Creating networks and strengthening Marist life
The Oceania Council met in Auckland, New Zealand, on 15th April 2019 to consider projects related to the calls of the XXII General Chapter and the initiatives of the Strategic Plan of the General Administration.
Those present were: Benedict Tooming, Jean-Marie Batick, Terence Costello, David McDonald, Dan Dungey, Sixtus Winduo, Peter Carroll, Tony d’Arbon, Frank Malloy, Kevin Wanden, Paul Kane (Left to right in the photo).
The Region of Oceania is made up of the Province of Australia and the Districts of Melanesia and the Pacific. Four topics were taken up at the meeting: a Network of Schools, a Network of Youth, Leadership Formation, Spirituality and Nurturing of Marist Life.
In relation to the topic of Network of Schools, the aim is to build upon existing relationships across the various countries and educational jurisdictions in the Region. This initiative provides the possibility of sharing human resources across the region and volunteering opportunities for teachers in Melanesia and the Pacific. They will also explore the formation of two new sub-networks Marist Schools Melanesia and Marist Schools Pacific. They want to build closer alignment among all Oceania networks.
In relation to the topic of a Network of Youth, the Council hopes to create a Network of Marist Youth Ministry and develop a regional plan for youth ministry. In the same way, they are exploring the possibility of an Oceania Youth Forum in 2020/21
Under the heading of Leadership Formation, while encouraging all Marists to take responsibility for their personal and professional formation, they plan to identify future leaders and sponsor them to undertake further formation in leadership. Existing programs in the Province and Districts include Champagnat in the Pacific, Wokabaot wantaim Champagnat program in Melanesia, In the Footsteps I and II, as well as Marist Schools Australia programs.
In relation to the topic of Spirituality and Nurturing Marist Life, the main aim is to develop an awareness of being a ‘Global Family’, connecting to the proposed global Spirituality network, and initial and on-going formation in the Champagnat Marist charism and spirituality. These programs are delivered by the Mission and Life Formation Team, Marist Schools Australia and formation programs offered in the Pacific and Melanesia. The next meeting of the Oceania Council will be the August video conference.