Young Brothers Continuing Formation Gathering

Over the school holidays, 6 young Brothers from New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea gathered for a week of continuing formation around faith and development.  We were blessed to have a number of presenters give input into areas of formation for mission and ministry.

The list of presenters included:

• Br Mark McKeon with an emphasis on personal stories and reviewing of the past 12 months
• Br John Cantwell looking at some of the key letters of St John Baptist de La Salle with a focus on the pastoral nature of St La Salle in creating communities of faith
• The Young Lasallian Team LMS Ms Amanda Proulx, Mr Philippe Dulawan, Mr Damian Khoury and Mr Sebastian Duhau with their sessions on models of Youth Ministry and mission
• Br Peter Ryan who explored the different ways in which prayer can be expressed and practised, such as personal prayer and meditation, Lectio Divina and the Jesus prayer
• Br John Pill who focused on the importance of Lasallian schools and the identity of these schools to promote mission and inclusion
• Sister Antoinette who presented a wonderful session on "healthy living" and the integration of ministry and health
• Br Garry Coyne who explored teaching methods and classroom practices
• Br David Hawke, Provincial Leader, giving an overall view of leadership and the identity of the Brother with a review to exploring the 2020 District Young Brothers Gathering

It was also an amazing opportunity to come together to share community and brotherhood. 

We were able to pray together each evening and gather for Eucharist at the local St Felix Parish in Bankstown.  Bishop Richard Umbers also hosted the young brothers for dinner one of the nights and was excited to connect with the group.

A big thank you to Br Mark McKeon who was the coordinator for the week and to both Br John Pill and Br Gerry Barrett for accommodating Brothers in the respective communities.  We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional catering of lunches from Ms Pauline Tomes and Ms Janene Populin.

Finally, thank you to Br David Hawke and Mr Merv McCormack for their generous support and for hosting this special gathering at the District Provincial office at Bankstown.