Pictured in a ZOOM screen shot of the ERNC – CLT meeting are (left to right, top to bottom): Mr. Thane Hall, Br. David Silva, Br. Sean Moffett, Mr. John Murphy, Mr. Jeff Fox, Br. Hugo Carceres, Br. John Casey, , Br. Senan D’Souza, Mrs. Mary Jo Gambardella, Mrs. Lilian Vernier. and Mr. Michael Dolan.
The EDMUND RICE NETWORKING COUNCIL and the CONGREGATION LEADERSHIP TEAM met as part of the sexennial visitation of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North American Province. Thane Hall and Lilian Vernier coordinated the session presenting the goals of the Council and reporting on the recent initiatives of the group.
The ERNC activities began two years ago with a sharing of their own experience of the Edmund Rice Charism. In the following months they interviewed individuals representing the various constituencies of the Edmund Rice Network: current and former faculty members in Edmund Rice Network schools, Edmundians, Associates, Alumni/ae and participants in such engagements as Called and Gifted, Action, Mission Immersions, and Advocacy Initiatives.
The interviews were grounded in the Charism statement: moved by the Spirit, Edmund opened his whole heart to Jesus Christ, present and appealing to him in the poor.
Participants, after sharing their Edmund Rice connection story were asked:
- What engages you now?
- How do you connect your now to your initial Edmund Rice experiences?
- Who are the poor whose cry you hear now?
The responses to these interviews suggested the approach that was used in an on-line survey posted on the ERCBNA.org web site and promoted by the various constituencies. The results have clarified the strong interest of many to find ways of continuing their engagement in Edmund Rice Network activities including electronic links, cluster gatherings, shared community service projects and advocacy, retreats, and mission opportunities. Among the cries of the poor being heard, the plight of the homeless and refugees was particularly salient.
The Edmund Rice Networking Council has taken on the role of encouraging the school communities to join resources in fostering the opportunities for engagement requested by the alums.
Promoting study of the life of Blessed Edmund Rice in various stages, the ERNC has initiated the I EDMUND project. Two of the chapters of this project, Edmund in his Sixties, and the Concluding Years, have been circulated. Studies of the other decades are in process.
The Congregation Leadership Team affirmed what they have seen and encouraged the Council to continue this service to the larger Edmund Rice community.
The Edmund Rice Networking Council encouraged the CLT to continue its role in promoting the international network. The Congregation web site was cited as a source of good news and a means of sharing what is happening around the globe expressing the Charism of Blessed Edmund.