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.
The Mt Atkinson Community Project
The Mt Atkinson Community Partnership incorporates an agreement between Mt Atkinson Holdings Pty Ltd (MAH) and Edmund Rice Services Oceania (ERSO), operating within the auspices of the Trustees of the Christian Brothers, Oceania Province. The Partnership is designed to support three communities: residents of the broader western suburbs of Melbourne, those who visit the area for work and those who will reside in Mt Atkinson by providing opportunities for education and recreation.
ERSO is privileged to participate in this innovative and inspiring community development project. The Partnership will provide support and outdoor experiences for families, youth and the vulnerable in Melbourne’s west, and assist in building healthy communities. It is inclusive of multiple Faith Traditions and promotes multiculturalism, diversity, assimilation, cultural tolerance, leadership and acceptance. It's services are for all members of the community.
Edmund Rice Community and Refugee Services (ERCRS) has it new office at the Mt Atkinson Estate. This idyllic rural property is currently undergoing a number of developments to transform the land into a central hub for clients, families and community groups.
ERCRS team joins Project Manager Mark Monahan and Tarneit Homework Club Coordinator Laura Di Pasquale are working in collaboration with a number of client programs to utilise the vast space.
Download: An Overview ~ Mount Atkinson Community Partnership
YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Edmund Rice chose the poor boys of Ireland as the focus of his work.
Edmund Rice Worked With and For the Youth of Ireland
Edmund chose the poor boys of Ireland as the focus of his work.
He 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) |
Child Detension
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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.
Edmund Rice Camps
Edmund Rice Camps
Edmund Rice Camps are community based not for profit organisations providing positive recreational experiences for children, youth and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Supported by a 1:1 ratio of volunteers to participants, Edmund Rice Camps provide an environment of fun, acceptance, care and growth. 
Edmund Rice Camps provide opportunities for volunteers and participants to meet in a mutually empowering environment of fun, trust and growth.
With twelve Edmund Rice Camps groups operating across the Oceania Province, we seek to empower participants to grow in confidence, resilience and hope through authentic relationship. This dynamic and successful movement sees young adults volunteer as ‘big buddies’ matched with a participant to be their mentor, positive role model, and best mate.
We aim to support the participants in developing an increased sense of self-worth, inner and outer confidence, and a much-needed break from often difficult circumstances.
Vital to this successful movement is the provision of training, reflection and justice advocacy opportunities which empower the young adult volunteers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to engage in Edmund Rice Camps activities as mentors, role-models and leaders.
For more information about Edmund Rice Camps, or to see what your local camps group is doing at the moment please click on the link below.
Read a tribute to the work done by the Edmund Rice Camp Movement published in the Australian Catholic University magazine "Insight"
Visit the Edmund Rice Camps Website
Edmund Rice centre Mirrabooka
Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision
Inspired by Edmund Rice, our vision is to enable people to feel included, be active participants and make a positive contribution to society.
Our Mission
We seek to empower the people whose lives we touch through education and development of community, with a special focus on youth leadership.
Our Values
Diversity |
We welcome, respect and value each person regardless of colour, race, creed or ability and foster harmonious relations between cultural groups. |
Personal Dignity |
We acknowledge the dignity of each person by acting with compassion, respect and sensitivity, thus fostering a sense of self-worth. |
Safety |
We create a safe place for all who engage with us. |
Empowerment |
We enable social change through individual empowerment and community development. |
Build the Bridge Volunteers
Build the Bridge Volunteers are an energetic, welcoming and dynamic young adult volunteer community passionate about justice and inspired by the example Edmund Rice.
Our vision:
To empower ourselves and others to actively enable justice.
Our core values:
Compassion
Justice
Empowerment
Relationships
Diversity
The Build the Bridge Volunteer Program (BTBV) is a joint initiative of the Oceania Province and Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) and is comprised of current male students and graduates from the three South Australian EREA schools (Rostrevor, St Paul’s, CBC), as well as young adult females from our sister schools and others across Adelaide.
A key focus of the program is the formation and personal development of the young adult volunteers, who in turn lead the delivery of various service projects and social justice/advocacy initiatives within the broader community.
The main outreach projects currently facilitated by Build the Bridge Volunteers include:
The Friday Hangout
The Friday Hangout is a social inclusion program providing a safe, fun and meaningful space for young Australians and newly arrived young people to come together and connect through sports, English conversation, and the sharing of a meal.
Welcome Dinners
Welcome Dinner Project is delivered in partnership with Sydney non-profit organisation, "JoiningtheDots". It is designed to provide spaces for newly arrived people and established Aussies to come together and connect through the sharing of a meal in someone’s home.
Visit the Welcome Dinner Project’s website
Visit the Welcome Dinner Project’s Facebook Page (Includes photo albums from our Adelaide dinners)
Welcome Picnics
The welcome picnics are led by local non-profit organisation Welcome to Australia, these social gatherings are designed to bring together Aussies and newly arrived families to Adelaide for some much needed conversation, activities and friendship.
Visit the Welcome to Australia website
Some of the key formation programs available to Build the Bridge Volunteers and Edmund Rice Young Adults include:
Indigenous Immersions (Ngaut Ngaut, Lake Mungo)
- City Immersion (Melbourne)
- Eco-Spirituality Retreat (Flinders Ranges)
- Leadership Weekends
- Reflection Days
Recent Build the Bridge Volunteers justice and advocacy initiatives have included:
- “Not in Our Name”
- “Detention for Detention”
- “Walk Together”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact the Program Coordinator – Adam Whitefield.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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:
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education, Homebush
Edmund Rice Centre for
Justice and Community Education
The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education, and its dedicated team of staff and volunteers, commits itself to a range of projects and activities across the areas in research, community education, advocacy, networking and a range of social justice issues both nationally and internationally.
With a priority for ‘first and last peoples’ the Centre focuses on the circumstances of indigenous people, refugees and asylum seekers – especially young people.
They have a collection of publications, including a quarterly newsletter, Just Thinking; a regular issues paper, Just Comment; and a number of specific research and submission papers.
The Centre is also involved in a range of community education activities including immersion programs to Indigenous communities in Australia and with partner organisations oversees. Immersions focus on issues of cross-cultural communication, peace and conflict.
Community education is also a key goal of our Schools Network, aims to involve schools from around Australia in a discussion of social justice issues and an exchange of information on projects schools are undertaking to advance these issues.
The Centre networks with a variety of organisations involved in social justice and advocacy. We have partner organisations in the areas of Business Ethics (The Edmund Rice Business Ethics Initiative), Indigenous Rights (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, The Lingiari Foundation and The ReconciliACTION Network) and broader social justice advocacy networks.
Our philosophy of working together to achieve positive social change extends beyond these partner organisations to include a range of organisations from all sectors of the Non-profit.
For more information about the work of the Centre or to get involved, please visit their Website
A Resource for Educators
For many years the Edmund Rice Centre has been working to raise awareness of, and advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.
The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Education Resource is ERC’s latest publication, which converts years of our research and experience into curriculum support material that addresses the learning needs of students.
The free 54 page Education Resource offers 35 cross-curricular activities which are practical, engaging and focused on increasing awareness about human rights and advocacy. The activities are adaptable to all year levels in secondary school and some can also be used with primary classes, students with special needs and could also be used in community group discussions.
Students are encouraged to think about asylum seekers and refugees with compassion, to move their understanding from the head to the heart.
To download this Education Resource and the Flyer, go to Resources for Schools
Edmund Rice Justice Aotearoa New Zealand Trust
Edmund Rice Justice, Aotearoa, New Zealand
A significant focus for the Trust is Restorative Justice and New Zealand prison reform
The Trust together with Te Runanga o Nga Maata Waka commissioned Living on the Fringes which was a report exploring the issues faced by those living on the borders of Christchurch’s post-earthquake red zones.
In 2013, Edmund Rice Justice Aotearoa-New Zealand and Edmund Rice International published a joint submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of New Zealand. This report focused on major issues affecting the rights of the child and indigenous peoples, especially the impact of poverty on children and the incarceration rates for Māori young people in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Edmund Rice International, Geneva
Edmund Rice International
Edmund Rice International (ERI) brings the real life human rights stories of ordinary people to the table of the international community in Geneva and New York.
This is done through submissions and lobbying with and on behalf of those crying out for equity and justice.
ERI, as a faith-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), engages in advocacy at the United Nations through its special status and recognition by the Economic and Social Council. The ERI team brings a deep commitment to working for children and young people, who are marginalised through poverty, lack of access to education, being victims of exploitation or living in unhealthy environments.
ERI works at the international level in close collaboration with their ERI advocacy coordinators and support networks in 30 countries around the world to promote and protect the rights of children and young people to quality education, fundamental rights and freedoms and a healthy and nurturing community in which to grow.
Inspired by the vision and life of Blessed Edmund Rice, ERI believes that education in all its forms offers opportunities for the promotion of a rights-based and faith-based approach to social justice and ecological advocacy.
ERI works in partnership with other faith-based groups in the promotion of rights, peace and justice. They engage with the change-makers at the international level in order to bring issues and situations to the attention of the international community at the United Nations in New York and Geneva to seek answers to the issues affecting the lives of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.
ERI is committed to realizing each day, through promoting human rights via advocacy, the dream of God for a more inclusive and compassionate earth community. God’s dream is ERI’s dream.
A wide range of Justice and Advocacy RESOURCES available on the Edmund Rice International website.
To find out more please visit
A Year of Living Sustainably
Twelve Projects undertaken by the Edmund Rice Followers from all parts of the world which will that reduced our "Ecological Footprint".
FIRST AND LAST PEOPLES of AUSTRALIA
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.
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.
