is result of the passion for Marist life and commitment of Brothers and lay people forming a charismatic family

Presence among children and young people

• New languages and methods • Specially among the vulnerable and poor • Listening, available, welcoming and accompanying their life’s processes

Co-responsibility, solidarity and subsidiarity

• In the life and Mission at all levels and dimensions of the Marist charism • Among Brothers and lay people, with a significant women’s role • In the decision making and in the allocation of resources

Global mind-set

• Act as a single body to strengthen our international identity • Cross cultural competencies • Interdependency and cooperation with strong mobility and agility

Interculturality

• Recognising we are different and complementary • Learning from each other

Creativity and innovation

• Responding to the calls and challenges of the children and young people • In the style of leadership • In the proposals and resources

Right competences and attitudes

• Develop spiritual, ecclesial and professional leaderships on all dimensions • Building and strengthening the core competencies, attitudes and behaviours

Transparency

• In resource allocation and use • In communication internal and external • In the behaviour and attitudes of people NOVEMBER 2015 37

Australian Provincial Chapter

A New Way of Marists Being and Doing in Today’s World – Doorways to the Future 2nd Chapter of the Province of Australia Gathering at Mittagong from 27-30 September, the delegates from across Australia met for the 2nd Chapter of the province of Australia. The Chapter commenced with the Provincial’s Report presented by Br Jeffery Crowe, the outgoing Provincial. Fr Tony Gittins then spoke about consecrated life today and Br Joe McKee (Vicar General) spoke about the initiatives and priorities of the Institute.

Following these insightful presentations delegates, in table groups, worked at identifying the significant issues for individual Brothers, Communities and the Province for the next three years.

The Chapter endeavoured to embrace the invitations of the International Mission Assembly to be mystics and prophets in communion with all creation. These invitations were expressed in the Chapter Directions as “we are drawn to reach out to young people most in need, to live in lifegiving, prayerful communities and to be the Marian face of the Church.”

Brs Jean-Marie Batick (District Leader, Melanesia) and Paul Gilchrist

38 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

The newly elected Council: Brs Ken McDonald, Jeff Barrington, Peter Carroll (Provincial), Paul Kane, Darren Burge, Michael Callinan, Greg McDonald.

In the light of this, the Chapter focused on five directions: • Marist Association – To generously nurture the growth and vitality of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat.

• Mysticism – To grow in the recognition and value of the presence of God in our lives.

• Going to the Peripheries – To respond to the needs of youth most at risk.

• Fraternal Community – To live community in a way that is nurturing to each other and welcoming to visitors.

• Internationality – To engage actively in the re-imaging of the Institute as one international body.

The following Brothers were elected by the Chapter to form the next Provincial Council: Ken McDonald, Jeff Barrington, Paul Kane, Darren Burge, Michael Callinan, Greg McDonald.

The Brothers at the Second Provincial Chapter of the Province of Australia

Brs Joe McKee (Vicar General) and Br Peter Carroll (Provincial of Australia)

NOVEMBER 2015 39

Wenzhou

hina

Midway Islands (US)

Okinawa Fuzhou

Bonin Islands (Japan)

Naha Taipei

Xiamen

Shantou ngzhou

Daito-shoto (Japan)

Ryukyu Islands (Japan)

Volcano Islands (Japan)

Taiwan

Hong Kong (SAR)

Marcus Island (Japan)

Ha wa iia nI

Kao-hsiung

Macau (SAR)

Okino-torishima (Japan)

South China Sea

Philippines Sea

Luzon

Wake Island (US)

Northern Mariana Islands (US)

Kaui

Oahu Honolulu

sla Maui nd s( US )

Hawaii

Johnston Atoll (US) Saipan

Manila

Hagatña Guam (US)

Philippines Sanar Panay Bacolod Negros

Palawan

Iloilo

Eniwetak

Federation States of Micronesia

Cebu

Kwajalein Pohnpei

Mindanao

Zamboanga

Koror

Majuro Palikir

Davao

Band ar Seri Begawan

Marshall Islands

Yap

Cagayan de Oro

unei

Kingman Reef (US) Palmyra Atoll (US)

Caroline Islands

Palau

aysia

Borneo

Manado

Samarinda

Celebes

Jayapura

Funafuti

Kiribati

Rotuma

Darwin

Indian Ocean

Coral Sea Islands (Australia)

Cairns

Port Headland

Mount Isa

Vanua Levu

Fiji Port-Villa

Viti Levu

New Caledonia (France)

Suva

American Samoa (US)

Apia

Wallis & Futuna (France)

Cook Islands (NZ)

Pago Pago

Society Islands

Tonga Alofi Niue (NZ)

Mackay

Nuku’alofa Ceva-i-Ra

Noumea Rockhampton Gladstone

Alice Springs

Samoa

Mata-Utu

Vanuatu

Coral Sea

Townsville

Iles Marquises

Santa Cruz Islands

Guadalcanal

Port Moresby

Timor

Ashmore & Cartier Islands (Australia)

Tokelau (NZ)

Tuvalu

Honiara

Kupang Sumba

Solomon Islands

New Britain

Lae

East Timor

s nd la Is

Flores

ne Li

Lombok

New Guinea

Indonesia

Bali Sumbawa

Bougainville

Madang

npasar

Rawaki (Phoenia Islands)

Papua New Guinea

Ambon

Surabaya

Kiribati

New Ireland Wewak

Makassar

Jarvis Island (US)

Banaba

Nuaru

Ceram Buru

Kiritmati (Christmas Islands) Kiribari

Howland Island (US) Baker Island (US)

Yaren District

Sorong

Palu

jarmasin

Kiribati (Gilbert Islands)

Tarawa

Halmahera

Minerva Reef

Avarua

Papeete Tahiti

French Polynesia (France)

Maruroa

Iles Tubuai Adamstown Rapa

Brisbane Gold Coast Geraldton

Kingston

Norfolk Island (Australia)

Kermadec Islands (NZ)

Kalgoorlie Broken Hill

Perth Bunbury

Newcastle

Esperance

Whyalla

Lord Howe Island (Australia)

Sydney Adelaide

Canberra

Wollongong Auckland Hamilton

Bendigo Geelong

North Island

Melbourne Hastings

Tasman Sea

Indian Ocean

Wellington Hobart

Tasmania Christchurch Chatam Islands (NZ) South Island Dunedin Invercargill Stewart Island

Pitcairn Islands (UK)