Embracing a Common Future
Edmund Rice Christian Brothers
North America
Thursday, 09 August 2007
|
Embracing a Common Future
Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America Thursday, 09 August 2007 |
|
|
Report from the Province Leadership Team Meeting September, 2005
Open to new realities, we in leadership are accountable for revitalizing and transforming ourselves and our brotherhood through heart-centered spirituality and service with the marginalized.
Each of the Portfolio committees presented a report on its meetings and activities since the last meeting: Deepening the Spirituality of Being Brother The Visitation schedule was distributed. All agreed that the Canonical Visitor to a particular community would serve as the PLT liaison to that community. Letters have been sent to communities suggesting a process for developing community goals and objectives. Nick will distribute copies to the appropriate community visitor for reference and use at the community Visitation. Mailings of significant articles of interest will be sent to communities as appropriate. The celebration of future Jubilees in North America will be a topic for the October 17-19 PLT agenda, as will the Christian Brothers’ Association Memorial Cards Program. An updated list of Community Leaders and Contact Persons was distributed. A process for the reappointment and appointment of Community Leaders will be a topic for the October 17-19 PLT agenda. Healing and Reconciliation: A Need and a Call Barbara Witchel has resigned as Chair of the St. Joseph’s Care Residence Board. She will continue as a Director. The Board will be asked to recommend a new Chair.
Seeking New Brothers Kieran is organizing a meeting with the Vocation Promoters and Advancement Office personnel to further discuss vocation matters.
Educating the Hearts and Minds of the Young Mark, Brian, and Dan will make a presentation at the Edmund Rice Institute’s Chief School Administrators’ meeting on October 13, 2005. The Committee stated that it recognizes its responsibility for facilitating the ministerial/cultural audit called for in the Cornwall document. The Edmund Rice Network: The Unfolding Story It was reported that Tim Smyth has accepted the role of serving as liaison to the Edmund Rice Guild in the Chicago area. Kevin and Derm will meet with the North American Associate Directors (John Dornbos and Jerry McCarthy) on October 9, 2005. A Prophetic Call to a Quest for Justice Discussion on Edmund Grants and Ryall Grants will be a topic for the October 17-19 PLT agenda. Kieran and Nick will visit ministry sites throughout North America during this coming year to get a sense of present efforts in the areas of justice and peace. Kevin Cawley, as director of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation office, will be asked to explore ways of assisting students in our schools to broaden their vision in regards to global expressions of world poverty. New Wineskins for New Wine Efforts to bring the members of this committee up-to-date on financial matters in the existing corporations will take place throughout the fall. Financial Advisory Board meetings are scheduled for October in Toronto and New York City. Input will be sought from Greg McNally, Gerry Gremley, and Bill Flood. An educational piece regarding budgeting and financing in communities will need to be explored. Details are not available at this time but will be circulated to the communities. Brian has begun discussions with Tom Lesser and Don McGovern regarding future areas for cooperation between their respective offices. Legal and Corporate Issues Hugh will explore investment and insurance concerns at the Community Support Corporation Meeting on October 29, 2005.
Communications Three forms of communication from the PLT to the Brothers and others in North America were discussed. 1) Dan will continue to publish the Bulletin. 2) Kieran will continue to publish the Province Newsletter that will be distributed five times per year to Brothers and Associates. The relevant dates are as follows:
Submissions are welcomed from communities, ministry sites and individuals. Please send submissions (including pictures) as e-mail attachments. This will greatly facilitate the preparation of the newsletter. 3) Meeting Notes from PLT meetings will be distributed to the Brothers in North America following each PLT meeting. Tucson Leadership Meeting An update was given on the November Tucson Leadership Meeting. Follow-up letters will be sent to participants regarding cost, transportation, etc.
Latin America Update Derm will represent the PLT at the Latin America Regional Team Meeting and Formation Meeting beginning December 29, 2005 and ending January 4, 2006. The Brothers of the Latin America Region will gather in Bolivia in July 2006 at the conclusion of the CLT Visitation.
2003 CLT Visitation in North America Discussion took place regarding the 2003 CLT Visitation Reports and the Letter to our Brothers in North America. As part of the conversation, common themes, significant issues, and matters for concern were explored.
Regional Gatherings After lengthy discussion, a committee (Brian, Mark, and Kieran) was established to investigate and explore a timetable for holding regional gatherings with the Brothers in North America. The importance of engaging the Brothers in conversation, visioning, and sharing hopes, fears, and concerns, etc. was noted, as was the need to be collegial and collaborative.
Visitations Hugh will mail out a list of the Visitation schedule to each community. Individuals will be contacted individually by their respective visitor.
2006 CLT Visitation The dates that are presently being discussed for the 2006 CLT Visitation to North America are February 23-April 6, 2006.
Personnel Clearinghouse Person Issues regarding personnel were discussed. It was agreed that in dealing with personnel issues, Brothers would be encouraged to make their initial contact with the PLT through their respective community visitor or with a member of the PLT with whom they feel comfortable.
Joint-Board Meetings Discussion took place regarding agenda items for the Joint-Board meetings of the six incorporated Eastern schools. The Edmund Rice Institute will prepare an in-service piece focusing on mission integration. The Boards of Directors will be asked to reflect on how the Essential Elements of a Christian Brother Education influence their decision making. They will be asked to illustrate their responses using the Essential Elements. Ideas regarding items for the Trustees to present will be on the October 17-19 PLT agenda.
Statement on Transfers The following was approved as a Statement on Transfers to be included in the Report of these meetings to go out to the Brothers. “As in the past, any Brother considering a change in ministry/employment or a change in community/residence should make his request known to the PLT. Appropriate dialogue would then follow.” Ethics in Ministry Policy After discussion, it was agreed that Nick would meet with Dan and Derm toward revising the policy and presenting it to the PLT for further review.
|
|
|
