Marists in OcNoveembaer 20n15 • Isisuea No. 6 Contents

12 38

6 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

2 MARISTS IN OCEANIA Administrative Units

Wenzhou Midway Islands (US) Okinawa Bonin Islands (Japan) Fuzhou Naha Xiamen Taipei Ryukyu Islands Daito-shoto Volcano Islands Marcus Island (Japan) (Japan) (Japan) Shantou (Japan) Guangzhou Taiwan Province of H Kaui (SAR) Kao-hsiung a Oahu wa Macau (SAR) iia Honolulu Okino-torishima n (Japan) Is Maui lan Wake Island d Hawaii Northern s ( Mariana (US) US Islands ) Marist Centre Sydney South China (US) Luzon Philippines Sea Sea Johnston Atoll (US) Saipan North Pacific Ocean Manila Hagatña Guam Philippines (US) PO Box 1247 Sanar Eniwetak Panay Iloilo Bacolod Palawan Federation States of Kwajalein Marshall Negros Cebu Yap Islands Cagayan de Oro Pohnpei Mindanao Zamboanga Koror Majuro Palikir Mascot, NSW 1460 Band ar Seri Davao Kingman Reef (US) Begawan Palmyra Atoll (US) Brunei Caroline Islands

Malaysia Kiritmati (Christmas Islands) Borneo Manado Tarawa Kiribati Halmahera (Gilbert Islands) Howland Island (US) Kiribari Jarvis Island Yaren District Baker Island (US) (US) Samarinda Sorong Banaba Palu Nuaru Level 1, 247 Coward Street Celebes Ceram Jayapura New Ireland Banjarmasin Kiribati Buru Wewak Rawaki (Phoenia Islands) Ambon Papua New Makassar Madang Bougainville L in e New Britain Surabaya New Guinea Lae Solomon Is Indonesia Tuvalu la Java Bali Sumbawa Flores Islands Kiribati n Mascot, NSW 2020 Funafuti (NZ) d Denpasar East Timor s Iles Marquises Honiara Kupang Santa Cruz Lombok Sumba Timor Port Moresby Guadalcanal Islands American Cook Islands Ashmore & Darwin Rotuma Cartier Islands Mata-Utu Samoa (US) (NZ) Phone: +61 2 9218 4000 (Australia) Wallis Apia Pago Pago Vanua & Futuna Coral Sea Levu (France) Coral Sea Indian Ocean Cairns Islands Papeete (Australia) Port-Villa Viti Society Islands Levu Alofi Tahiti Townsville Fax: +61 2 9218 4084 (France) (NZ) Port Headland Mount Isa French Polynesia Mackay Nuku’alofa Avarua (France) Noumea Ceva-i-Ra Maruroa Rockhampton Alice Springs Gladstone Minerva Reef Iles Tubuai

Email Brisbane Rapa Gold Coast Geraldton Kingston Norfolk Island (Australia) Kermadec Islands Kalgoorlie (NZ) Broken Hill Provincial: [email protected] Perth Newcastle Lord Howe Island Bunbury Esperance (Australia) South Pacific Ocean Whyalla Sydney Adelaide Canberra Wollongong Province Secretary: [email protected] Bendigo Auckland North Island Hamilton Melbourne Geelong

Hastings Tasman Sea Indian Ocean Wellington

Tasmania Hobart Marist Centre Melbourne Christchurch Chatam Islands (NZ) South Island

Dunedin Invercargill 1 Dawson Street Stewart Island Brunswick, VIC 3056 The Oceania Council was established in 2012 by the Phone: +61 3 9389 3100 College of Leaders of the three Administrative Units, Fax: +61 3 9381 0417 The Province of Australia, the District of Melanesia and Marist Centre Brisbane the District of the Pacific. PO Box 273 A core function of the Oceania Council is to promote Ashgrove West, QLD 4060 collaboration in Marist life and mission across the Region. 142 Frasers Road, Ashgrove, QLD 4060 Phone: +61 7 3354 0600 Oceania Council Logo District of Melanesia The Southern Cross represents the Marist Brothers common sky that covers Oceania. PO Box 1881 Boroko, National Capital District The stars also have the sense of being ‘Stella Maris’ that is, guidance in our mission, with a focus on what is bigger Phone: +675 703 12272 than us as individual districts or province. Fax: +675 325 5697 The waves are a stylised ‘M’ for Marist. It suggests the tides Email of change, constant energy, restlessness and a sense of District Leader: [email protected] movement. The waves also suggest the ripple effect District Secretary: [email protected] spreading out across the Oceania Region. District of the Pacific NZ Marist Brothers’ Trust Board PO Box 24400 Cover Image Royal Oak Auckland The image is taken from the painting New Zealand 1345 of the Montagne Event by Mr Paul Newton. The painting hangs in the 4 Pacific Rise (Building D, Unit 3) provincial house, Drummoyne, Mt Wellington Sydney. It depicts Fr Champagnat Auckland holding the dying young man. Br Phone: +64 9 573 5233 Emili Turú (Superior General), in his Fax: +64 9 573 5241 letter Montagne: The Dance of Mission, writes that the image of Marcellin holding the Email dying boy “depicts Marcellin, in an attitude of quiet suffering District Leader: [email protected] and deep meditation, a living image of the Mary presented District Office: [email protected] by Michelangelo in his famous Pietà.” Web: www.maristbrothers.org.nz

NOVEMBER 2015 3 Oceania Council

Br Peter Carroll Br Jean-Marie Batick Br David McDonald Provincial of Australia District Leader – Melanesia District Leader – Pacific

College of Leaders: From 1984 Peter’s ministry was exclusively in secondary Peter Carroll FMS – Provincial Australia schools where he specialised in Religious Education. He Jean-Marie Batick FMS – District Leader Melanesia then spent fifteen years in school leadership as Principal of David McDonald FMS – District Leader Pacific St Peter Claver College Riverview, Marist College North Shore and Trinity Catholic College Lismore. He has been Council Members: Community Leader at Booval, Lismore and Fitzroy. Australia - Melissa Clohesy, Peter McNamara, Graham Neist FMS Melanesia - Ruth Hihiru, Mark Kenatsi FMS Peter was first elected to the Provincial Council of the Pacific - Terence Costello FMS, Dan Dungey, Siaosi Ioane FMS former Sydney Province in 2003, elected to the Provincial Council of the Australian Province when it was formed in Oceania Executive: 2012 and appointed by Br Jeffrey Crowe as his Deputy Kevin Wanden FMS, Oceania Regional Coordinator (ORC) Provincial at the same time. Over the past three years he has Tony d’Arbon FMS, Executive Officer supported the Provincial, assisted with a range of pastoral New Provincial for the Province of Australia matters and been involved in the professional standards area . Brother Peter Carroll was born in Brisbane, the middle of Br Emili Turú (Superior General), appointed Peter as the three children. After completing his secondary schooling at Provincial of the Australian Province in January 2015 and he Marist College Ashgrove he commenced the Postulancy in assumed office at the Provincial Chapter on 27 September. 1977 and entered the Novitiate in 1978. Peter took first Peter feels that the good Lord has blessed him in many vows in January 1980 and made Final Profession in 1986. ways: having truly admirable parents, being raised in a During the post-Novitiate period he completed studies at loving home with supportive family, being called to the Macquarie University and post-graduate studies at what is Marist way, being given so many opportunities over the today the Australian Catholic University. His mid-life past thirty years. He feels honoured and privileged to have renewal was particularly satisfying. He had his first real been appointed as Provincial of the Australian Province, and experience of international community at Manziana and looks forward to collaborating with many wonderful completed a Masters in Religious Education at Loyola Marists both within and beyond Australia, especially in our University Chicago in 2001. region of Oceania.

4 MARISTS IN OCEANIA Oceania Council

The Oceania Region • To build up and promote a sense of community and brotherhood across the Region. The idea leading to the establishment of our Oceania Region first emerged within the Institute at the 19th • To develop programs and projects that bring about General Chapter in 1993 when the final Message to the greater interdependence of the three Administrative Brothers invited all Provinces, Districts and Mission Sectors Units. around the world to engage in dialogue about future Oceania Council restructuring and regionalization in order to strengthen the vitality and viability of our Marist mission. This ultimately The mandate of the Oceania Council is to promote greater led to the formation of the Oceania Region in 2013. collaboration for “vitality and viability for mission” across Oceania. Final authority for any recommendations rests College of Leaders (COL) with the College of Leaders (COL). The College of Leaders has the collective canonical The role and responsibilities of the Oceania Council include: responsibility for the vitality and viability of the Marist Institute in the Oceania Region. The Members of COL are • Establish and maintain a common vision for Marist life the Provincial of Australia; the District Superior of Melanesia and mission across the Region in accordance with the and the District Superior of the Pacific. Its focus is: documents of the Church and of the General Chapters. • To model and take forward the Principles stated above. • 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. • Approve the annual Oceania Budget and forward it to Oceania Lay Partnership Commission 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 Contrition and was anointed. The boy spent several hours explaining the died shortly after Marcellin left the truths of the faith. The boy was then January 1817. The rest, as the saying house to visit another sick person able to make a simple Act of goes, is history. nearby. While a single event may have The death of the adolescent boy made crystallised his thinking and brought a deep impression on Marcellin who Marcellin to a decision to actually form resolved immediately to try and a group of brothers, it was probably address the situation. Within a week part of a larger picture. As a priest, Marcellin had approached two young Marcellin was challenged by the high men in the parish Jean-Marie Granjon level of ignorance about religion in and Jean-Baptiste Audras to join him. the parish and among children and After buying a house in Lavalla and young people in particular. Marcellin spending two months renovating it, had engaged in catechism classes for the two young men moved in on 2 children as a seminarian. He had also

6 MARISTS IN OCEANIA Towards the Bicentennial 1817-2017

insisted on the need for teaching Brothers to be an integral part of A New Beginning the new Society dedicated to Mary. We now see how providential this This theme recalls the pledge, at the Basilica of encounter was for the future of the Fourvière, by the first Marist priests and aspirants to Little Brothers of Mary. It had a form the Society of Mary, on the day following the significant impact on Marcellin and ordination of Marcellin Champagnat and Jean-Claude Colin. brought home to him the urgency It is an invitation to us to renew our devotion to Mary, our Good Mother. of his project. A Fourvière Prayer Who was Jean-Baptiste Mary, first disciple of the Lord, Montagne? we thank you for the group of priests, It is only since 1966 that the Champagnat and Colin among them adolescent boy, in this seminal who consecrated themselves to you in Fourvière 199 years ago, event for Fr Champagnat, has been committing themselves to renew the Church, named. Br Gabriel Michel, a Marist inspired by you and under your protection. scholar, after researching burial Thank you for the Marist Family, records identified a 16 year old at present extending to all parts of the world, youth, Jean-Baptiste Montagne, as heir of that dream of the first Marists. the boy that Marcellin visited. It desires, today like yesterday, Who is Montagne for us today? to place itself at the service of our sisters and brothers Jean-Baptiste Montagne has especially those who live in situations of greater vulnerability. become the archetype for all the Thank you in a special way, children and young people to for the Charism received through Marcellin Champagnat, whom the Champagnat Marist who, on so many occasions, travelled to Fourvière mission, of making Jesus Christ to entrust his projects to you and to abandon himself into your hands. known and loved, is directed. To Aware that You always do everything among us, some extent the name of this we thank you for so many generations adolescent boy is irrelevant. A more of Marist Brothers who, on the five continents, important question is ‘Who is gave their lives to the evangelisation of children and young people. Montagne for us today?’ Thank you for the growth of the Marist Laity, What burned in Marcellin women and men called by the Holy Spirit Champagnat’s heart as he made his to live their Christian vocation as Champagnat Marists, way back to La Valla after in communion with the Brothers, encountering the young Montagne? and sharing the one same mission. What energy pulsed through him, leading him to found the Institute As Champagnat Marists, we entrust ourselves to you, just a few months later? We might our good Mother of Fourvière, pilgrim of faith. ask ourselves, are we not called to With daring and generosity, travel this same road again, allowing may we be signs of your tenderness and mercy ourselves to be deeply challenged among the Montagne of today, by the situation of the young and may we be faithful to our mission Montagnes of today? How are we to make Jesus Christ known and loved. Amen. responding to the call of the Church La Valla and the Institute to leave our own comfort zone in order to reach the This theme recalls the cradle of the Institute around the table that Marcellin “peripheries” in need of the light of constructed. It is an invitation to us to focus on the mystical dimension of our the Gospel? 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 people first, recognising welfare ministry of the Marist Brothers their worth, focusing on in Australia. Our origins began in 1891 their needs whatever their with St Vincent De Paul and the Marist circumstances and Brothers establishing a major work for regardless of their the benefit of under privileged boys in backgrounds and beliefs Sydney, which saw the establishment • Respect – we respect, of St Vincent’s Boys home Westmead value and acknowledge in 1896. people, their differences and education and employment, health Today MYC is a not-for-profit unique needs and this is reflected and wellbeing support for organisation focused on helping at risk in the professional delivery of our unaccompanied minors awaiting their young people, their families and services and in our relationships visa determination, and vulnerable communities. MYC has 350 staff • Integrity – we behave in an open adults and families in the Community assisted by 114 volunteers. With and transparent manner; acting Detention program, provision of Out- offices in Sydney and Melbourne honestly and consistently in of-Home Care and Foster Care MYC’s programs and services give undertaking our work and in our services. priority to young people learning skills relationships that will assist them to work towards The young people MYC works with are social and economic independence. • Perseverance – we are prepared to the most disadvantaged in our Vulnerable young people are go beyond the recognised limits of community and include those at risk encouraged to “See Life Differently” care and tolerance in working with of exclusion from mainstream through education, vocational training young people and ensure that we education, early school leavers, young and employment programs where are always there for them offenders (both ex-prisoners and those in detention), homeless youth they are supported by professional • Innovation – we are innovative, and those at risk of homelessness, and experienced staff. courageous and imaginative and Aboriginal young people, migrants, willing to take risks to achieve the Our Mission refugees and humanitarian entrants, best outcomes for young people and young people in transition from Marist Youth Care in the spirit of we serve Marcellin Champagnat stands in care. Our Work solidarity with young people at risk in Pete’s Place their struggle for wholeness of life. We As a youth specialist, MYC provides Pete’s Place is an alternate school endeavour to nurture these young services to a minimum of 1700 young setting in Blacktown. Our aim is to people with care, love and people per year. We offer a range of provide educational opportunities for understanding and work towards services that are dedicated to working the most disengaged and reconciling them with their families. In with youth at risk including educationally challenged youth in our working with these young people and accommodation and support for community. Pete's Place offers more their families, we are prepared to go those at risk of homelessness, tailored intensive support with learning and an beyond recognised limits of care and support and case management, family individualised education program for tolerance. Through a variety of preservation services, community each student focusing on academic , innovative activities we support these development and capacity building social and emotional learning. young people on their path to with Aboriginal and CaLD personal, social and economic communities, prevention of re- Pete’s Place currently has 20 students independence. offending behaviours through case enrolled in Years 7-10 who receive Our Values management and diversionary individual, tailored support with a activities, providing assistance with high teacher-student ratio. Teachers • Client Focused – we put young accommodation and re-engaging in enable students to receive their Record

8 MARISTS IN OCEANIA of School Achievement in Year 10 and licensed Painting and Decorating activity that providing a pathway to further contractor operating in Sydney’s West. builds skills, education and training. This year we Working primarily as a sub contractor, confidence and have 11 students enrolled who are on MYC Painting Services prides itself on employability. track to achieve a formal Year 10 level first class workmanship on a range of MYC accepts qualification. residential and commercial jobs. donations of Currently experiencing growth, a total of recycled Skills Development Centres six Aboriginal apprentices have been furniture, which Marist Youth Care’s Skills Development hired in the first six months of operation . job seekers Centres (SDC) provide pre-vocational refurbish, repair Having already partnered with training and employment and repaint to Programmed, Blacktown City Council opportunities for unemployed and bring the item and the Sarina Russo Group, MYC disadvantaged job seekers in both back to its former glory. Once Painting Services is looking to expand Sydney and Melbourne. Our primary completed, job seekers learn how to its services and in turn, create further objective is to provide these resell items which in turn provides social impact with its employment participants with the opportunity to participants with a short term income model. gain full time employment and as a whilst looking for long term work. result, commence their journey towards MYCafe operated for 12 months in MYC’s footprint now extends across a social and financial independence. 2014 -15, servicing construction number of states and territories, with workers at IKEA, Bunnings and Masters Our training programs aim to reflect services in New South Wales, Victoria, within the new Sydney Business Park industry needs and expectations, Canberra and Queensland. MYC Star development in Marsden Park, NSW. providing our participants with the Foster Care services continue to grow. In this short window, MYC directly critical tools to become successful in This has required a significant employed eight Aboriginal trainees, in their chosen career. Training is a mix of investment in infrastructure which will many cases providing job seekers with practical and theory tasks and support continue as we work towards their first ever employment opportunity. is provided along the way to tailor the becoming a truly national program to the needs of each job Reclaimed is a recycled furniture and organisation continuing to provide seeker. Throughout the program we homewares enterprise that engages services for vulnerable children, young work closely with referring agencies, young Aboriginal job seekers, people and their families. providing regular feedback on providing a safe and rewarding 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. 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 using animations and role play to challenge now is to maintain and Word University, Madang gathered for engage the students. build a community fit for children, a child right awareness workshop in where every child can grow to The second part was taken up by August 2015. The awareness workshop adulthood in health, peace and exploring various child protection was organized by Marist Youth to help dignity. Whilst Duty Bearers were issues concerning children and young raise awareness about children’s rights urged to build an alliance, secure in people around Melanesia. There was a in Primary Schools. Almost 500 the knowledge that in serving the best lot of discussion on children rights and students and teachers from Lutheran interest of children (Art 12 Right to protection to make sure everyone Day Primary School attended the Participation) we serve the best recieves the best start in life. The presentation given by Marist Youth of interest of all. 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

10 MARISTS IN OCEANIA NOVEMBER 2015 11 Montagne Today – Pacific

Champagnat Institute – Suva, Fiji Marist Learning Centre – Glenfield,

The Champagnat Institute in Suva, Fiji, The Marist Learning Centre provides educates secondary students who are educational opportunities for young unable to attend mainstream schools, men and women who, for whatever including children with disabilities reason, have not managed to fit into who now have access to vocational the mainstream educational system. education at the Institute. The schools which enables students to Many of the students come to the Institute is the only secondary school achieve their learning outcomes in a Centre with very real problems or in Fiji that specialises in teaching more supportive environment. special needs which the Centre vocational and mainstream curriculum Francis Varea, the Principal comments attempts to help with while also to young people with disabilities and that “The Marist Champagnat Institute giving a fresh perspective on school learning difficulties. The Marist is different from other special and learning. Champagnat Institute has smaller education schools because it is a class sizes than mainstream 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 Kaikohe, Northland, New Zealand

The Centre seeks to work with The Champagnat Marist community is Brothers have been able to extend the students to help build self-esteem involved in a number of activities to programme so that students are able and through this give them a sense support young people in a to access this assistance weekly. of their own self-worth and the marginalised rural area of New Once a Term, Enviro Skills offers an worth of others. The staff set out to Zealand. The town is about 75Kms over-night camp for twenty-five guide the students through from where Bishop Pompallier and the students from remote areas to learn challenges and tasks with first Brothers arrived in 1838. agricultural skills such as chain sawing, encouragement and affirmation, Three days a week the Brothers possum trapping, skinning and fur teaching them new skills, and support is at the local alternative plucking, quad bike safety and developing their abilities in a education centre. This caters for maintenance, First Aid and fencing. supportive environment. approximately 15 students who have These courses are registered with the been excluded from local secondary National Qualifications Authority and schools. The Brothers work with provide an employment pathway for students in their on-line literacy and many students. numeracy programmes through the Correspondence School. 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 Brother Michael de Waas FMS from the A variety of exercises, formation Brothers from the District of the Pacific General Council and Sister Maria experiences, personal and group have been participating in a two year Piluca Benavente Serranc MSOLA, a reflection, prayer, the development of programme of leadership Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa. appropriate skills and ongoing development. The purpose of the mentoring are the major elements of The process seeks to encourage the New Era Leadership programme is to the programme. Perhaps one of the participants to acknowledge and free address the important questions of more challenging aspects of the course themselves from the obstacles that limit leadership in the District into the for each individual participant is to take them from creating a viable vision for future, to identify what needs to be responsibility, ownership, in being aware the District of the Pacific, a vision for done, and who needs to do it. and attentive to what is going on, and the future that must be global. To being proactive at both the personal The programme takes the form of achieve this vision effectively, greater and collective levels. The beauty of the three 10-day gatherings. The first leadership skills may be needed, that programme lies in the fact that, it was gathering was held at the Noviciate in will equip the Brothers to share their not just theoretical; it was also a hands - Lomeri, Fiji Islands from 1-10 April. vision with the Brothers and Lay on course, involving a balance of Further gatherings are planned for Champagnat Marists of the District, prayer and meditation, sharing ideas, December 2015 and 2016 respectively. and to implement the vision. personal and cooperative planning. The programme is facilitated by

Brs Samasoni, Michael, Luke and Sr Piluca

14 MARISTS IN OCEANIA 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 provides an enticing environment in students to learn, organise ourselves there were many parents present at which to engage the students in their and looks after their wellbeing. this historic occasion and all were given learning. Learning can also occur in larger the opportunity to inspect the new groups, triads (three 1:14 groups) or Learning at Marist College Bendigo is facilities which have been built to meet clusters (four 1:14 groups) if needed. structured differently than some schools the needs of the first students at the with the Australian Curriculum Projects During the coming years the College will College. 1 and 2 forming a vital part of student introduce a new year level each year The College has been purpose built to learning. Instead of separate classes until 2017. The first Year 12 students allow for the implementation of a the College has small groups, the 1:14, will graduate in 2019. To find out more Project Based Learning Model of as well as triads and clusters. Each 1:14 about Marist College visit the website education to deliver the Australian group consists of 14 students and one http://www.marist.vic.edu.au/wp/ Curriculum. The state of the art facility educator. The 1:14 educator helps Christus Vita Nostra.

NOVEMBER 2015 15 Just Living: Hearts Without Borders

The first national Marist Youth Festival for service and (MYF) in the Marist Brothers Province justice”. of Australia was held in January with Other speakers the theme: ‘JUST Living: Hearts without included Sr Borders’. It brought together 180 Brigid Arthur, young people from every state and educator and territory, including 89 Marist senior refugee students from 25 different schools and advocate; 75 young adults. Participants stayed Laura John, at Sancta Sophia College, Australian Camperdown and the main events youth held at the Australian Technology ambassador Park, Eveleigh, Sydney. to the United Nations; Fr Peter In the evaluation survey, 72% of Day, founder of “HOME” in participants rated the overall Queanbeyan, a home for people with Mary and the Marist heart, calling on experience as ‘Excellent’ (with a further chronic mental illness; and Kate God to renew our hearts in love. The 23% rating as ‘Good’). 90% rated the Fogarty, Principal of Assumption transformative theme of MYF climaxed atmosphere as ‘Excellent’, 94% rated College, Kilmore. on the final evening, with the Festival the music as ‘Excellent’, and 90% Workshops held during MYF invited Eucharist, celebrated by Bishop Peter would want to attend another MYF participants to delve deeper into Ingham from Wollongong Diocese. within the next two years! This issues of faith and social justice, Mass was followed by a vibrant praise overwhelming response simply including healthy relationships, justice and worship session, led by Fr Rob matches the enthusiastic, buzzing for developing nations and the poor, Galea, his band, and Genevieve Bryant. atmosphere that we could feel so justice for young people at risk, So many participants commented on many times during the Festival. advocacy, and environmental justice. how they were deeply moved on this Keynote addresses were a source of Workshops also introduced spirit-filled night. inspiration and new perspectives. opportunities for volunteering, These are only highlights from a Brother Emili Turú, Superior General of overseas immersions, and to connect hugely significant time in our Marist the Marist Brothers, challenged the with the broader Marist community. family. A time where young people participants to adopt a Marial MYF was also a celebration of our faith have felt that they have a home in the approach to life, through service, and offered a range of dynamic Church. It’s been a time where young sorority and silence: “To be Marist worship experiences throughout. people have nourished their today is to be grounded in prayer and Highlights included “Evening Prayer relationship with God, in both heart action. Contemplation and a spirit of with Songs from Taizé”, when we and mind, and opened up new interiority are the foundations of any gathered in prayer, song and silence possibilities for their lives, Christian life which nurtures our desire around the Taizé Cross, the Icon of communities and the world.

16 MARISTS IN OCEANIA NOVEMBER 2015 17 School Immersions

Marist Students’ Immersion Experiences in Fiji

For the last three years or so, a number Marist Brothers High School. of Marist schools in Australia have When groups arrive they are invited included Fiji in their destinations for to be totally open to immersing an immersion experience for their themselves into the school and students and staff. The schools come family culture of the “buddies” to the Marist Champagnat Institute in who are assigned to them. Each Suva and are hosted by the Marcellin immersion student is partnered Centre community in Vatuwaqa, Suva. with a student from the The Brothers’ residence is adjacent to Champagnat Institute who is the St Marcellin Primary school; in their “buddy” for the time they addition the Marcellin Angels are here. The immersion student Kindergarten is also on this same and their buddy participate in compound. So all three schools are whatever is happening at the included as part of the immersion Institute and also spends one visit. The students are primarily linked night with the family of their in with the Marist Champagnat “buddy” – a sleep over as it Institute, but also spend time at the St were. Families from St Marcellin Marcellin Primary School (one whole primary school also host the immersion day) and the Kindergarten (half a day). Team Leader Millie Sharpley of students for a one night sleepover. In addition there is a visit to one of the Sacred Heart College enjoys a refreshing two other Marist schools in Suva, Br Kees van der Weert comments that drink from the green coconut at the Marist Brothers Primary School and in his experience “students who come 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 I would have changed about the trip is accommodation better than I and have bonded very well with their that we could have more time at the expected and the week ran smoothly. I buddies, and have certainly come away primary school but other than that there think more time spent at the primary with a new appreciation of how students is nothing I would change. Thank you for school would've been fun. in another country and culture live”. giving us the opportunity for this Maggie amazing experience I really will miss Fiji! Comments from students at Lavalla I really think that this Fiji immersion Chelsea College, Tararalgon and Sacred Heart made an impact on not only me, but Our immersion experience was, for everyone on the trip! It made people College, Adelaide me, a life changing experience. It has realise how fortunate we are with what helped me not to take for granted all we The Fiji immersion was an amazing have. The buddies we met made us the opportunities we have in Australia, experience, it was one of the best realise that you don't need everything as the we were with were so things I have done with my life. Seeing to be happy! I learnt from this happy to be receiving any education how a developing country lives was experience that the most grateful at all. They were so grateful for heart wrenching, all those people who people are the happiest! And I am now everything they had, even if to us it have next to nothing but are still so even more grateful than I ever have was not much. These people have all happy, but it definitely has changed been. What made this experience impacted my life in such a positive my perspective of life. It was an amazing was the people! The way and have reminded me that the extraordinary experience and I would community! And how warm and number one thing in life should be do it all over again if I could. I have welcoming they were! family. The food was great, become a better person. The only thing 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 Sam and her buddy, Laura 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. 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 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 Alex and her buddy, Sulueti to enjoy the little things in life and just

20 MARISTS IN OCEANIA The Sacred Heart College students at St Marcellin Primary School joining in with the music and dancing put a positive attitude into things. I part of. I loved every single minute of have, and now I feel I want too many will forever remember this trip and all the week or so that we were in Fiji and things instead of making the best of the amazing memories that came with getting to live the experience of the things. I will take the experiences from it. Thank you. Fijians’ life was amazing, the buddies this trip to help me grow as an and their families were definitely more individual and appreciate my life and Mersina than welcoming and I couldn't thank the opportunities that are given to me. The Fiji immersion for me has been them enough. This trip has made me Bridgette the best experience I have ever been a realise how lucky I am for everything I

Mersina and her buddy, Lavenia 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, Brandon from St Gregory’s, Campbelltown at the Marcellin Angels Kindergarten

Ruby and her buddy, Laura Jaz and her buddy, Sulueti

22 MARISTS IN OCEANIA 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 leads to reflection in these students friendship with St Michel Technical Australia annually send small groups own lives. College and the Brothers community. of students and teachers to Marist Vanuatu Bougainville programs all over Asia and the Pacific, with the Marist District of Melanesia Despite being devastated by Tropical Teachers and students from receiving five groups in 2015. With Cyclone Pam in March, three schools Champagnat Catholic College over 50 students and teachers undertook an immersion to St Michel Pagewood have visited St Joseph’s participating in an immersion in 2015, Technical College and the Brothers College Mabiri with immersion groups the positive impact on the local community on the island of Espiritu since 2009. Each year a different community and the school are Santo. For St Gregory’s College group of boys sets out to experience immeasurable and invaluable. Marist Campbelltown it was their first year Bougainvillean culture, learn about the Solidarity has seen the links visiting Vanuatu and, despite not regions history and spend time strengthen between an overseas knowing what to expect, the immersing themselves with the Marist project and individuals, schools immersion had an impactful students at St Joseph’s College as they and communities as a result of an experience on the students and go about their daily lives. It is an intensive immersion experience. teachers. They were warmly experience that few ever forget. welcomed by all involved and An immersion is an important journey Solomon Islands participated in classroom and cultural in the lives of young, high school activities. During Easter every year, St Joseph’s students as it gives opportunities to Catholic Secondary School Tenaru, Marist College Ashgrove and Marist feel part of the wider Marist receive an immersion group from College Canberra are due in Vanuatu community as they meet and befriend Trinity Catholic College Lismore. There in September and October and have Marists from a different country and is a long standing relationship which both been visiting for a number of culture. The appreciation and sees the schools share in Easter years. All schools have committed to understanding of cultures, and the celebrations and cultural exchanges an ongoing partnership and sharing of ideals and experiences, 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 to the families of the Pacific The group also took the opportunity their own journey and what God Community Network. The opportunity to visit the Marist Noviciate at Lomeri. might be calling them to. to stay with families without Impressions of the Participants permanent homes provided an Programme awareness raising experience. • It is good to be part of the Marist community, and to begin with The programme operates from the The third dimension is working with Champagnat Institute. Marist Centre, Vatuwaqa in Suva, Fiji. It students at the Champagnat Institute, comprises an inter-religious a secondary school for students • The study of world religions is very dimension with input from different excluded from mainstream education. good and has expanded my ideas speakers led by Sr Denise McMahon The participants assist with one-to- about God, about religion in which I SMSM. The participants visit a Hindu one reading activities with older see other religions having similar ways in their rituals and prayers. temple and the Flagstaff mosque. students whose reading ages can be Fr Kevin Barr introduced the group to ten to fifteen years less than their – A greater awareness about social the squatter settlements in Suva and chronological ages. justice and advocacy and what

24 MARISTS IN OCEANIA adults (MIME)

social action should I take very generous giving me a room thinking regarding the poor, I have regarding poverty. to myself. It felt a bit awkward. a better understanding now of poverty. – The family stay - how generous How have I grown? and giving they are to others, not • It is possible to live simply and be • I’ve become aware of my deficit just to me. Such generosity and happy. Dirt isn’t so important. hospitality. – 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 The kaumatua from Dan Dungey (Pacific) Hato Petera College came for the welcome and performed the mihi Champagnat Marist Lay to the participants. The feedback on the whole Formation - Rome course was Returning to Rome 15 years after being overwhelmingly positive. pick pocketed (with a lot of wonderful The facilitators, under the stories that followed) and travelling leadership of Br Terence alone as the only Pacific representative Costello and Dan Dungey out of the 55 Lay Marists gathered from (Director of Lay around the globe, could have seen a Partnership), included Br few anxious moments set in for me but Barry Burns, Louise Oliphant this was not to be. Like all Marist groups (HOD Special Needs at I have encountered, I felt very much at Dan Dungey and Sacred Heart College), Brian home throughout this lived experience Br Joseph Mc Kee (Vicar General) Sparrow (Guidance Counsellor at St John’s College) and as our shared spirit overcome any ‘What happens next?’ Brother Joe perceived barriers, like language, that Jan Waelen (Principal of Marcellin McKee’s words rang true ‘…sometimes we may have felt on day one. College). Brothers Douglas Dawick we have the experience but miss the and Martin Pattison were the two The conference was held at the meaning’. With Mary our Good Mother Brothers interviewed on their Marist general house in Rome from May 19 – as our companion and guide, I look Journey in the session known as the June 2. Its aim was to teach the laity forward to the next steps on our “Fireside Chat.” how to form other Lay Champagnat journey together, in solidarity with our Marists in their own Administrative International Champagnat Marist Typical of the feedback were the Units and Regions. family - being brother and sister to all following comments of some of the those who we encounter. participants: A stimulating programme including themes on Vocation, Mystics and The Oceania Region is holding a • The course was exciting and Prophets in Communion, Mission and formation programme for participants compact. Joint Formation was delivered with a from across the Region in November • I found the course to be really partnership focus – Brothers and Lay – 2015 with further local programmes in engaging and inspiring. together in mission and full of hope. the following years. • I never thought a Brother would For me, the key question upon my Dan Dungey, Director of Lay encourage me to find more realistic return to the District of the Pacific is Partnership, District of the Pacific images of Mary.

26 MARISTS IN OCEANIA Fijian teachers and Fr Chris Skinner SM Champagnat in the Pacific

The feedback certainly indicates that together to embark on the annual fresh sunlight and rain, the the staff in our schools find the ‘Footsteps – Making Jesus Christ Known participants were able to grow in a Champagnat charism a very attractive and Loved’ programme. Over four days, Marial appreciation of the beauty of way to give meaning to their work. 13-16 September, our Marist colleagues the rich gift of our charism. The were able to explore the context of their programme, as stated by a participant, Footsteps I – Making Jesus own lives, reflect upon their individual was “an enriching encounter of Marist faith journeys, and discern how these people where all embraced those Christ Known and Loved experiences enrich their spirituality familiar qualities of welcome, family and ministry. Bringing such energy spirit and companionship”. As the warmer weather of spring and vitality into their conversations Spring is here, and ‘Footsteps’ allowed breathes new life and colour into The they were able to deepen their us to appreciate the artistry of the Hermitage (one and a half hours drive understanding of Marist life both legacy Marcellin left behind and how south-west of Sydney), 30 participants personally and professionally. Like the we continue it today. from around the country gathered emergence of new leaves, warmed by

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 have seen and heard we are telling - To imagine new structures that will to God for the experience lived in you so that you too may be in union be required for enhancing vitality in Nairobi that we share the message of with us” (1 John 1:3), we want to return the Marist charism: the II International Marist Mission the reflection so that each person, What should we change in order to Assembly, September 2014. community, province, district or region give birth to a new beginning? What feels itself challenged and called to The Assembly was nourished by the strategies, processes or structures continue giving life to the dream of life, challenges and dreams born of the could promote relationships based on Champagnat by being “prophets and local processes, the reflection of more communion? What kind of structures mystics in communion”. than 25,210 persons in more than do we need in order to accompany 1,123 groups. We are convinced that To ensure our continued relevance of Marist life and mission and ensure God manifested himself in different the Champagnat Marist charism in the greater closeness to children and ways during the Assembly, we wish to decades ahead, the Assembly named young people? What would be the express with Saint John: “What we some challenges and posed some key structural implications of functioning questions addressed to local, as an International Institute? How can provincial, regional, and international we develop structures that foster levels. continuing missionary availability? - To overcome any fears and Challenges resistances for moving to the peripheries and promoting the - To generate strategies that rights of children and young people : promote and accompany the vocational journeys of all Marists, How could we go in haste to the personally and communally: peripheries of poverty and exclusion to be with the young Montagne of How do we envision the Marist today? How could we help people to vocation? What forms and styles of understand that getting to know Jesus community express vitality in these Christ and his Gospel is a right for calls to be Marist? What new elements children and young people? How should we include in our Marist could our educational works be spaces communities in order to achieve that guarantee the rights of children greater vitality? What kind of and young people? What plans and accompaniment processes would be projects should be our priority in necessary? How can we enhance a order to engage in social spirit of communion among us? transformation? How could we - To cultivate the contemplative and defend the rights of children in social inner dimensions of our lives for and political forums? sustaining and nourishing both life - To promote “inter” processes and mission: (international - intercultural - What kind of relationship are we living intercongregational - interecclesial), with the God revealed by Jesus of which can strengthen the Marist Nazareth? How are we revealing God mission in new lands: to others at personal, community and How could we foster ongoing institutional levels? Which traits of missionary availability? What could Mary are we called to embody today? we do to envision diversity as an How can we become Spirit-filled opportunity to grow? How could we evangelisers? What paths must we enrich each other at all these levels? follow in order to deepen our What networks could we organize to contemplative and inner lives? How be at the service of these “inter” are we connected to the Earth? processes?

28 MARISTS IN OCEANIA

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 who are already working with • the agencies and networks of with all their history and children and young people in solidarity and volunteering within accumulated experience – the situations of vulnerability and the Institute that are responding to significance and relevance of the exclusion; the Montagne of today, who are the Marist educational and reason for our mission; • the support and resources already evangelising tradition; in place at local, provincial, and • new technologies and social • the commitment of many Marists international levels; networks.

NOVEMBER 2015 29 Mission Assembly of the Marist Association,

Over four days in August this year, in social time together. schools, ministries and communities. sixty ‐four Marists gathered at It is intended that these proposals will Their purposes were to review the Mittagong for the first representative now go back to the members more progress of the Association, to identify gathering of the Marist Association of generally for further discernment at imperatives and directions for it over St Marcellin. It was a graced ‐filled few their local meetings later in the year. the next three years, and to nominate days, a simply wonderful and a Council. A framework for generating A major task of the Assembly was to inspirational meeting of Marist hearts the priorities for the Association was nominate an Association Council. It is and minds. There was a profound provided by the message of last year’s anticipated that during the next three sense of the Spirit at work among us. Marist International Mission Assembly years, once the Association has been In its structure and dynamics, the in Nairobi which called Marists to be approved officially by the Holy See, Assembly resembled a Provincial “mystics” and “prophets”, and in that the Marist Association (Australian Chapter: a meeting of delegates “communion with one another as Conference) will take over from the (two ‐thirds nominated by fellow Marists”. The delegates devoted time Marist Brothers (Australian Province) members, one third by virtue of their to translating what these calls could the canonical and civil responsibility current roles and responsibilities) who mean in practical terms for Australian for Marist schools and other works, as spent time in prayer, in discussion, and Marists in the local contexts of our well as accepting full leadership of its

Br Michal de Waas and Br Greg McDonald

30 MARISTS IN OCEANIA Australia Mittagong, Sydney, 20 ‐23 August 2015

own life and mission. The enormous added weight to this by pointing out significance of this transition of legal to the delegates the degree to which responsibility from Brothers ‐alone to a the Marist world was looking at the wider group of Marists was something initiatives that are being taken here in that the delegates received most Australia as a possible model for how seriously. The nominations were Marists in other parts of the world entrusted to Peter Carroll, the may choose to proceed. Leader ‐elect of the Association in From all perspectives this was an Australia, who will make the enormously significant event, one appointment of the Council once he that is likely to have a defining takes office. impact on the future of the A number of people commented just Marist project in Australia. We how uplifting, engaging and can be deeply thankful for challenging they found the the great richness of Marist experience of Assembly. Brother life in our country. Michael de Waas (General Councillor)

Mr Peter McNamara and Mrs Cate Sydes

NOVEMBER 2015 31 Champagnat Marist Coaching Programme

School of Sport, UNITEC, Auckland. She education and sport in Samoa. This Introduction was ably assisted by three specialist was all captured on the three local TV The “Growing Coaches Programme” lecturers from Unitec, Vera Williams, channels including Catholic TV. For was held in Samoa from 27 April to 1 Robert Gambolati and Deborah Garea. much of the week the media were May 2015. The aim of the programme Also acting as a lecturer, presenter and present interviewing the presenters was to continue to develop the interpreter was Siaosi Vaili, a former and recording the workshops and Champagnat Marist tradition of Manu Samoa rugby representative associated activities. A similar and leadership and excellence amongst and presently Head of PE and Health equally moving farewell ceremony the local communities and amongst Sciences at Kelston Boy’s High School, was highlighted by the quality of the the young through coaching and Auckland. school choir and the presentation of participation in a wide range of traditional gifts to the visitors. sporting activities. Recognition of the Welcome and Opening origin and the Champagnat Marist Programme philosophy is to be upheld and Ceremony Two separate programmes were recognised in any further Br John Hazelman, Principal of Marist conducted over the five day period, development of this programme. The Brothers Primary School, Mulivai each day being of six hours duration. programme is coordinated by Terry organised a very impressive and Horne. Programme A on Monday and moving traditional welcome involving Tuesday was based at St Joseph’s his staff and students with sport and College where the participants, 60 in Presenters its participation as its theme. Matai total, were mainly from the Year 13 St Harry Schuster, Lawyer, Member of Under the auspices of the Marist Joseph’s students, all perceived to Parliament and Marist Old Boy, Brothers the “Growing Coaches have leadership potential, as well as 14 opened the second programme and Programme” was presented by Sue third year PE students from the made the historic connection Emerson, the writer and developer of National University of Samoa . Br Siaosi between the Marist Brothers, the programme, and Head of the 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 their communication, organization translational skills and personal plus a practicum where in the and skill set. Their role is now to hand presence of Siaosi Vaili our support participants in pairs organised and ran those qualities onto the next and translator. coaching sessions for over 300 Marist generation in Samoa. • With such a big representation from primary school participants all at the SASNOC it was appreciated that they one venue. The workshop topics were Thanks took such a supportive and beneficial 1) What is coaching, 2) Designing great role in providing meals and coaching sessions, 3) Games approach • A big thanks in particular to the sustenance for all of the Programme B and 4) Coach leadership. The practical Marist Brothers, especially Br David participants as well as logistic and sessions involving the implementation McDonald, Leader of the District, Brs financial support for their travelling and personalisation of information Siaosi Ioane, Brian Callaghan and coaches many of whom had delivered from the workshops was Bryan Stanaway who provided such a encountered an 8 eight hour journey assessed and feedback was given. Marist welcome at St Joseph’s. Thanks from the outlying regions of the island also to Br John Hazelman who of Savaii. Summary originally put forward the invitation to bring a team to Samoa, and their The written feedback and programme communities for allowing this all to Future review is still being collated but all happen. “The future is now” so here’s hoping all other indicators reflect a very • A big up to Sue Emerson and her those participants and observers start successful and initial Marist Brothers team of professional and animated the next developmental stage by Coaching Programme in Samoa. The presenters from Unitec. They took Apia assuming their roles as leaders of presenters and lecturers were and the Marist Coaching world by youth in Samoa by taking ownership overwhelmed with the positive storm with their presentations and and run future similarly based feedback and the desire for more such associated support. A lot of the programmes. programmes to be delivered to the programmes content would have young people of Samoa. Leaders Terry Horne, Programme been lost in English were it not for the evolved and were seen to grow with 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 This process of discernment has called each day. Group accompaniment with Notre Dame Shepparton and others. the Brothers to establish the the assistance of the Provincial Council Consulting with such a wide variety of community in the suburb of Mount have also aided the formation and organisations provided a sense of the Druitt in Western Sydney. While much discernment of the community. reality of some of the poorest young focus has been placed on location and The new community is exploring ways people and families in Australia, and ministry, the Brothers are also very to be aligned with the Marist also emphasised the importance of committed to forming a Association of Saint Marcellin listening, genuine dialogue, and how contemporary religious community. In Champagnat. As the first steps are initiatives such as the La Valla doing so, fraternal dialogue, in-depth taken in forming this community in Community Project need time and sharing, regular community prayer Mount Druitt, Brs Michael, Justin and patience. and contemplation are priorities of 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 said that the Institutes needed “to be our Champagnat Marist vision and has the New Models Project Br Emili called capable of acting as a global two foci, People and Mission. A set of for a “change of heart and mentality”. institution, not each one in his own Marist Principles have been articulated He noted that change is coming and corner. It is like disconnecting our to guide the process. From the July that we must lead the change. He mobile phone from our local network gathering a project team is working echoed the words of Pope Francis, that and connecting it to the global with the regions to develop a Road “things cannot continue as they are” network.” Map to progress the implementation and that the Church needs “a pastoral of the New Models Project. and missionary conversion.” Br Emili The New Models Project starts with 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 Mission: For our people: assure the sustainability encourage Brothers and vitality of the Marist Mission and lay to be joyful, passionate and with the Marist charism committed • Improve effectiveness of our Mission • How can we improve our vocational response? • Are we properly defining our objectives? • Are we properly developing our people? • Are we fully using our goods? • How can our internal processes facilitate a new • Are we suitably organised? beginning? • Are our enablers aligned with the nowadays’ • How can we increase the engagement of society and church? laypeople?

36 MARISTS IN OCEANIA nance and Management for a New Beginning

Our Marist principles ...

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

Key components

Based on core Marist • Family spirit, love of work, in the way of Mary, presence ... values ...... with humility, simplicity and modesty

... with a particular • Apostolic and Marian expressed today as mystics and prophets in communion spirituality ... • Marian face of the Church • One global body to serve our mission ... a global institute ... • Co-responsibility and global availability • Sharing of resources ... immersed in the world • Deeply connected with the Church and the society • Thinking globally, acting locally of our times ... • Able to benefit from innovation ... with a new relationship • Co-responsibility, spirit of communion, eventually forming a “charismatic family” among Brothers and lay ... • Dialogue, mutual support, respect and learning from one another ... serving children and • Builders of the kingdom of God making Jesus known and loved • Through education and evangelization with new methods and languages young people ... • In the new peripheries of the world

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

Presence among children • New languages and methods • Specially among the vulnerable and poor and young people • Listening, available, welcoming and accompanying their life’s processes Co-responsibility, • 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 solidarity and subsidiarity • In the decision making and in the allocation of resources • Act as a single body to strengthen our international identity Global mind-set • Cross cultural competencies • Interdependency and cooperation with strong mobility and agility

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

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

Right competences • Develop spiritual, ecclesial and professional leaderships on all dimensions and attitudes • Building and strengthening the core competencies, attitudes and behaviours • In resource allocation and use Transparency • 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 The newly elected Council: Brs Ken McDonald, Jeff Barrington, Peter Carroll groups, worked at identifying the (Provincial), Paul Kane, Darren Burge, Michael Callinan, Greg McDonald. significant issues for individual Brothers, Communities and the In the light of this, the Chapter focused • Fraternal Community – To live Province for the next three years. on five directions: community in a way that is nurturing to each other and The Chapter endeavoured to embrace • Marist Association – To generously welcoming to visitors. the invitations of the International nurture the growth and vitality of Mission Assembly to be mystics and the Marist Association of St • Internationality – To engage prophets in communion with all Marcellin Champagnat. actively in the re-imaging of the creation. These invitations were Institute as one international body. • Mysticism – To grow in the expressed in the Chapter Directions as The following Brothers were elected recognition and value of the “we are drawn to reach out to young by the Chapter to form the next presence of God in our lives. people most in need, to live in life- Provincial Council: Ken McDonald, Jeff giving, prayerful communities and to • Going to the Peripheries – To respond Barrington, Paul Kane, Darren Burge, be the Marian face of the Church.” to the needs of youth most at risk. Michael Callinan, Greg McDonald.

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

38 MARISTS IN OCEANIA 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 Midway Islands (US) hina Okinawa Bonin Islands (Japan) Fuzhou Naha Xiamen Taipei Ryukyu Islands Daito-shoto Volcano Islands Marcus Island (Japan) (Japan) (Japan) Shantou (Japan) ngzhou Taiwan H Hong Kong (SAR) Kao-hsiung aw Kaui Oahu aii Macau (SAR) Okino-torishima an Honolulu I (Japan) sla Maui nd Northern Wake Island s Hawaii (US) (U Mariana S) Islands (US) South China Luzon Philippines Sea Sea Johnston Atoll (US) Saipan Manila Hagatña Guam Philippines (US) Sanar Eniwetak Panay Iloilo Bacolod Palawan Federation States of Micronesia Kwajalein Marshall Negros Cebu Yap Islands Cagayan de Oro Pohnpei Mindanao Zamboanga Koror Majuro Palikir Band ar Seri Davao Kingman Reef (US) Begawan Palmyra Atoll (US) unei Palau Caroline Islands aysia Kiritmati (Christmas Islands) Borneo Manado Tarawa Kiribati Halmahera (Gilbert Islands) Howland Island (US) Kiribari Jarvis Island Yaren District Baker Island (US) (US) Samarinda Sorong Banaba Palu Nuaru Celebes Ceram jarmasin Jayapura New Ireland Kiribati Buru Wewak Rawaki (Phoenia Islands) Ambon Papua New Guinea Makassar Madang Bougainville L in e New Guinea New Britain Surabaya Indonesia Lae Solomon Is Tuvalu Tokelau la Bali Sumbawa Flores Islands Kiribati n Funafuti (NZ) d npasar East Timor s Iles Marquises Honiara Kupang Santa Cruz Lombok Sumba Timor Port Moresby Guadalcanal Islands American Samoa Cook Islands Ashmore & Darwin Rotuma Cartier Islands Mata-Utu Samoa (US) (NZ) (Australia) Wallis Apia Pago Pago Vanua & Futuna Coral Sea Vanuatu Levu (France) Indian Ocean Coral Sea Cairns Fiji Islands Papeete (Australia) Port-Villa Viti Tonga Society Suva Islands Levu Alofi Tahiti Townsville New Caledonia (France) Niue (NZ) Port Headland French Polynesia Mount Isa Mackay Nuku’alofa Avarua (France) Noumea Ceva-i-Ra Maruroa Rockhampton Alice Springs Gladstone Minerva Reef Iles Tubuai

Adamstown Pitcairn Islands (UK) Brisbane Rapa Gold Coast Geraldton Kingston Norfolk Island (Australia) Kermadec Islands Kalgoorlie (NZ) Broken Hill Perth Newcastle Lord Howe Island Bunbury Esperance (Australia) Whyalla Sydney Adelaide Canberra Wollongong

Bendigo Auckland North Island Hamilton Melbourne Geelong

Tasman Sea Hastings Indian Ocean Wellington Tasmania Hobart Christchurch Chatam Islands (NZ) South Island

Dunedin Invercargill Stewart Island