Our newsletter this time round will probably be more  pictures than words. As overdue as this publication is, it is a celebration of what the Patrician Brothers have been able to give to others and the new ways in which our charism will be taken forward.

There was sadness at the handing over of Holy Cross College, Ryde to lay leadership after some 111 years of leadership by Patrician Brothers but the gathering in Eucharist and in social activity became times to celebrate the enormous contribution to education and 
family life made by ourselves.

You will read of the prestigious award presented to Brother Patrick Lovegrove. As well as celebrating Patrick's unique contribution to Education we his fellow Patricians basked in reflective glory, again celebrating the huge contributions Patrician have made to Education in Sydney and places beyond.

You will read also of the continuing story of our Papua New Guinea mission. I am pleased to be able to share with you that on my next visit to Aitape I will be receiving seven men into the Novitiate. Numbers always impress but I firmly believe this is a sign of hope for us. Our two Formators - Norbert Yeku and Peter Ryan- have done a sterling job in bringing these men to this next stage of discernment of their religious vocation.

Three Brothers in our Province celebrate jubilees this year - John Verhoeven (25years) and Richard Doheny and Aengus Kavanagh fifty years apiece.

All in all this newsletter should give you a glimpse of what has been achieved by the Brothers as a whole and individuals in their various spheres of ministry.

Please read and enjoy!

In Love and Confidence,
Brother Paul O'Keeffe fsp 
PROVINCIAL

Jubilarians

Each of the people featured below committed themselves in the vows they made, to the lives they continue to live, be it as a Religious Brother or husband and wife. The vows of their nature reach out to an unknown future. St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that a vow is an act of radical generosity, because one gives in a single moment a life which is to be lived successively through time.

We congratulate John, Richard, Aengus, Steve and Margaret and thank them for their lives of commitment to the Patrician Brothers and each other in marriage. The taking of those vows years ago was an act of very deep significance and we pray that each will continue to faithfully live out those vows in their chosen way of life.
 

JOHN VERHOEVEN: 

John's 25 years have seen him in a number of places and a variety of ministries. Like most Patricians John began as a teacher John ministered in Fairfield, Blacktown, Ryde and Granville in primary and secondary teaching and pastoral work. 

His time in Holy Cross, Ryde saw him investigate the possibility of office work. Always open to the new John worked as part of Marscom a multi media venture begun by the Marist Brothers. John also worked in the Catholic Education Office in Sydney as part of the Resource Centre Team His ministry has now moved to the people of the parish of Campbelltown where he is the Pastoral Assistant and lives in the nearby area of Bradbury

RICHARD DOHENY:

Richard hails from Tipperary and made his First Profession in 1953 In 1957 he made his way to Australia and Fairfield where he has spent some 40 years all told as primary teacher and primary Principal and then as a secondary teacher Richard did spend time in Blacktown and Granville but somehow he seemed to come back to Fairfield a place he dearly loves Richard's involvement in and love of sport is legendary. He is a life member of the Fairfield Junior League Club and Junior Cricket Club as well as the Brothers Sports Club. Stories abound of his sometimes-dubious decisions as an umpire of cricket. It is hard to imagine the number of boys Richard has coached over his years in Australia. Although now retired from classroom teaching Richard is still seen in the school canteen and on the sporting field.

AENGUS KAVANAGH: 

Aengus hails from Abbeyleix in the county of Laoise. He also made his First Profession in 1953 and along with Richard Doheny came to Australia in 1957 and began his teaching 
career at Fairfield in 1958 and stayed there some 26yrs in total. In his years at Fairfield Aengus ministered as teacher, community leader, Science Subject Master, Principal, Provincial Councillor and Provincial His leadership qualities were further recognized when he was elected Superior General in June 1986 Many of our readers have experienced Aengus in one of those roles and know first hand the many skills he possesses.

After his time as Superior General Aengus went to Chicago and studied for two years Aengus has always believed in updating himself and over the years has made study a priority All that has borne fruit in a man who is well read and knowledgeable in a variety of areas but specifically in Education He has even written a book and co-authored a second.

Since 1994 Aengus has worked in the Catholic Education Office in Parramatta. Education is his love and he is very good at it and highly respected

He is currently the vicar-Provincial and lives in the Ryde community. (Click here for a few extra photos.)
 

We also congratulate Margaret and Steve Harsas, parents of Nicholas, on 40 years of commitment in marriage.

BROTHER PATRICK LOVEGROVE, WINNER OF THE :
BROTHER JOHN TAYLOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION

The Catholic Education Commission, NSW sponsors on an annual basis, an Award honouring the contributiorl to Catholic Education of the late Brother John Taylor The Award is known as the Brother John Taylor Award for Excellence in Catholic Education Brother John Taylor was Executive Director of the Catholic Educatiorl Commission, NSW from 1984- 93 During the period he was also a member of the Board of Studies, the National Catholic Education Commission and the Commonwealth Schools Council.

The Brother John Taylor Award is intended for individuals who contribute (or who have contributed in the immediate past) to Catholic education in a very significant way:

. the individual needs to have made a significant contribution to h IS or her educational field;
. the contribution should be able to be evidenced in a tangible manner through benefits to the Catholic 
educational community;
. The work of the individual in his or her educational field has demonstrably facilitated the work of others in their professional endeavours;
. As an outcome of the work of the individual the ethos of Catholic education in NSW has been strengthened.

In selecting Brother Patrick Lovegrove as a winner of the 2002 Brother John Taylor Award the selection committee of the Catholic EducationCommission, NSW has recognized his outstanding contribution to Catholic school education over the past 53 years During this time Brother Patrick has served as a school principal for 23 years including the past 15 years as principal of Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown In addition, he has served as Provincial of the Patrician Brothers in Australia for 12 years and Superior-General of the Patrician Brothers for 6 years Brother Patrick was also an inaugural member of the Catholic Education Commission, NSW from 1973 to 197

Holy Cross College, Ryde
 

An early Ryde community Brothers being blessed by congregation Students greet the Word Bishop Ingham & Br Matthew Mahony Priests at thanksgiving Mass

In the latter part of 2002 it was announced that Brother Matthew Mahoney would complete his term as Principal of Holy Cross at the end of that year It was also announced that the Patrician Brothers would not be able to supply a Brother as the next Principal. A process was then begun which ended in the appointment of Mr Garry Williams as the first lay Principal, a very satisfactory outcome. (Picture of Garry and Matthew) Two functions followed that were to be times of great celebration of the Patrician contribution to Holy Cross over a period of 111 years. Over the weekend of Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1 st December two gatherings were held to celebrate that contribution. The first was a dinner, which saw a very large crowd of parents, former students, former employees, and Brothers gather along with local dignitaries to begin the celebration. It was evident right from the start of the night that those who came had a very special bond with the Brothers and that was what was being celebrated. A number of people spoke on the night and gave glowing testimony to the work and friendship engendered by the Patrician Brothers. It a great time for the Brothers present. This photo shows the Brothers present which include the Provincial and Deputy Provincial of the Christian Brothers, Brother Laurie Need ham and Brother Paul Oakley.Bishop Peter Ingham, Bishop of Wollongong and former Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Ryde celebrated the Eucharist the following day In his homily Bishop Peter had this to say: "We celebrate and give thanks for where the hand of the Lord has led the Patrician Brothers from beginnings here in Ryde in 1891 in St Charles Villa to the insightful purchase of this wonderful site by Brother Alphonsus Delaney The grand vision for this College only 13 years after the Brothers came to Australia; with their wonderful charism of dedication to God; of generous service to the education of youth and their wonderful sense of the mission of the Church of which they are a vital part" Bishop Peter went on to say. "Garry Williams the first lay Principal inherits a legacy of 111 years of wonderful Patrician Spirit - the charism of Bishop Daniel Delany. You won't find the full charism of Bishop Delany in what he wrote and taught, as vital as that is It is in people, the Brothers that the spirit of Bishop Delany lives and it is through people that the spirit of the Brothers he founded is still present and active amongst us today That spirit has permeated and infused this site and the generations of students and their parents who have come here to be educated and formed in a Catholic way of life That is an incalculable blessing that should make our minds boggle- that is what gives hope for the future as the work, the spirit of the Patrician Brothers continues in this great College under the sign of the Holy Cross of our redemption and salvation" Below are some scenes from the Eucharistic celebration. At the beginning of this year at a school assembly the Celtic cross blessed by Bishop Peter was symbolically handed over to the school community While Holy Cross owes much to The Brothers who staffed and led the school over 111 years we would like to record the deaths of two stalwarts associated with its development. While the death of Fr Colin McKay occurred some time ago it is fitting that mention should be made of him now Father Colin was appointed chaplain of the College in 1959 as well as working as chaplain at Callan Park and Broughton Hall both psychiatric institutions He took his meals with the Brothers and said mass daily for them He was in many ways apart of the Brothers community. He is well know for starting the St John of God Institute of Counse!lng which continues today by those lay people who had worked alongside him over the years . In 1994 he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination and spoke of the privilege he had of working with the Patrician Brothers in many rewarding ways He was an affiliate member of the Congregation and was  very much apart of the lives of the Brothers.  He died on October 1 st, 2002.

Recently the mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Peter Young, also an affiliate member of the brothers and along term member of staff at Holy Cross Peter began his teaching career at Holy Cross in the Primary School, then known as Borromeo School, in 1958 He returned to Ryde in 1960 and stayed there until 1968 In 1971 he took over as Deputy Principal a position he held until 1985 Peter was rewarded for his loyalty and dedication to the Brothers and to the College by being made an affiliate His contribution to education was amazing also being involved in other places and other ways. One of the celebrants at the funeral Mass was Bishop Brian Heenan of Rockhampton where Peter had ministered as the Diocesan Director of Adult Religious Education for some seven years

As said previously it is fitting that both of these men are mentioned here for their contribution to Holy Cross College, Ryde.
(Click here for more on this topic: Tranfer of Principalship at Holy Cross)

60 Seconds with Nicholas

FROM THE LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Name three people you would love to invite to dinner?
Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa , and Rove.

One word that best sums you up?
Sociable.

The best part about your job? 
Leading the wonderful students and working with such a dedicated staff.

The worst part?
Challenges beyond my ability to resolve.

Who inspires you?
Bishop Daniel Delany, founder of the Patrician Brothers, who began the order to educate poor children in Ireland in the early 19th century.

If you weren't doing this job, how would you be earning your living?
Classroom teaching or social work.

Your greatest extravagance?
My CD col,ection.

What makes you unhappy?
The social-economic situation of many.

Your favourite movie, TV and music?
The Shawshank Redemption, Friends and I'm enioying the new Kelly Rowland CD.

Who would you like to be for a day?
An adviser to the United Nations to assist with the promotion of world peace.

Where would you take first-time visitors to Fairfield? 
Patrician Brothers Primary School, of course.

A Proud Moment

Congratulations to Jamie Vincent Ex-student of Patrician Brothers, Blacktown and also married to Margaret, sister of Brother Paul O'Keeffe. Community worker Jamie Vincent was declared Blacktown Council's 2003 Citizen of the year on Sunday. Mr Vincent has long had a reputation for being tirelessly dedicated to helping others. He was chosen from 12 nominees for his "lifetime contribution to volunteering" around the city.

Mr Vincent and Blacktown APEX Club have together raised money for many charities and groups. He joined APEX in 1987, when he was 18.

The Province Welcomes

Teaching English to Migrants

Australia has been for many years one of the countries with the highest intake of migrants and refugees People from all regions of the world are found in Australian English classes You meet people from Vietnam, Cambodia, Bosnia, Peru, Iraq and China to name a few. Students on the whole are very eager to learn, though it is very hard for some, because of a number of factors.

Age, length of time since they last sat in a classroom, and the fact that some of the students didn't have the chance to complete their schooling in their home countries for one reason or another So we find that these students do find studying hard. In some cases the students are not even literate in their own language The student's ages range from early twenties through to the sixties.

There are a number of different classes offered depending on the student's level This is gauged in a pre-course interview and assessment From this the best course for the student is offered.

The most beneficial course to students is the Certificate in Spoken and Written English (which has four levels) so a student can progress through all four levels. Levels One and Two are for beginners and they give the students a grounding in the English. Language and prepares them for the high levels and other courses. Both levels can be adapted to a work theme which not only assists in their language development in all four macro areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing, but also gives them the skills needed to gain employment.

Another course that is being offered is the Certificate One in English Language Skills. This is also adapted to a work theme. The two industries that are targeted are the hospitality industry and the warehouse industry where students are familiarised with the language that is needed to work effectively in that industry. After they finish the English course the students move on to a Certificate course in that particular industry.

Though there are a variety of courses to assist students in the learning of English, it is their attitude to learning that makes teaching them such an enjoyable experience and a God-given gift. When students complete a course they like to write down something of their experience. 

Following is part of one students reflections:

At first I didn't know what to expect. I did think it would be hard to do work and meet people at the same time but this course made it a lot easier and I felt relaxed and happy to do anything
I feel my self esteem is up a lot and I do feel I'm getting much better in spelling and reading I feel good with my two sons coming to me and asking for help in spelling and we take turns in reading at night time before bed.

I feel very happy about myself to know words and to spell them out loud and to say you're right is a great feeling. Also I've met some nice people, they are different to me, but we help each other because we know we have the same problem, plus I learn a lot from different cultures The teachers are very helpful and friendly.

+ Written by Michael Stanton who presently works in a voluntary capacity in "The House of Welcome" This is a project of the NSW Ecumenical Council and assists TPV (Temporary Protection Visa) holders with their transition into the community.

Papua New Guinea
 
 

Norbert preparing a kulau	Bread-making a daily task	Taking a break

My recent visit to Wewak and Aitape was once again a most enjoyable time. My prime reason for going was to join with the Aitape community in retreat. This was a new experience for most of the postulants and for Norbert, Peter and myself one we had all taken part in before. 

The retreat was held in Aitape at the St Martins Pastoral Centre. It was still the wet season and the mosquitoes were out in full force Their annoying presence even caused the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be postponed to daylight hours when they were less active. Mind you had we gone ahead with reconciliation with the mosquitoes then there would have been no need for any penance to be given! The retreat was given by Father Martin We-en a Diocesan priest from the parish of Mukili (for those familiar with the Nuku area). Fr Martin is an ex student of St Francis High School Nuku, a school begun in 1978 by Brother Charles Barry and Michael Vella. Fr Martin is well known to both As part of his retreat team the services of Sr Veronica AD and Joe, a catechist from Malol were also used. All our needs both spiritual and bodily were looked after which gave all of us the time for prayer.

The retreat finished just in time for the celebration of the Easter ceremonies Our men took part in much of the parish preparation and even led one of the stations during the Friday afternoon Way of the Cross along the main street of Aitape. I can tell you it was very hot at the time.

My second reason for visiting Aitape was to be part of the next "Come and See" program which began the day after our retreat ended. A group of 9 men from various parts of the West Sepik Province came to join the community for a three-month immersion experience of Patrician community life. They took part in all aspects of community life while at the same time thinking about whether they really had a vocation to religious life. Their time with us will finish in the second week of June after which they will return home and await an invitation from us at a later stage to join a more formal Postulancy program. They will be expected to demonstrate in some way back in their home villages some aspect of commitment to the local Church before being asked back. (The photo shows "Come and See" people with a few postulants and two old-timers: Aengus and Peter.)

Easter Sunday was celebrated in great style. Everyone helped prepare the meal, which included a number of chickens purchased locally. The meal was shared with a number of guests including Leonard Blahut whom many of our readers would know.

The exciting news from Aitape is that our seven postulants have been accepted for Novitiate and will be received into the Congregation on August 23rd in the presence of a number of visiting Brothers who will be there for meetings in preparation for next years General Chapter. 

Please pray for these men in the next stage of their journey. Brother Norbert Yeku will continue in his role as Community Leader and take on the new role as Assistant to the Novice Master and Vocation Promoter.Brother Peter Ryan will take on the role of Novice Master Our Postulants will have a period of time at home with their families before returning for the commencement of their Novitiate.

While most of my time was spent in Aitape I can't forget Stephen Sweetman whose hospitality and company was most welcome in Wewak. Usually one has to find accommodation elsewhere in Wewak but with Stephen in residence it is great to see a smiling face at the airport on arrival. Stephen continues his work with Callan Services and even manages to get the odd trip to the Highlands for business purposes.

In conclusion may I share some more photos of life on Bishop's Hill with you? Perhaps Brothers from other provinces may be inspired to come and join us for a while?

A Silver Thank You

Thank you to Brother Paul for giving me a few lines to thank all those involved in my simple Silver Jubilee function last December.

I am very grateful to Val Hood and the Liverpool Catholic Club for all that they did to bring the day together and for making it such a memorable event. I cannot imagine really all the time that Val had to put into it, she even had to hunt down some people for me, but I thank you Val for your hard work and thoughtfulness. The Catholic Club at Liverpool seemed only too happy to do what they could to make it an enjoyable afternoon. friendly and professional staff, great  food, luxuriant atmosphere, and the club even allowed us the use of a large video screen free of charge.

Thank you to Aengus for being prepared to say a few words on the occasion of my jubilee. I know that he dedicated some significant personal time and effort into what he had to say. For a person who didn't know what he was going to say at one stage he ended up saying it all so very well.

I very much appreciate the time Paul contributed as general co-coordinator and for respecting my preferences for the form the function should take.

And finally, thank you to all those who came and celebrated my jubilee with me. Special thanks to Mum and Dad and all my immediate family who took time-out from all their busy life-styles and to travel great distances to be with me on the day It was a great thrill to see them all gathered in one place, and I think Dad had a large part to play in that.

But thank you also to the many others who were there and who have been apart of my life as a Patrician Brother. 

Thanks to all.

Stephen Sweetman

Thursday Island

After a recent visit to Thursday Island I thought I would share with you some of the work carried out by Brother Thomas Rice who ministers as a Parish Pastoral Assistant.

Thomas begins his working day with visits to the Hospital and the Star of the Sea Nursing Home Hospital visitation sees a big number of people from Papua New Guinea as well as local Islanders in for extended periods of treatment This is an important ministry especially to those from the outer islands and from PNG. Often times family is in short supply and a visit from some-one who can pass messages onto family and friends is very important.

Tom's daily visits to the Nursing Home are much anticipated by the residents. To some he brings Holy Communion, to others he simply brings a smiling face and a cheerful 'hello'. On Friday afternoon he organises Eucharist at which the parish priest Fr Hilary Flynn presides. I recently met some of Tom's friends. Two men from PNG who had come in with their children 
who had suffered accidents and broken their arms. Their stay was for something like a month 
to a month and a half. Tom provided a great contact with them and provided them with second hand clothes and the odd bit of work around the Brothers house to help pass the long days of waiting for their children to be discharged and allowed home They were even visitors for dinner on some occasions which was another outlet for them at a time when things could get them down.

On Wednesday of each week he visits neighbouring Hammond Island bringing Holy Communion to many of the older people and spends time with anyone who is home and wanting a talk. He takes the Hammond Island ferry across early in the morning and returns late in the afternoon weary but happy.

What else could someone fit into a week? We had a very prayerful holy hour for Vocations one night. Sunday sees Tom preparing the liturgy for at least one of the three masses on Thursday Island and once a month he organises a parish retreat for anyone who wishes to come. At times he even repeats these retreats on Hammond Island as well.

From time to time in the absence of the parish priest Tom has also had to conduct funeral liturgies and graveside farewells as well as ministering to the bereaved. Quite a varied life wouldn't you agree? I suppose it is easy for us in NSW to forget the work done by our Brothers in the far-flung regions of the Province and this is one way of remembering the great contribution people like Brother Thomas make to our Patrician Mission.

One can't forget Cronan O'Meara who lives on TI with Tom as community support. Cronan is presently enjoying time at home with his family in England and Ireland. (For more on Tom click here.)

Some Photos

The Brothers pictured (Paul O'Keeffe, Nicholas Harsas, Philip Mulhall, Bernard Bulfin, Mark Ryan, Martin Harmata) have over the last five years all taken part in Renewal Programs Each person spent time in Glens Falls, New York at a place called Wellsprings The program has now ceased but the spirit remains in each and throughout the province.
 
 

Casula is an excellent venue for the Brothers to gather. Seen here are gerard Bulfin, Marc Kerr whi is presently discerning whether life as a Patrician Brother is for him. Also seen here are Peter Higgins, Paul O'Keeffe, and Basil Downey. All enjoyed great company and a great BBQ.