Presentation Associates
Letter from Ann Barry-Murphy (Co ordinator of Associates) for Advent 2007 (Word)
What are Associates?
Presentation Associates groups are usually established wherever there is a community of Brothers. Associates are friends, colleagues and supporters of the Brothers who gather regularly in the Brothers' house to listen to the Gospel and try to put it into practice in their lives. Presentation Associates are searching for a meaningful experience of Church and feel challenged by the life and vision of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Right to left: Associates of Heatherton, Cork: Br. Ray Dwyer, Breda Foley, Nollaig Murphy, Br. Fabian O' Donohue, Teresa Bruton, Eileen Hamilton, Teresa Murphy and Pat O' Flynn.
Meetings include a period of prayer and reflection, a time of discussion on issues of faith and justice and a time where the ministry of the group is discussed. Strong ties and friendships have developed over the years as people use their gifts in the service of others.New members are always welcome to share in the inspiration of the life of Edmund Rice. Edmund's ability to share in the joys and sorrows of the lives of those around him is what encourages our members to reach out to those in need.
Get Involved! Contact: Anne Barry Murphy, Edmund Rice Office, Mardyke House, Cork.
Tel: 021-4278935 Fax: 021-4276958
Email: erofficecork@eircom.net
The Associates in St. Lucia, West Indies
March 2007 was a significant time in the West Indies. Not only was the Cricket World Cup taking place but the Presentation Brothers Associates were meeting to look to the future. In St. Lucia there are two communities of Presentation Brothers, both in Castries. In Vigie, Castries, Brothers Hugh Sweeney and Denis Claivaz (now heading for advocacy work in Geneva with the U.N. as part of the Edmund Rice International community) were full time involved with the work of C.A.R.E. (Centre for Adolesences’ Renewal and Education). Both Br. De Lellis O’ Sullivan and Br. Mike McGrath who live in Entreport, Castries, work on a part-time basis with C.A.R.E.
Left: Vigie Associates: Linda, Martin, Sav, Gerry, Zanita and Camilus
What then is C.A.R.E.? It began in 1993 as a response to the growing number of young people who were unable to meet the criterion to enter second level education on the island. Br. Dominic Brunnock was the founder of C.A.R.E. and today the Director is Dr. Karleen Mason. C.A.R.E. provides second level education along with programmes in human development and vocational skills.
C.A.R.E. is an important part of the life of Associates in St. Lucia. The main focus of outreach is the various needs of the C.A.R.E. programme. While both Camilius Laurencen and Martin Stanislaus teach at C.A.R.E. centres, other members are involved on a number of voluntary programmes. A new development for the group is to meet staff at the beginning of the academic year, to talk about Edmund Rice and the work of the Presentation Brothers. The group is also committed to attending Lectio Divina at a local Pastoral Centre and continuing their study of, and prayer with, Scripture. There are fourteen lay members, along with the Brothers, in this Associate group.
Co-ordinators: Gerry Calderon and Sav Moreton.
P.R.O. : Camilius Laurencin
Email contact: Linda JnMarie ljnmarie@yahoo.com
Left: Camilius with some students in the C.A.R.E. centre in Anse-le-Raye
The Associates in Trinidad, West Indies
Left: Associates in Trinidad
In March 2007 Juliette Wihby R.I.P. was kind enough to offer me the hospitality of her home for my short visit to Trinidad. Even though she was unwell at the time she hosted an Associates meeting, prepared some food for the meeting and the following day introduced me to the staff and students of the Presentation College San Fernando and Presentation College Chaguanas. Br. Robert Fanovich supports the group and travels to the island for Associate meetings.
The twenty –two lay members of this Associate group were well represented at the meeting I attended in March. The group stressed that the introduction of structure to the Associate movement was essential to their survival. The development of links with other groups was another point brought to the fore. Finding a location for the meetings was to be the next step for the group along with appointing their co-ordinators. Following a meeting in November 2007 Michael Thorne has been appointed the temporary Co-Ordinator for the group and a meeting room has been secured in the Presentation Brothers old residence in San Fernando.
Temporary Co-Ordinator: Michael Thorne
Email contact: René Wihby jerome1@tstt.net.tt
The Associates in Grenada, West Indies
From left to right: Basil & Joan Bonaparte, Br. Matthias Comyns, Denise Coulden, Gerry Tamar, Br. Robert Fanovich, Sharon Bedeau and William Steele. The three Sisters and priest were visitors to the meeting on the occasion of the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice.
The ten lay members of Associates in Grenada have had a long association with the Brothers. A high priority of this group is to work towards bringing new members to the group. The outreach for the group is one way in which they see themselves being involved more in the community. The mentoring programme which Gerry and David were involved in is recommencing. Another project which will be the focus of a fundraising event is the ‘Newlo project’. This programme brings young people from a disadvantaged area to the school to learn computer skills. Some of the children find it hard to finance the transport to the school and the Associates are undertaking to assist in this part of the programme. The group are also involved in developing literature about their group which will be available for potential members.
As part of the vibrant prayer life of the group they are also organising an annual retreat.
Co-ordinators: William Steele and Gordon St. Bernard.
Email contact: Gerry Tamar gerritames@yahoo.com
The Associates in Kissimmee, U.S.A.
Left: Ernie & Avalon Fontan
The Associates of the Presentation Brothers in Kissimmee is a group which count among its membership a large number of married couples. The twenty-two lay members, alongside the Presentation Brothers in the community, Brothers Gerard Despathy, Francis Schafer and Francis Sebo, are an active membership. Many of the members are already involved in the parish ministry, through helping out with the food and clothing centre as well as serving the community through the liturgical life of the church.
There is a great desire among members to have a specific outreach as part of the Associate group. The group at their July meeting have decided to sponsor a room at the new Child Advocacy Centre. This will involve consultation with the relevant parties as the contents and decor of such a room requires sensitivity.
The other focus of this group in the immediate future is the admittance of new members. There is a realisation that many married couples in the parish would be interested in being involved in the prayer life and outreach of the group.
Co-ordinators: George Giamarino and Avalon Fontan. Sharon and Richard Sikorski are the co-ordinators support people
Secretary: Letty Holt
Email address: Ernie & Avalon Fontan blanquet@aol.com
The Associates in Toronto, Canada
Left to right: Fred Andrejin, Bro. Philip Giroux, Bro. Henry Spencer, Paul Giroux and Eamon Jenkins.
The ten members of this group have a very strong connection with the field of education. Thus their focus for the year ahead is the support of those involved in education. Paul Giroux is teaching in Marmora in a school named after Edmund Rice. The school caters for children with special needs. One of the aims of this Associate group is to begin an Associate group in Marmora. From Paul’s experience of being part of the Toronto group, he feels that it would be a huge support for the teachers of this school. Edmund in his life had a particular gift for reaching out to those on the margins. The prayer life of the group as well as sharing in the life of Edmund would enrich the life of the teachers. A suggestion has now been put forward that members of the Toronto group would travel to Marmora to help begin the group. New members in Marmora will also be invited to Toronto to share in the experience of the Toronto Associates. It must be remembered that Marmora is a three hour drive from Toronto.
The group is also going to host a number of evenings on the topic of social justice. These will be events which potential new members will be invited to attend.
Co-ordinators: Bro. Henry Spencer and Fred Andrejin.
Email contact: Eamonn Jenkins eamonnjenkins@hotmail.com
Associates of the Presentation Brothers in Ghana Province
The Associates in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region
Left: (Left to right seated)- Georgina Adongo, Emilie Asigri, Edwina Ayingayuure and Constance Tampanga. Standing: Emmanuel Akasga and Br. Rupert O’ Sullivan.
The eleven lay members of the Bolgatanga group in the Upper East Region of Ghana were ably represented during the three meetings I had with the group in June. The attendance was all the more impressive when one considers that they met three times in ten days with the first ever Regional Assembly of Associates of the Presentation Brothers taking place on Saturday 16th June. While there are Presentation Brothers in the group, the lay members take responsibility for organising meetings and they work on a six monthly programme.
The outreach programme of this group includes hospital visitation of the sick and praying with them and visiting bereaved families. Visits are also made to those in prison and the orphanage. Some money is taken up during meetings to help those in need. Two members of this group are leaders in the vibrant Communio Edmund Rice Group in Bolgatanga. At significant times during the year the groups meet with the Associates from Navrongo.
Co-ordinators for the group: Emmanuel Akasga and Emilie Asigri.
The Resouce Team : Mr. Francis Atinga, Madam Edwina Ayingayuure, Mr. Emmanuel Akasga and Madam Georgina Adongo. Madam Edwina Ayingayuure is the Treasurer.
Email contact: Constance Tampanga azuwortampan@yahoo.com
The Associates in Navrongo, Upper East Region
Navrongo Associates: Seated left to right: Fabian Kofi-Kware, Kate Nabare, Gerard Ataogye and Lucy Ayanghah. Standing from left to right: John Nabare, Br. Rupert O’ Sullivan, Daniel Akanyani, Cecilia Titigah, Bernard Katogose Aniwo and Faustina Atunika
The thirteen lay members in this group are an active membership. Along with the monthly meetings outreach is a primary focus for the group. There is support given to Catholics whose extended family is not Catholic. Many of these Catholics suffer in the practice of their faith and ongoing support is essential. An input was delivered to the students in Notre Dame Senior Secondary School on the dangers of drugs. Members of the group also visit the sick and give help and support to people in need.
Prayer, reflection on the life and works of Blessed Edmund and the reading of scripture play a central role in the life of the group. An annual retreat is an important element in the yearly plan for the year as are the social gatherings the group shares with the Brothers in Navrongo and the Associates and Brothers from Bolgatanga. The central theme for the group is that Blessed Edmund Rice loved and educated the poor. The group tries to carry out activities in this spirit.
Co-Ordinators: John Nabare and Lucy Ayanghah.
The Resource Team: Kate Nabare, Gerard Ataogye and Bernard Katogose Aniwo
Email contact for this group: Bernard Katogose Aniwo: katogose@yahoo.com
Associates of the Presentation Brothers in the Anglo-Irish Province
The Associates in Dartford, U.K.
The Dartford Associates have as their focus the work of the local House of Mercy. Each year they raise funds for the work of the Centre. The Centre caters for single homeless people in the area through the provision of temporary accommodation and day centre facilities. Br. Roy Kennedy is the Manager of the Centre. The group have an annual retreat and join with the Associates of the Mercy Sisters for this event.
Co-Ordinators: Ms. Margaret Gallagher and Br. Roy Kennedy
The Associates in Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Left: Sr. Anne O’ Driscoll & Br. Ultan Rohan from the Associate group in Birr chat with Ruth Brenock at a Presentation Family Day.
The life of Edmund Rice, human development and spirituality are an important part of the life of this group. The group has as its core a depth and trust among its members. Its strength lies in its personal sharing each month. The group selects topics of interest and has some time of input. It then divides into smaller groups with some focus questions. In March 2007 group members were involved in the organization of the parish Lenten retreat.
Co-Ordinators: Sr. Anne O’ Driscoll and Frank McGuirk.
The Associates in Glasthule, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Back: Sheila McLoughlin, Louis Moiselle, Br. Martin Kenneally, Everaldo Ferreira, Daragh Walsh, Phyllis Brady, Ellen Moiselle. Front: Br. Andrew Hickey, Gerard Reilly, Andrew O'Connell
This Associate group began with the group of people which Ellen Moiselle gathered together to share and pray monthly, using the book ‘God in the Ordinary’ based on the spirituality of Blessed Edmund Rice. A community spirit was generated then that still sustains the group.
The Associate group reflects the life of the Brothers community and is located in St Joseph’s parish, Glasthule. The group spends time reflecting on many issues relating to being a follower of Christ in present day Irish culture. Its defining feature is that it acts on the insights that emerge from this.
The group shared the celebration of our Feastday (Presentation of Mary in the Temple) with the parish in 2006. The Brothers’ House was open to the public and the people came in hundreds. In 2007, the group collaborated with the parish Pastoral Council to organise three days of preparation for Christmas: ‘Waiting in Joyful Hope’. Once again, the Brothers opened their doors each night of the celebration.
The Associates in Mount St. Joseph, Cork, Ireland
Left: Members of Mount St. Joseph Associate group. Back row: Tony Power, Donagh Corcoran, Ristéard de Bhulbh & Pádraig Carroll. Front row: Noreen Curran, Mary D’Arcy and Br. Clement McCarthy.
Mount St. Joseph Associate group has as its focus Scripture reading, Eucharistic celebration and adoration, along with a desire to deepen their understanding of the life and charism of Edmund Rice. They seek to share in the spirituality which enriches the lives of the Presentation Brothers and support one another in living out their Christian vocation. Meetings are open to members exercising their individual gifts and personal concerns. A climate is created at meetings which allows for open, frank and challenging discussion to take place. The person leading the meeting has the freedom to choose the prayer and the topic for discussion. The evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours is recited at the end of each meeting.
During Lent the group organise weekly Eucharistic adoration in Mount St. Joseph and invite members of the Presentation Family. The group also invite speakers with recognised scholarship in different fields of theology to share their insights and these meetings are also open to the Presentation Family and other members of the public. Members of this group are also part of the Resource Team for Associates and have worked at identifying resource materials and this has been made available to groups worldwide.
The group is deepening its commitment to increase its membership and is creating new avenues to attract membership. Two new members attended the November meeting and the group developed a welcome and induction session to share what they feel is at the heart of being an Associate. Most of the members are involved in community, church and voluntary activities and remain open to an initiative that is capable of moving the group beyond itself to respond to needs in the wider community.
The Associates in Heatherton, Cork, Ireland
Right to left: Br. Ray Dwyer, Breda Foley, Nollaig Murphy, Br. Fabian O’ Donohue, Teresa Bruton, Eileen Hamilton, Teresa Murphy and Pat O’ Flynn.
This is a long established group with some members having moved from Douglas, the origin of the original group, when the community closed. The group has developed a strong bond and gives the initial part of the meeting, following the opening prayer, to sharing from their lived experience of the past month. The remainder of the meeting is given to reflection, sharing and discussion on the Sunday readings for the following Sunday. Members of the group are involved in activities helping others apart from the Associate group.
Co-Ordinators: Pat O’ Flynn and Breda Foley
Email contact:
The Associates in Maiville, Cork
Back row left to right: Br. Germanus Noonan, Br. Vianney O’ Mahony, Br. Bernard Murphy, Br. Benildus Fenton, Enda Casey, Br. Aidan McHugh, Jim Thompson. Front row left to right: Kay O’ Donovan, Lillian Hamill, Phil Walsh and Mary Blake.
Maiville group has a membership of five Presentation Brothers and six lay people. Over the years the group has sought to live out the spirit of Edmund Rice. This has been achieved through their dedication to family life and helping those in their local community. The local meals on wheels project is an example of this outreach. Spiritual nourishment is a central part of meetings with prayer and reflection expanding the life and work of the members. Being part of the wider Presentation Family and being aware of the mission and activities of Brothers and Associates world wide is an essential part of the meetings as a hope for the future for this group is that they would link with an Associate group overseas.
Co-Ordinators: Enda Casey & Jim Thompson
Email contact: enda.casey@student.ucc.ie
The Associates in Mardyke House, Cork
Members of Mardyke House Associate group with friends as they celebrate Presentation Day 2007. Back row: Br. Eugene Burke, Denis Coffey, Seán Scully, John O’ Connor, Anne Cleary & Br. Matthew Feheney. Front row: Chris Ryan, Marie Coffey, Helen Barry & Br. Stephen O’ Gorman.
This long established Associate group has worked at reaching out to others in various ways. Over the past year the group has been responsible for bringing some members of the L’Arche community to meet with young people involved in S.H.A.R.E. While the group does not have a specific group outreach activity it seeks to integrate the work of its members with other agencies. It has been a pioneer group in hosting a ‘God in the Now’ retreat for its members. Flowing from this experience of prayer it organised a weekly time of prayer for the group. The group also hopes to offer prayer experiences to other groups and new members.
Co-Ordinators: Denis & Marie Coffey
Email contact: Anne Barry-Murphy erofficecork@eircom.net
