Our Response
The Edmund Rice movement is inspired by the example of Edmund Rice, Ambrose Treacy and the others throughout the two hundred year history of the Christian Brothers. Those moved hear the call of God and the directions of our Congregation and Province Leaders to:
"To live in solidarity with the whole earth community
to walk with those whom society has marginalised,
particularly young people and
to proclaim liberation and justice for all creation."
The christian Brothers and many more followers of Edmund have responded in a wide range of ministries in the areas listed below.
Click on green button below to display all content or on individual title to reveal content of one response .
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS IN MISSION
A significant shift in ministry occurred for the Christian Brothers in Oceania in 2013. Brothers were invited to enter into ministry outside of the classroom where they had been historically conscripted and to respond to the needs around them.
"… with open minds and hearts,
we participate fully in the creation of a new era."
Nairobi Congregation Chapter 2014
While a few brothers are still directly involved in formal education ministries, most are now involved in ministries more suited to their age and developing interests.
In discerning the “signs of the times” many brothers have devoted themselves to “the poor and marginalised on their doorstep”.
Some examples of type and specific ministries follow:
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Leadership and Administration |
Environmental Work |
Overseas ministries |
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Other internal Congregational work |
Formation |
Parish/Church support |
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Aged Care |
Health care |
People with Disabilities |
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Chaplaincy |
Indigenous Ministries |
Prison and Judicial Ministries |
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Contemplative Life |
Media, Publishing |
Social Services |
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Education (Primary/secondary/Tertiary) |
Refugees and Asylum Seekers |
Spiritual Direction |
ENGAGING IN ADVOCACY
Our Nairobi Chapter offers the challenge
“To engage in advocacy with the voiceless,
the marginalised and
all that are oppressed.”
There is an exciting initiative beginning here in Brisbane. It is called the Queensland Community Alliance and it attempts to bring Faith communities, Trade Unions and private enterprise together to work for the common good of those marginalised in our society.
The Brothers around Brisbane are encouraged to join this alliance and become active in the area of advocacy. This venture already running in London, Boston and Sydney to name a few places.
The Brothers Formation Team is responsible for the delivery of services and support to Brothers as members of religious communities and involved in delivering the Mission in these diverse ways.
The team is responsible for developing and delivering a Spiral of Offerings (formation) for the Brothers.
by Brothers Formation Co-ordniator of Brothers Formation Team is Tim Moloney
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Edmund Rice Community Services
Across the Oceanic region, Edmund Rice Community Service Centres and Programs respond to the needs of their local communities, supporting and empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged people and families. True to our commitment to work in partnership with others, many Centres and Programs work in partnership with other agencies and organisations and with the support of external funding bodies, including government departments.
As Edmund Rice Ministries, these Centres and Programs exist to build life‐giving communities which affirm and celebrate difference, and promote Presence, Compassion and Liberation.
Some of our Community Services providers are listed below. Click on the service to read details.
Edmund Rice Centre, Mirrabooka
Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka provides a gathering place for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to be accepted for who they are and to value their gifts.
Building on the primacy of relationships the Centre creates opportunities for people from indigenous, refugee, asylum seeker, youth and family backgrounds to be engaged in advocacy and education processes that empower them.
Bella Ndayikeze, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. M: 0412412480
They offer a range of educational programs and community development activities, including:
- English as a Second Language, Computer skills, Cooking, Sewing and Art/Craft classes
- After school and weekend Youth activities.
- Women's groups
- Social events for families
- Lifeskills for living in Australia - education in household management and family care for recently arrived Humanitarian entrants
- Driver Education for adult Humanitarian Entrants
- Generalist casework, referral and advocacy services to Humanitarian entrants and migrants in the North Metropolitan area
Established in March 1998 to support Humanitarian Entrants and Indigenous families the Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka is a non-government incorporated not-for-profit organisation and a ministry of the Trustees of the Christian Brothers Oceania.
For more information about our services or getting involved in our community, please visits ERC Mirrabooka Website
YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Edmund Rice chose the poor boys of Ireland as the focus of his work.
He worked with and for the Youth of Ireland
Edmund saw education as the best way to help them.
In our times and region education is readily available but there are some who are not able to avail of the opportunities most take for granted.
The Edmund Rice Network in Oceania realize that there is a need to reach out to these in a way which may involve education but which recognizes the individual needs of each.
The Oceania Province still works With and For Youth in Oceania
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This was evidenced in a strong presence at The Australian Catholic Youth Festival recently held in Adelaide. Over 3000 young people and eighteen Bishops from across the country converging on South Australia for three days of music, guest speakers, silence & prayer, practical workshops and plenary sessions. Centred on the theme from the beatitudes, “blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God” (Mt 5.8), young people aged between 14 to 25 had the rare opportunity to explore questions about their faith, in particular what it means to be ‘pure of heart’. The Christian Brothers (represented through Edmund Rice Camps & Build the Bridge Volunteers) had a strong presence at this year’s festival; bringing a uniquely “Edmund Rice” voice to the diverse program. Highlights from our involvement included:
Prior to the festival, Pope Francis himself sent a letter to delegates praying they would be “spirit-filled evangelisers who pray and work for the spread of the Gospel, the conversion of culture and the care of the poor and marginalised in society." It is our hope too, that whether it be expressed through our Edmund Rice Charism or elsewhere, our young people can accept the invitation to be (as Pope Francis’ calls it) “builders and craftsmen of the future which God is dreaming of for us and for our world”, and that they may indeed do so with “courage and joy in their hearts.” Adam Whitefield – Christian Brothers Regional Mission Team (SA/WA) |
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Edmund Rice Camps stall at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
Programs conducted by the Edmund Rice Oceania Province
The Australian schools which were run by the province are now the responsibility of Edmund Rice Education Australia.
Our commitment to working with youth is still maintained in many other areas.
JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY
Justice and Advocacy
Philip Pinto, previous Congregational Leader, encouraged all ministries of the Christian Brothers to be engaged with their people, and in doing so, become conscious of the issues confronting those on the margins and to enable their voices to heard.
Addressing the structural inequalities in society that place vulnerable people in situations of disengagement, disimpowerment, and disadvantage is Advocacy.
In recent years, the Province has been encouraging people to put this area of advocacy in the context of the need to promote and defend Earth and Human Rights. ﾠThis gives us a universal language with which to engage any civil society in the raising awareness of and defining these rights.
God is calling us to be compassionate people transforming old structures, cultural mindsets and practices, ushering in a new way of being brother
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ENGAGING IN ADVOCACY
Our Nairobi Chapter offers the challenge
“To engage in advocacy with the voiceless, the marginalised and all that are oppressed.” (p28)
You can join the Province Advocacy Group in conversation and action by visiting their Blog at
You can follow the Justice Desk - ERNSA Justice Campaign for the year! "Promoting The Global Goals for Sustainable Development"
Edmund Rice ministries dedicated to work in the area of Justice and advocacy include:
Many other ministries and groups across the Oceania Province are also involved in Advocacy activities.
There is an exciting initiative beginning in Brisbane. It is called the Queensland Community Alliance and it attempts to bring Faith communities, Trade Unions and private enterprise together to work for the common good of those marginalised in our society.
The Oceania Province has been offered a proposal to join this advocacy alliance. Members of the Edmund Rice Network, young and old will be invited to participate.
| This venture already running in London, Boston and Sydney to name a few places. | |
| Download Reoposal | |
| A wide range of Justice and Advocacy RESOURCES available on the Edmund Rice International website. | |
| Visit Resource Page | |
Environmental Justice
10 Key Excerpts from Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment
ARTICLES on ADVOCACY
The following message has come from Peter Harney at Edmund Rice International in Geneva:
The EREA schools in Australia have just led a national advocacy campaign to release children seeking asylum from detention centres – 'Detention for Detention'.
ERI has brought the human rights of children held in detention in Australia to the attention of the HRC in Geneva. The Edmund Rice Centre Sydney through Phil Glendenning regularly speaks about this denial and abuse of children rights nationally and regionally. Local and national issues of denial and violation of human rights have a global dimension because human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent.
I wanted to share an Oral Statement made by ERI’s intern Tom Severin from Iona College NYC on June 15 on behalf of ERI and Franciscans International to the 193 States gathering in Room XX at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) 29th Session in Geneva.
Advocacy! What does it mean in practice?
Our Oceania Chapter document commits us to “continue to listen, walk and advocate, in a spirit of respectful engagement, with those made poor and those abused.” What does this mean in practice, and how can we go about it?
There are many kinds of advocacy happening in our wider community; people speaking up for those who are disadvantaged – the elderly, the poor, the disabled, those forgotten.
Download /Read Shane Wood's Article
Advocacy for Earth
As Thomas Berry has said: “To tell the story of anything we have to tell the story of everything.”
He also challengingly said,
I am not speaking of a human spirituality with special reference to the planet Earth. I am speaking of a quality of the Earth itself. Earth is the maternal principle out of which we are born and whence we derive all that we are and all that we have. In our totality we come into being in and through Earth. We are earthlings. The Earth is our origin, our nourishment, our educator, our healer, our fulfilment. If there is no spirituality in the earth, then there is no spirituality in ourselves.
OCEANIA’S FIRST AND LAST PEOPLES
With a mandate from the 2008 Oceania Chapter, the Christian Brothers of the Oceania Province and their ministries have adopted focused and specific ministry initiatives to co-create a future with indigenous peoples, refugees and asylum seekers.
Indigenous Ministries in Oceania
Indigenous Ministries in Oceania
The Christian Brothers of the Oceania Province have taken up the challenge and invitation of Indigenous people at the margins of our society to co-create a future together.
This painting is by Aboriginal artist William Parmbuk.
It was his way of putting down his idea of how the
Christian Brothers work together with the Aboriginal people.
The diversity of Indigenous Ministries throughout the Province is committed to journeying together with Indigenous People so that we can continue to:
- Build on existing relationships and community connections
- Value Indigenous spirituality and encourage the ongoing sharing of the Edmund Rice story and the Indigenous story
- Promote Reconciliation based on the Christian Brothers Oceania Province Statement of Reconciliation ‘Living and Working Together in the Spirit’
- Provide cultural awareness training programs for Brothers, staff and Edmund Rice Network groups
- Advocate furthering the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for recognition, healing and justice
- Provide cultural information for formation programs
- Provide an avenue for Indigenous voices to be heard
Christian Brothers are currently present in a number of Indigenous Communities in Australia:
Wadeye, Walgett, Goodooga, Broome, Murgon-Cherbourg, Townsville, Herberton, Woolgoola,
Mount Isa, Ramussen, Townsville and Canberra.
The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education
and the
are also involved in the delivery of services and support for Australian Indigenous individuals and communities.
The Government's retrogressive Indigenous Advancement Strategy
Readings of Interest
Coming from all points of the southern sky, over 250 Delegates gathered at the 2017 First Nations National Constitutional Convention and made a historic statement from the heart in hopes of improving the lives of future generations.
The conversation at Uluru built on six months of discussions held around the country where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples considered five options presented in the Referendum Council’s discussion paper.
When asked what constitutional recognition means to them, First Nations peoples told the Council they don’t want recognition if it means a simple acknowledgement, but rather constitutional reform that makes a real difference in their communities. The Referendum Council.
So that all congregational members can reflect on the Uluru Statement and what it means and what it challenges us to do, the Social Justice Committee provides a PDF copy for distribution in congregations.
Sharon Price rsm, Executive Director, CLRI(NSW)
Programmes Worth Watching
The ABC Compass Program "Babe In The Reeds" shows of research which uncovers documentation of Aboriginal massacres on the far North Cost of NSW.
Refugees and Asylum Seeker Ministries
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Oceania Province works to support and empower refugee and asylum seeking individuals and communities as they seek to build a life in Australia.
Download Resources for Educators
DEVELOPING NATIONS
Developing Nations
The “Developing Nations” ministries demonstrate a contemporary expression of Mission which invites substantial reflection on the nature of support and connection. Their Mission is mutual liberation, joy and hope for individuals and communities.
The “Developing Nations” ministries are all unique and inspiring. They demonstrate a contemporary expression to future Mission and invite substantial reflection as to support and connection. They are largely dependent on the presence and support of Brothers and yet processes are in place to widen engagement, develop more localised leadership and nurture support. They offer tangible signs of mutual liberation and joy and hope in Mission for individuals and communities with significant needs.
Timor Leste
Timor Leste has seen an increase from an essentially all volunteer community involving leadership by one Brother assisted by long-term volunteers, to four Brothers assisted by employed and volunteer groups across various projects involving construction, infrastructure support, education, health, micro finance and welfare services. The ministry in East Timor is possibly the most fragile Mission as it depends almost entirely upon the Brothers, with minimal local leadership. A key focus for the ministry community is the generation of a Strategic Plan and the consolidation of ministries through the establishment of a civil legal entity under which ministry practices and obligations can be articulated.
News From Timor Leste
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The heavy rains have reintroduced slippery roads between the villages – assisting bogged vehicles with the 4x4 a regular. A falling tree killed 1 man, another hit by a tree riding his motorbike broke his arms in 4 places. We visited him recently – very incapacitated & still in shock – has some feeling slowly returning to his fingers. The oppressive heat of Dili contrasted with the cool of the Mountains welcomed us to Timor Leste on Jan 21st. ‘Re-conditioning’ has not been easy. I had a persistent cough, Peter a leg infection, & Barry an ear infection. We are all back in action – Barry at the seminaries in Dili & Peter & I in the villages across the ridges in the mountains. The 6 weeks break for the three of us was very worthwhile. My personal thanks to family, brothers & friends for the support & encouragement while I was with you. Fr. John Herd (Murray Bridge) joined our community while he lectured at the Seminary for over a month. Bren and Sue Milsom along with reps from Catholic Mission, Brisbane shared our hospitality and their own experiences at Ossu in the heart of Timor. Fr. John Herd (Murray Bridge) joined our community while he lectured at the Seminary for over a month. Bren and Sue Milsom along with reps from Catholic Mission, Brisbane shared our hospitality and their own experiences at Ossu in the heart of Timor. The big 4 – Americo, Delfina, Gil and Norberto – left in charge of CER in our absence completed their responsibilities admirably – the receipts did not quite balance but the learning curve is steady. Both Americo and Delfina have been quite ill – still recovering – particularly Delfina who has TB. We are very thankful to Bob Neich at Inverell Rotary and also to TTN for sponsoring Belermino and Serafim (pre-school teachers) to go to Australia (1st Feb) for 10 weeks to share experiences in pre-schools and primary schools at Inverell, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Brisbane. No doubt their English and teaching skills will flourish. We welcome and congratulate Nena Morgante – new President - TTN and Bren Arkinstall – new CEO - ERFA. They have our full support and appreciation. Through the invitation of John Herd the Local Bishop, Virgilio and Chancellor, Ludgerio came to our home for a meal (Feb 21st). Peter cooked chicken roast and veg followed by ice cream and cake – well received. Great conviviality was had and the mandatory photo taken. A lovely evening. In our absence the ‘rat’ Derby on the roof and in the ceilings of our RK home became regular. The recent scratching of 11 of the participants has lessened the activity. On 28th I attended the graduation ceremony at STVJ – Gleno. A proud moment for the students. Some 38 graduated from Hospitality and Administration. In 2016 a group of Government administrators took courses in computing on site and 27 graduands received their certificates. It was a joy to be present to see the success of the students in what is a poorly funded course by the Government. Small steps.... Frank. |
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The Philippines
History
The Brothers established the Kabankalan community in 2006.
Kabankalan City is the centre of a small rural diocese established from the larger Diocese of Bacolod in the south of Negros Occidental, in the area worked by the Columban Father’s since 1950.
Especially helpful were Fathers Brain Gore and Patrick Hurley. Bishop Patricio A. Buzon SDB has been most welcoming. Early work focussed on the many Catholic Schools but attention has shifted to working with and for the very poor. There are three major ministries: assisting poor children to remain in school; providing alternative education for those for whom main-stream is not working; and Community Engagement, along the lines of Our Way Into The Future.
The Brothers started in the Diocese of Maasin, Southern Leyte in September 2007.
They beginning by teaching at Sr. Theresa’s Catholic School in Hilongos on the west coast north of Maasin City. In 2010 they re-started their mission in Barangay Maria Clara, Maasin City by a thorough survey of needs within the diocese.
Bishop Precioso Cantillas SDB is very appreciative of the ministries which emerged in the areas of Child Assistance and Livelihood Projects, Youth Development and Animation, and Community Based Rehabilitation. A major outreach to the Archdiocese of Tacloban following Typhoon Yolanda has extended their area of concern beyond Maasin.
Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation, Philippines, Inc
In March 2015, The Securities and Exchange Commission in The Philippines approved the establishment of Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation, Philippines, Inc. This body through its Board of Trustees assumed governance of the Brothers Ministries across the Philippines from that time.
