Mission and Life Formation team
On 25 January 2011, the National Mission and Life Formation team met at the Province Ministries Office in Sydney, to continue building relationships between team members from across Australia and to work on the formation programs which will service member schools of Marist Schools Australia, and the other major ministries of the Province. The team was joined by the Marist Schools Australia National Director, Br Michael Green, and the three Regional Directors, Br Robert O'Connor, Paul Herrick and Peter McNamara. Some team members have responsibilities across both Provinces for other areas of Marist mission and life, so establishing protocols for communication, especially between team members and MSA was high on the meeting agenda. We do not take for granted the good relationships that currently exist with our Marist schools across the country. We are very aware of the need for good communication to enhance these relationships as we learn to work together as a national team to serve their formation needs.
We were also joined by Cate Sydes, Chief Executive Officer of Marist Youth Care, and Br Alexis Turton who gave an overview of the history and organisation of MYC, a profile of the young people in their care and of the staff working to help them see life differently. Current formation programs and opportunities for the future were also discussed. It was an excellent opportunity for our Melbourne team members to learn more about the organisation and the amazing work that is done at MYC. Providing Marist formation for staff at MYC has special challenges and the MLF team will explore ways to support Cate and Br Alexis in this work.
The National Mission and Life Formation team is looking forward to the challenges and rewards of working together nationally in 2011 but especially to supporting Marist ministries making Jesus Christ known and loved among the young across Australia.
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The people in the photograph are from left to right: Tony Clarke (National Director, Mission & Life Formation Team) Br John McMahon, Br Michael Flanagan, Br Michael Flanagan, Carole Wark, Br Robert O'Connor, Br Mark Paul, Br Peter Walsh, Paul Herrick, Br Michael Akers, Br Alexis Turton, Cate Sydes Chief Executive Officer, Marist Youth Care), Peter McNamara, Br Michael Green (National Director, Marist Schools Australia)