Embracing a Common Future

 

 

Edmund Rice Christian Brothers

North America

Thursday, 09 August 2007

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LETTER TO THE BROTHERS

July 1, 2005

 

Dear Brothers,

 

In 2002, following our three Provincial Chapters and Assembly in Cornwall, Ontario, the brothers from North America agreed to actively pursue a common future in North America. To facilitate this they selected a committee to facilitate a process aimed at helping the brothers across North America to meet and discuss this common future. Returning to Cornwall in July 2004, the brothers re-affirmed their desire for a common future. The Declaration for a Common Future that came out of the Cornwall Assembly in 2004 formally requested the Congregational Leadership Team "To dissolve no later than July 1, 2005, our current provinces in North America and to take the necessary steps to create one new province to unite us for mission in Edmund's charism in service to the Church and to the world."

 

This was a bold move, witnessing to our belief that Providence is our inheritance. On July 1, 2005. we will celebrate our new beginnings in North America with the formation of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America, All brothers are asked to pray that God's Spirit may be with us in a special way and that our hearts will remain open to God's continued presence in our lives. With listening hearts, we pray that we will always be open to respond to the presence of Christ appealing to us in the poor wherever we hear this call.

 

On July 1, 2005 the newly elected Leadership Team will gather in Vancouver, British Columbia to formally begin this new period in our history in North America. As part of this there will be a formal ceremony to call forward the new members and to celebrate the opening of the new province. On this site (A New Beginning) is a copy of the prayer service that will be used in Vancouver. Brothers are invited to be with us in solidarity at this time and to utilize elements of the prayer service in your community or personal prayer on that day.

 

May Jesus live in our hearts forever.

 

Asking Edmund's intercession as we begin our new province,

 

We remain,

Your brothers in Jesus and Edmund,

 

Hugh          Nick          Brian          Dan            Dave
          Derm         Kevin          Kieran