MOUNT SION, WATERFORD, IRELAND

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Living the Vision, Mount Sion 2009
Recommendations

Our Shared Wisdom
from the Edmund Rice ‘Living The Vision’
Networking Gathering Mt Sion Waterford
24-30 June 2009
Draft – 4 July 2009

Context

In Waterford we witnessed again the life and vitality which the charism and spirituality of Edmund Rice engenders in people of many different backgrounds. We were deeply touched by the Spirit as we wrestled with the desire in each of us to share this energy with one another, with our provinces back home and with the rest of the Edmund Rice Network. In some parts of our Edmund Rice world we face the reality that there are not likely to be Brothers indefinitely into the future. In such places it might be said to the rest of the Edmund Rice Network: ‘Imagine your future without us!’ At the same time, the invitation from the lay participants to the Brothers at the Congregation Chapter – ‘Imagine your future with us rather than without us’ ¬– was lived out during our days in Waterford. It became self evident from the way we lived and worked together that indeed the Brothers are part of this evolving Edmund Rice Network. The discussion on the particular contributions of the Brothers and lay members within the Network was helpful. It emerged that the most important contribution of the Brothers at this time is to keep sharing their spiritual search with others and to use their resources to support that work – crucially by appointing Edmund Rice Networking Coordinators in each area. ‘Living the Vision’ took place at a time when the people of Ireland were very aware of the impact of the Ryan Commission’s Report on abuse in childcare institutions. All participants took part in the reflection and prayer on 27 June and wish to continue to join with the Brothers in the processes of reflection, reconciliation and healing which lie ahead. The recommendations from ‘Living the Vision’ need to be read in conjunction with the section ‘Sharing the Vision: Edmund Rice Network’ from the 2008 Congregation Chapter document.

Forms of Commitment

Recommendation

To Whom

Critical Issues

1. That ‘Pathways of Commitment’ based on Edmund Rice spirituality and open to people at different stages in their life journey be created. The various forms of commitment would be fashioned locally so as to flow from local realities, needs and culture. This process could be initiated by a focus group for the sharing of ideas and by individuals articulating their desire re commitment

Province/Region Edmund Rice Networking Coordinators

Brothers’ Leadership Teams

Focus Group of Jean Marsh, Hanora Fleming and others

All of us

Fired up by ER spirituality

Insights to be shared on the website

2. That those with the desire to live a radical form of committed community life inspired by the Edmund spirituality be encouraged to do so.

The people with the desire

Brothers’ Leadership Teams

Imaginative thinking!

International Networking Coordination

Recommendation	To Whom	Critical Issues
1. International networking is essential for developing the ERN and is best implemented by the Coordinators for each area connecting with one another on a regular basis.	Province/Region Edmund Rice Networking Coordinators Steve McLaughlin and Paul Robertson willing to assist	Cost: rotate chairing among Coordinators Coordinators to be: accountable, active, inspiring, supported, animators
2. As leadership within the ERN at all levels is vital for the future, we suggest that leadership formation programmes are developed internationally for implementation at the various levels.	International Spirituality Team	Availing also of opportunities that are planned in local areas, and can be offered more broadly
3. It is essential that we use, support and promote up-to-date and appropriate communication strategies and technologies, including the ERN website, Skype, social networking sites, etc.	Francis Hall, with Siobhan Ni Riain, willing to assist with website development All of us	Presumes internet expertise /confidence / access, including possible language barriers A continuous flow of contributions to the website needed Outcomes of this and all ERN events to be shared on the ERN website

Other Issues

Recommendation

To Whom

Critical Issues

1. In the spirit of Edmund, we encourage those parts of the Network that recognise their need for assistance to seek help in capacity-building and resourcing from other parts of the Network.

Province/Region Edmund Rice Networking Coordinators

All of us

Sharing of resources eg expertise, hospitality

Fundraising

2. We believe that it is important to continue forums at international and regional level for dialogue, visioning and formation

Province/Region Edmund Rice Networking Coordinators, CLT, International Spirituality Team

Brothers’ Leadership Teams

All of us

Our responsibility for passing on the wisdom and learning from this gathering

MOUNT SION, WATERFORD, IRELAND

Living the Vision, Mount Sion 2009 Recommendations

Living the Vision, Mount Sion 2009
Recommendations