Embracing our Common Future: Dare to Be Disciples

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Passion and Possibilities

Edmund Rice Christian Brothers

North America Chapter

Cornwall, Ontario, = Canada

July 2008 Revised 7/26/08

Monday, July 7

8:30 &= nbsp; Morning Prayer was held in Campbell Hall and was lead by Br. Peter O’Loughlin. The Liturgy was developed by the Liturgy Committee; composed of Brothers Ba= rry Lynch, Sean Whitty, Jason Ford, Bishop John Corriveau, Jim Hamilton, Ben McDonough and Peter O’Loughlin.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Following Prayer, Peter introduced Br. John Casey, chair of the Chapter Planning Comm= ittee, who in turn introduced the President of the Chapter, Br. Hugh O’Neill. Hugh officially opened the chapter. At the op= ening of the chapter the following represent those in attendance; Vowed members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers (ERCBNA), 122, members from the CLT = 2; members from the Latin American region 3, members of the ERN 9; invited gue= st, 1 (Br. Barry Donaghue, CFC); Chaplin, 1 (Bishop John J. Corriveau and facilitator, 1 (Br. Paul Michalenko, ST).&= nbsp; Hugh then called each delegate by name (Appendi= x A) and each responded ‘Present’.&= nbsp; Hugh turned the program over to Br. Paul Michaelenko, the chapter facilitator.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Paul asked if there were any proposals to be brought forth, Br. Dan Casey made a motion reading, “I move that = we make this chapter a full participatory chapter, and we the delegates accept= the decisions of the assembled brothers,” it was seconded by Br. Kevin Griffith, and Paul entertained a conversation. No one surface any issues so, the = motion was read a second time and a vote was taken, the proposed motion was unanimously accepted.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Paul, then proceed to establish several committees. The first was for secretary and as= sistants. This committee would be responsible for keeping records of the daily proceedings= and of the major decisions of the group. This committee would gather the information that would serve as a history of the first ERCBNA Chapter both for the Province Leadership and Congregation Leadership Teams and further it would be kept in the archives. The secretary is as= sisted by two brothers who also will act as official tellers during any formal vot= ing at the chapter. Hugh, nom= inated Brothers Ray Vercruysse, Willie Harris and Peter Zawot, Paul put the nomina= ted Brothers to a vote and they were unanimously accepted.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Paul then announced the process for selecting a Steering Committee. The steering committee guides the process of the chapter. With the assistance of the facilit= ator, the steering committee has the responsibility of keeping the chapter on task and of helping it cover the topics it wishes to address in a timely fashion= and ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. Hugh then proposed that the working chapter planning committee transition into the chapter steering committee.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Paul called for conversation and t= here were no issues raised and a vote was called for and the motion was unanimously accepted by the assembled group.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Paul, then called for the formation of the submissions committee. This committee would consider statements that are to be voted on by the chapter. The submissions comm= ittee accepts the statements, reviews the wording, and determines the merit of the statement and how best it will fit with any other submission. If further ma= kes recommendations to the steering committee which in turn decides if it is appropriate for consideration by the chapter. Hugh nominated Brothers Jim Depiro, Sebby Samp and Bob McGovern, Paul called for a vote and they were unanimous= ly accepted by the assembled group.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; The final committee Paul called to be formed was the finance committee. The finance committee would consider the reports made to the chapter about the Province finances and resources and further make recommendations to the steering committee for consideration by the chapter. Hugh nominated Sean Moffett, Chuck Gattone, Sean Hayes, Paul called a vote and they were unanimously accepted = by the assembled group.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Paul then turned the program over to Brother John Casey, the chair of the steeri= ng committee to set the stage for the week’s activities in the life of t= he ERCBNA. John stressed the historical nature of this chapter in the life of = the province. This is the first c= hapter on ERCBNA and he placed the context of the chapter within the constitutions= , by saying “Province and region chapters assemble to:

¨ Review the life of the province, mission, religious spirit, and the resources and finances of the province and region

¨ Consider any other important matters

¨ Plan and legislate for the future =

John further read the prea= mble from the Guidelines to Procedures at Chapter, January 2008 (Appendi= x B), “the spirit of the Chapters today is that they be fundamentally relig= ious experiences (const. 95) which deepen our sharing of the paschal mystery. In an attempt to share this lived experience with our brothers, and because “every member of the Congregation shares the responsibility for the constant renewal of its life”(const. 94), it is important that chapters provide the opportuni= ty for as many brothers as possible to be touched by the discerning process at every stage. In this way we w= ill be united in our convictions and our love, with a common purpose and a common = mind (cf. Phil. 2:2). Our brotherh= ood demands nothing less,…”

John announced the planning committee’s theme for the chapter, “Dare to be Disciples: Passi= on and Possibility”. John outlined the various movements and themes for the week. John then introduced member of the= wider ERN that were present: Vin and Cathy Russo; representing the Edmundians; Te= resa and Jim Deegen, from Trinity Catholic; Tom Lesser, from CBF; Tom Ondrla, President of St. Laurence; Maureen Kiers, from Iona Prep; Br. Juan Casey, Region Leader of Latin America; and Bishop John Corriveau.

After which, he introduced= Br. Jack Mostyn, from the CLT, who spoke about the Munnar experience (Appendix= C), Jack shared some of the current realities of the CLT and the Province. Following this, Paul took the gath= ered group through a reflective process and asked how what they heard made sense= to them or what did not come from the presentation that they wished they had.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> After some reflective time persona= lly, Paul asked the brothers to share in the larger group. Following some time, Jack returned= to share some thoughts on the bigger picture of the Congregation.

Paul once again, invited t= he brothers, to do some personal reflection around the question; “What blocks you from moving beyond your current reality for the sake of our comm= on future?” (Appendix D) After some time passed= , Paul invited Br. Francis Hall, from the CLT to share his experiences from Munnar= . (Append= ix E1)

Paul then invited the grou= p to reflect on the question: “What has to happen for us to be honest and = open at this chapter?” Follo= wing some quiet time, Paul invited brothers to become engaged in an open microph= one process. After sufficient tim= e, Francis continued his sharing on the challenges he had from the Munnar experience. Paul left the gro= up with three reflective questions: “what are you passionate about in your current ministry/life?”; “how might the passion open up ne possibilities for the future?”; “is there an issue around justi= ce or education which you feel so strongly about that you would publicly advoc= ate for it?” After some tim= e the group was called back for Francis’ parting thoughts on community. Paul again posed a question to the= group: “How do you want to go deeper in living your community life?” Francis ended with a reflection (Append= ix E2) from Munnar with the group.

The chapter adjourned for = lunch.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Upon returning at 1:30, Paul introduced the afternoon session as a “Wisdom Circle”. There was an inner circle of chairs occupied by those who attended the congregation chapter [Brothers Hugh O’Neill, Kevin Griffith, Chuck Gattone, Dan Casey, Barry Lynch, Brian Walsh, Ray Vercruysse, Sean Moffett, Mark Murphy, Juan Casey, Francis Hall,= Jack Mostyn, and Mr. Tom Lesser and Mr. Tom Ondrla]. The purpose was for those assemble= d to get some understanding of the general tenor of the congregation chapter.

The following reflect comm= ents made by the participants. The sharing began by those in the circle with a song; “I thank my God whe= n I think of you. And when I pray= for you, I pray with joy”.

Summary of points made:

It was a moving experience
Conversations about the importance of deep relationships among those in community. Members of the community shou= ld be compassionate disciples
Better relationships will have a positive effect on ministry.
Great hope and healing experienced
Chapter affirmed brothers in all ministries
It was thought that we’re still processing the 4 directions and 7 insights. New enumeratio= ns are not needed.
Different cultures present encouraged reexamination of one’s own concept of God.
It was suggested that in our communities, we can have the same experience= by “sharing the fragments of everyday life.”
The cultural immersion was overwhelming, as was the experience of poverty<= /li>
The welcome extended to non-vowed was wonderful.
The word marginalized was given new and surprising meanings.
The Brothers are passionate about what they do.
Experience of vulnerability
A larger sense of God “Abba”.
“Face of the congregation” has changed. Now much more multi-cultural.=
People “drew back” based upon their theology.
The need to “go deeper”
Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Edmund were present.
The Spirit showed us the vibrant presence in each Brother.

After a short break, others were invited to join the c= ircle to react or question.

I had difficulty accepting the document. How is that handled?
We need to take a leap of faith.
Was there conversation on our relationship with the wider Roman Catholic Church?
The “four elements” are not particularly Catholic or Christian cosmology. Reaction to t= hat: Correct, but they did resonate with some of the other cultures present= .

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The afternoon session end = at 3:30 pm. It was announced that the Eucharist would be celebrated at 4:30= pm. It would be followed by a social a= nd dinner.

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Tuesday, July 8

8:30 &= nbsp; The morning began with Br. Barry Lynch leading the assembled group in a Morning Prayer experience. Afterwards= , Br. Chuck Gattone, made a few house keeping announcements: All evening session (starting at 7:30 pm are optional); Campbell Hall is set up to handle wirel= ess internet; Br. Jo DeMaria has any brother who had lived with Jogues Murphy to see him if the wish to submit information for Jogues’ necrology. Chuck then outlined the focus of t= he day; we are proceeding from the Congregation stand point to the North American Province review as = well as hearing from Br. Juan Casey about ERCBNA’s relationship with Latin America.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Chuck then invited the members of the PLT (Brothers Dan Casey, Derm Bray, Brian Walsh, Mark Murphy, Kevin Griffith and Hugh O’Neill) to come forward = to make their presentation on the State of ERCBNA (Appendices F1 and = F2. The theme set forth was a meditati= ve presentation, which resembled the Province report given in Munnar, theme was “Be still, and know I am God.”= The presentation ended with Hugh posing a question to all; “Ca= n we dare to be disciples.”

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Following the presentation= , Paul introduced a reflective process, which took place at the round tables set u= p in Campbell Hall. The direction = was to discuss relevant points that the PLT made during their presentation and any other point they felt was overlooked. After a period of time, the group took its morning break. Upon returning, Paul opened the fl= oor to an open microphone session where several brothers spoke and raised question that they wished to have further clarified on.

After sufficient time, Paul introduced Br. Juan Casey, who addressed (Appendices G1 = and G2)= the assembled group regarding the relationship of ERCBNA to the Latin American Region. After some time, Paul invited the group to engage in a Q/A based on some relevant points presente= d in Juan’s presentation. Ag= ain, several brothers rose to speak and to pose questions for further discussion= .

Just before breaking up fo= r lunch, Paul gave some directions as to the task of the afternoon session. He asked the assembled group to re= flect on over lunch two questions leading them to reflect on the State of Members= hip; “What has been my experience of the restructuring of the province in = the last three years?” and “What has happened to me?”

The assembled group adjour= ned for lunch. =

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&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Upon returning after lunch, John Casey introduced a five minute video/slide presentation on the new mission in New Orleans. John explained some of the history and circumstances surrounding the community and what the Brothers are doing to help rebuild the Church in New Orleans.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Following the presentation Paul introduced the afternoon activity by briefly explaini= ng the U-Theory (Appendix H) and “The Path of Dialogue-Conversation of the Heart” and= how we were going to spend some time in small groups “down loading”= are experiences over the last three years of restructuring. He then asked us to go to the same groups as in the morning to continue discussing restructuring. After some time at the tables, he = asked each group to identify three common themes that seemed surface during the discussion. After sometime wa= s spent on this task, he invite all to the afternoon break.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; After taking a fifteen minute break, the table groups reconvened, and Paul walked from table to table asking each table to choose one common experience from = that table. Once this was finished, Chuck made a few announcements: He welcomed Bea Casey, Nick Morris’ sister who traveled with him so he could be at the chapter, remind everyone that the Eucharist would be celebrated at 5:00 pm and that a community gathering would occur at 9:00 pm. Paul then brought the day to a close.

Wednesday, July 9

8:30 &= nbsp; Jason Ford began the morning session by wishin= g Bob Novak and Joe Morgan a happy birthday.&nbs= p; Jason then led Morning Prayer, a meditative look at “Faces of BLESSED Edmund Rice” which was prepared by Br. Chris Burns, followed.

(Appendix I)

Br. Jim DePiro made announ= cements concerning the posted minutes and the Submissions Committee deadline of Thursday at 3 PM.= Jim then introduced Br. Mark Murph= y, who addressed the Apostolic Action Plan; Dare to be Disciples: A Future Not Our Own.

Mark began by thanking Chr= is Burns for his work. Mark followed t= his by delivering his prepared presentation (Appendi= x J), he stated this was experiencing déjà-vu all over again gettin= g to know one another and seeking God’s will. By having people stand in groups b= y age, he made a dramatic demonstration of the age distribution in the province. He noted that we are older and few= er and must respond to new realities in many and varied ministries including he ministry of presence. T= here was a desire for new life and reinvigorated communities. The Apostolic Action plan was ment= ioned, as well as its guiding principles. <= /span>(Appendi= x K) The plan was a way of optimi= zing the human and financial resources to serve the poor and marginalized. The Leadership team is looking for= more input before taking steps. The hoped-for outcome of this chapter session is more visioning and clarificati= on, some heart-centered dialog, and criteria for the PLT to use in making infor= med decisions. There have already been surveys. The findings were that there was evidence that:

· Decisions need to be made.

· Community life and spirituality are most important

· Education is our most important ministry

· Serving the poor and furthering the charism = are priorities for any school

· Brothers consider “Being Brother”= ; to be more important than the collective ministry of the province.

Mark further clarified tha= t the writing committee had submitted its report in February and had sent a 1-page survey to the province. The r= esults of the survey were distributed. (Appendix L)

Following Mark presentatio= n, Paul asked if there were questions for Mark.&nb= sp;

¨ There was a question about the large number of suggestions for new ministries as compared with a smaller number of those willing to be relocated.

¨ There was a question concerning the need for any more information following the completion of the survey. Mark replied that the dialog might begin here and could continue when we return = to our communities, raising consciousness and possible willingness.

Following the opportunity = to ask Mark clarifying questions, Paul introduced the directions for the next proc= ess which would be an opportunity to talk within age groups using an “interview” process (Append= ix M)

After discussion, Paul wen= t from table to table asking for common threads:

First question “Tell= the story of your most fulfilling and rewarding ministry as an Edmund Rice Christian Brother. Where did = it happen, what were you doing, who else was involved? Why was it so fulfilling and rewarding?

Responses included:

¨ The one I am in now.

¨ When I had the ability to help someone in need.

¨ The time when I was challenged to exercise my talents most fully.

¨ When I had community support

¨ When I had the opportunity truly to be brother.

The Edmund Rice network participants, in a separate group referred to the feeling that the “Brothers provide a context and companionship for evangelization in a= way not available elsewhere.”

Paul then opened up the fl= oor for comments from the small questions around Question 4 “As you think of = your ministry in the future, what do you see yourself doing? What is the fulfill= ing and rewarding ministry you desire to be engaged in? Where should we as a Province be engaged?”

Responses included:

¨ What I am doing now, but I’m open to other possibilities

¨ Being Brother.

¨ Reaching out to the poor and marginalized

¨ Service to Brother’s in community or networking, as age/health permits

¨ Wherever I can use my talents

¨ Some may need help discovering talents which are useful in advanced age or limit= ed health.

ERN participants:

¨ Be authentic. It is a miracle to be where you are right now.

Paul adjou= rned the assembled group for the lunch break.

1:30 p= m &= nbsp; In returning for the afternoon session Peter introduced a brief slide show abo= ut the T.I. = Murphy Learning Center in Newfoundland. Jim DiPiro announced that the subm= issions committee is receiving items until Thursday. Jim then introduce Hugh O’Neill who in turn introduced the three province treasurers (Brothers Greg Mc Nally, Gerry Gremley and Bill Flood) who gave individual summary reports on the current state of finances in each of the three areas of the province. A combined summary = was also given. A question/answer session followed. The group was informed that the finance committee had been given much more detailed information and would report to the chapter later = in the week with recommendations for consideration.

Thursday, July10

Br. Jim Hamilton introduced the prayer service, a reflection on the Munnar Chapter.

Br. Ray Vercruysse thanked the committee and informed the assembly = that Chuck Haynes’ mother had suffered a stroke. He has gone to see her and we shou= ld remember them in our prayers. The minutes of the Chapter are being posted on the Province website.

Paul informed the assembly that the members of the ERN who are not brothers will be meeting separately and will rejoin the Chapter later in the day.

Br. Mark Murphy took the lead explaining that the task for the morn= ing would be to revisit the Apostolic Action Plan. The plan was to be revisited by vi= sioning, dialog, and developing criteria to guide the Leadership Team. This would be accomplished by look= ing at the principles established by the writing committee (Appendi= x N) and developing a list of priorities. The list will be given to the writing committee in order for them to refine the original document, providing guidance to the Leadership Team when considering new ventures or moving on from existing ones.=

Work was done in table groups identifying guiding principles and ra= nking them in order of importance. = There were oral reports of the top priority of each table. All of the sheets will be given to= the writing committee.

Following a break, Ray introduced Hugh who spoke about the new governance model for the PLT. This plan was introduced in the 2007 Chapter. (Appendi= x O).

The main points were:

The importance of Community was a major topic at the General Chapter. All thought a Province Renewal Team was an excellent idea.
For yea= rs some of the principles of formation were at odds with what we now want= and need from community.
Each gr= oup in the previous exercise came up with something related to the importance= of community.
The Bro= thers want and deserve to have the PLT involved in their pastoral care.=
There a= re many administrative duties which must be dealt with. Those will be assumed by the various administrative offices as much as possible so that the members= of the PLT, especially the Province Leader, will have the time and energy= to tend to the pastoral care of the Brothers and Communities.<= /span>
This is= still a work in progress, and will not be accomplished overnight.=

Hugh invited each member of the new PLT to speak about the office f= or which he will have oversight: Ray – Evangelization; Dan – Edmund Rice Network; Barry – Province Life and Renewal; Kevin – Health= care and Reconciliation; Mark – Stewardship. Each provided some details about t= he specific office for which he is responsible.

A question/comment period followed. The main points were:

· = Question: Which office will be attempting to reconcile policies which differed in different provinces? Answer: That will take time.<= /o:p>

· = When faced with a particular question or proble= m, a given Brother should speak with the director of the office involved. <= /o:p>

· = Question: With multiple levels, won’t the= re be confusion? Answer: Perhaps= at first, but as this is refined decisions will be made at lower levels thus by the people with the most immediate knowledge while simultaneously reducing = the administrative load on the members of the PLT.

· = Question: How does this change transfer/reassig= nment dialog? Answer: The PLT has n= ot yet decided how to conduct visitations.

· = Every Brother has the opportunity of speaking to any member of the PLT. It is = just hoped that minor matters will be handled at lower levels.=

· = It is hoped (at least by the PLT) that they wil= l be around “like cockroaches” all the time, tending to the pastoral care of the Brothers.

Ray informed the assembly of his status regarding his contractual obligations to USF.

The assembled group adjourned for lunch.

Afternoon Session:

Ray introduced Paul who coordinated the “Wisdom Circle” with the membe= rs of the extended ERN.

The procedure was meditative. Members of the extended ERN conducted= the service by beginning by blessing themselves with water. There followed scripture readings, visuals, and candle lighting. Questions were posed to the non-brother members of the ERN, who responded.=

Question: What dream do you have for how the spirit of Edmund Rice might move into the future?

Responses:

I dream= we can change the world through education and other ministries=
Jesus C= hrist has repeatedly met me and I’ve missed the point. Being with the Brothers in a school, I feel that being in a community educating in the spirit of Ed= mund Rice is my future. Prayi= ng and serving together.
I’= ;ve been at many alumni meetings where those gathered tell stories. What I heard over and over is= the importance of the Brothers. I wonder “how are we going to keep this up”? My dream is that 50 years fro= m now students will reflect on how they were influenced by the brothers and = also the lay teachers. I drea= m that the lay teachers understand.
Our chi= ldren were brought up with the influence of Edmund Rice and are wonderful, peaceful people. My drea= m is that the influence which Edmund Rice had on us will be passed along.

Question: How could Edmund’s Spirit “fly free” wi= th new expressions?

Responses:

If we t= end to the Charism by engaging in our own times, keeping a scriptural basis, working in collaboration, and reverencing the time we are in without b= eing critical of the past or fearing the future.
Brother= s are on the front line. Encourage others to go out. Be “billiard ball= s in a frictionless world” and go around spreading your energy. Continue to enable and encour= age.

Question: How can we all journey together in faith?

Responses included:

We have= Jesus Christ as our model. He = did not need others, but he invited others to help. Edmund Rice, also, invited ot= hers to help. We have experienced this with the Brothers. Keep on widening the circle.<= o:p>

Brothers were invited to join the circle and ask questions or make comments.

Responses included:

The ext= ended ERN gives the Brothers great encouragement and inspiration.=
Members= of extended ERN want to learn from the Brothers and want the Brothers to continue.
Brother= s are challenged to “be on fire” by the fire of the extended ERN= .
Brother= s are ahead of the church generally in involving the laymen/women, even thou= gh it was a strong current in the literature of Vatican II.
A laywo= man in India was inspired by the story of Edmund Rice to open a school in a train station for the kids who were hanging around there.<= /li>
Vinny R= usso said that people frequently contact him looking for ways to reconnect. Please send s= tories and pictures of ventures to him.
The Vol= unteer program touched both the volunteers and those with whom they worked.

Question: What structures are helpful to you (extended ERN) and what would you like in addition?

Replies included:

· = Opportunities to pray together.

· = Spiritual support, particularly for young facul= ty.

· = More communication

· = We do not work for the Brothers; we work with t= he Brothers for Edmund.

· = It has been hard since the Brothers left my school. I’ve often walk= ed through the empty Brothers’ house alone.

· = Pregnancy is wonderful, but it is not without p= ain; and the outcome is uncertain. You are berthing something new here. We simply need to cooperate and let God take care of the rest.

· = Kids need heroes and love to reel the stories.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Edmund Rice is a hero for our age.=

· = We’ve heard a lot of wisdom today. We are on a great journey together= .

Afterwards, everyone blessed themselves with the same water used at= the beginning.

A break followed.

The follow-up session was the discussion of the question: How can we all share in the work and spirituality of Edmund Rice? The question was discussed at tables and in the large group comments included:

There s= hould be some follow-up when Brothers withdraw from a location.
Perhaps= all those who attended Called and Gifted, or other programs should meet occasionally to discuss matters.
Brother= s do the best they can, even though sometimes things are dysfunctional.
Everyon= e has bad days. Some have bad years…
Brother= s are ordinary men who do extraordinary things.
Brothers accepted the first lay principal with more grace than his colleagues of many years did.

Br. Tim Smyth detailed some of the resources which he has available relating to the Founder and advancing his cause.

The meeting ended with the reminder that Eucharist would be at 5 PM.

Friday, July 11

Br. Barry Lynch began the day with a prayer service celebrating the reception of the document from the General Chapter; “= The Spirit Moving in Our Midst: Be My Disciples”.

This was followed by a general session where the PLT s= hared reflections on the past 3 years and hopes for the future.

Some points made:

· Combining three very different cultures was difficult at times.

· There were different opinions about what the living arrangements should be.

· Meeting Brothers all over is a life-giving experience. Visitation is a powerful positive experience.

· Our task was building unity among the Brothe= rs.

· There is a great need to work at vocation recruitment.

· There is great joy over the web which has be= en formed among the Edmund Rice Network.

· Great difficulty was experienced dealing with the legal matters.

· We supported one another.

· Travel is tiring, but being with the Brother= s is definitely not.

· One big struggle is how to deal with men who= are frozen because of anger over something which happened many years ago. Anger is poison.

· Our wealth is in each other.

· A Christian Brother is not something one is,= it is something one must pray to become.

After the PLT’s comments, Paul invited each part= icipant to go on an Emmaus walk with another person and to discuss their hopes for = the future. Following this exerci= se the entire group came back, and there was a large group process concerning how problems might be addressed. Statements included:

Addressing the reason for anger.
Prayer for those who are angry.
Appreciative Inquiry as a possible method of causing positive change.
Before the building goes up, the foundation needs to go down.
When we went on our Emmaus Walk no stranger joined us. However, after reflection, we realized Christ had been with each of us in the other and the Brotherh= ood we share.
The brother’s collaborative model of the church needs to be spread around.
Add old brothers to existing communities rather than placing them all in a retirement center, health permitting.
This is a remarkable time of opportunity.
Need to care for the health (physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotio= nal) of all members of the province.
Twelve step programs are a great asset in dealing with addictions, including anger.
Why pray for vocations unless we work to identify and invite likely candidates?

Lunch followed.

After lunch, the assembly gathered to hear proposals.<= /p>

Leadership Selection Proce= ss: (lead by Br. Dan Casey)

The document (Appendix P) was examined. The floo= r was opened for questions/clarifications/concerns. The discussion included exactly ho= w the weighted voting would be calculated, who would be able to vote by electronic means, how anonymity and security would be assured with electronic voting.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> It was proposed that “vision statements” be required of candidates before the second ballot. This = was voted upon. (26 in favor, 32 opposed). It was also suggested that the word ballot should be changed to nomination in all cases, since the positions are actually appointed. More research will be done during = the next five years in order to refine the process.

Financial Review Committee= Report: (Brothers Chuck Gattone, Sean Hayes and Sean Moffett)

Points made:

· We are not making great profits nor losses in the yearly reports.

· Our earning power is diminishing.

· Health care is increasing

· Legal costs are increasing

· Funds from foundations are diminishing.

· Commendation to the treasurers for their wor= k

· Commendations for development efforts

· Concern about continued collaboration among = the corporations

· Clarification of the meanings of terms, which vary between corporations

· Concern that operating costs have not been reduced by restructuring, which was one hoped-for outcome of restructuring.=

· Transparency

· Health/legal costs

Recommendations were made using a Power Point presenta= tion (Appendi= x Q).

Floor was opened for clarification.

A straw poll was conducted. The assembly accepted the report a= nd recommendations.

There was a short break.

Question: Apostolic Action Plan

The committee (Jim Moffett, Ted Dausch, Tom Ondrla) described the process they used in processing the results of the group proc= ess on July 10. The committee fou= nd great congruence of the results with the existing document. For the revised criteria, se= e the Power Point presentation (Appendi= x R).

Proposal: Sustainable Living (Proposed by Br. Kevin Ca= wley)

The province will set goals to reduce its ecological footprint. (Appendi= x S)

Proposal: Immigration (Proposed by Br. Ted Dausch)

The province will advocate for justice in this area. (Appendi= x T)

Proposal: Deepening the relationship with Latin America= (Proposed by Br. Juan Casey (Appendi= x U)

Discussion and possible ratification of the questions = will occur on Saturday.

Churk asked that evaluations be turned in by lunch (Appendi= x V)

Saturday, July 12

Sean Whitty introduced Morning Prayer, based upon the Magnificat.

Chuck Gattone made a few announcements and introduced = Paul.

Paul informed the assembly that the process was to cla= rify those proposals not clarified yesterday and after clarification to accept or reject the various proposals.

Discussion and voting on the proposals:

Sustainability proposal:

A majority felt that the proposed statement was good, = but that the recommendations should be removed. Kevin Cawley agreed to rewor= k the statement and bring it back.

Immigration proposal:

A discussion of clarification caused the proposal to be taken back for slight rewording.

Latin American Region proposal:

A suggestion was made that the word ‘responsibility’ be replaced by ‘relationship’. Hugh reminded the group that ‘responsibility’ is the term used in the constitutions. The author of the proposal suggest= ed he would remove the recommendations.

Leadership selection process proposal:

Dan Casey showed the changes based upon yesterdays recommendations. The proposal= as currently worded was passed unanimously.&n= bsp; (Appendix W)

There was a break

Finance Committee proposal:

Several adjustments had been made and during the discu= ssion the wording was altered slightly. &nb= sp; The proposal as currently worded was passed unanimously. (Appendi= x X)

Apostolic Plan Criteria proposal:

During the discussion, some of the wording was altered= . The final wording was projected so the assembly could clearly see what had happened. The proposal passed= by a show of hands ( Yes =3D 101, No =3D 2,&nbs= p; Abstain =3D5) (Appendi= x Y)

Sustainable Living Proposal

The proposal returned with the wording adjusted and the recommendations removed. Ther= e was a motion to accept as amended. The motion was accepted. The proposal passed unanimously. (Appendi= x Z)

Immigration proposal:

The proposal returned. There was a motion to accept as amended. The motion was accepted. The proposal passed unanimously. (Append= ix AA)

Latin American Proposal:

The proposal returned. There was a motion to accept as amended. The motion was accepted. The proposal passed unanimously. = (Append= ix AB)

The assembly took a break for lunch.

1:30pm= &= nbsp; After returning for the afternoon session, Chuck introduced the focus of the sess= ion. He announced that we would hear from Hugh O’Neill and Jack Mostyn, he then turn the floor over to Hugh.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; In Hugh’s reflections on the week, he centered on ‘the time is now, the place is here, we are the people’. He acknowledged that the first chapter of ERCBNA was a graced time for the province and for each brother.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> He thanked Jack and Francis for se= tting the tone by starting the week off with their presentations. Hugh spent some time reflecting on= the Wisdom circle experience of those attending the Congregation Chapter in Mun= nar and what it meant to each person. He shared that he reflective on a question posed during the session, ‘what was it that you hold in common as we move forward?’

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Hugh’s answer was we are all disciples of Jesus and followers of Edmund Rice, we a= re brothers to each other and we love each other. He then emphasized the need to be prophetic people, reaching out to love those beyond the boundaries. He shared his support for what Pope Benedict did by declaring this year the ‘year of St. Paul’. He spoke to our reality of our agi= ng, our understanding of brother as a noun, verb and adjective and that the mea= ning of brother was about relationships.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Hugh posed some challenges for the province over the next six years; he addressed the need to be contemplative in our approach to community. We need to take the Munnar documen= ts and prayer them, we need to reach out to our brothers who are angry and marginalized; we need to take a stand on behalf of and for immigrants; we n= eed to develop a respect of the earth and remain open to the spirit in the constitutions, the congregation statement of the four direction and seven insights.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Jack followed Hugh in sharing some insights he had during the week and a contemplative perspective. He framed his comments from that of a spiritual director. He went on to say; that we as a pr= ovince have matured and a sense of trust has developed. He highlighted this by the fact th= at five out of the six proposals we passed were unanimous. He pointed out that the new govern= ance model would take people some effort that understand and change how we respo= nd to the PLT. This represented a cultural shift in how we have done things in the past.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Jack encouraged all members of the province to reach out to those brothers who a= re angry and to tell them we need them to embrace our future together and to s= hare their wisdom with everyone. He encouraged each brother to enter more deeply in pray and be a witness of the presence of God. He challenge= d us to continue to invite the ERN to be a part of province life. Jack acknowledged the pain of Chil= d Sexual Abuse in the province, and the pain associated with the abuse and how this allows us to come face to face with our powerlessness and how we can come to know the mystery of God and be touched by God. Jack share how touched he was when members of the PLT shared how much Nick and Kieran impacted their PLT.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Jack encouraged us to be good stewards of our finance and human resources, to continue developing quality community life experiences and to extend invitations to those who might wish to join us on our journey in finding God. He asked each member to support and encourage the PLT to make choices, to decide wisely and to act = on behalf of the province.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; Jack closed by highlighting number 13 of the Munnar statement and what that might mean over the next six years. He directed our attention to the congregation’s new branding and the thr= ee words that represent Edmund Rice’s charism best—Presence, Compassion and Liberation. = = =

= &nb= sp; Following this presentation, Chuck introduced the group to the opportunity for saying thank you to the out going PLT. All nine members of the PLT were called forward and someone from the province thanked them. Bill Correthers thanked Kieran Murphy; Jude Mooney thanked Nick Morris; Ross Wielatz thanked Dave Lucas; Kevin Cawley thanked Derm Bray; Greg McNally thanked Brian Wals= h; Steve Hall thanked Dan Casey; Peter O’Loughlin thanked Mark Murphy; J= im Hamilton thanked Kevin Griffith; and Barry Lynch thanked Hugh O’Neill= . Chuck ended the session and remind= ed everyone liturgy would be celebrated at 5:00 in Campbell Hall and that the Sisters of St. Ann would be joining us for the occasion.

&nbs= p; &= nbsp; During the liturgy celebrated by Bishop John Corriveau, the Sisters of St. Ann joi= ned the assembled group. It was during the liturgy that the Province Leadership Team was installed in the presence of Br. Jack Mostyn, Deputy Congregation Leader (Appendix AC). Following the liturgy there was a reception which was followed by dinner and during dinner Br. Dan Casey publicly thanks all those who contributed to the success of the Chapt= er. It was during the dinner that Br. Hugh O’Neill officially closed the ERCBNA Province Chapter of 2008. (Append= ix AD)

Respectfully submitted by

Br. Raymond J. Vercruysse, CFC

Br. R. William Harris, CFC

Br. Peter E Zawot, CFC

On July 12, 2008