Hearts On Fire dated 30 October, 2008 |
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Read about Bro. Egbertus Joikul's camp project in Sabah and how Bro. Collin Wee (Singapore) is collaborating with Bro. Michael Kum (Malacca) and Bro. Justin Mobilik (Sarawak) on a vocation project.
Fruit Of Your Labours: Throughout PARC we have currently Postulancy programmes in Sri Lanka (India, Colombo and Pakistan), Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam. There are three novitiates; one in Lipa (Regional) and the others in Vietnam and India (includes Sri Lankans). Add to this the number of Juniorate, Aspirancy, Come and See, Contact and Challenge programmes in various parts of PARC. Yes the efforts of Brothers and other Lasallians working in vocations ministry is bearing fruit. District of Penang, Br Egbertus Reports: A Vocation Camp was held in Sabah 1-3 October. Numbers exceeded expectations with 73 attending. Most were from the interior of Sabah. Six Brothers were involved including the District Vocations Director, Collin Wee from Singapore and Br Danai from the Delegation of Thailand. The main focus of the camp was the identity of the Brother and their role in the educational mission. This project is another good example of Brothers working together on vocations promotion.
Br Collin Wee Reports: A vocation project is being planned for the sector of Singapore and he plans also to visit Kuching where he will collaborate with Br Justin in vocations ministry. He also collaborates with Br Michael Kum who keeps the vocations work on the boil in Malacca. Collin is currently working on a vocations kit to be distributed to all communities. The kit will include brochures, postcards and a DVD on mission.
Myanmar Br Mark Murphy Reports: October - November are the months when we do the direct work of fostering vocations. Brothers Lawrence and Joseph Aung are making contacts with priests, religious and parents to surface young men who have completed 10th standard for the Come and See Progam (Kalaw) which will begin December 10th. We have indications to date that there may be 10-12 candidates.
The closing of the programs in Kalaw for 2007-08 in September went very well, with Bros Lawrence, Joseph and Anthony working with the 13 candidates who were in the Come and See and Aspirancy programs on an assessment and discernment process. Brothers Moris and John have been part of the community and giving staff assistance as part of their Student Brother program. We hope to have confirmation in December from 6 aspirants who will be requesting postulancy beginning in January and 4 who will continue as aspirants for next year at Maymyo. All the candidates are presently at home working on their Distance University exams - and helping to foster new candidates for the coming year's program Please continue to keep our work of fostering vocations and discernment in your prayers.
Incredible India: Br Thambi, the Vocations Promoter in the State of Andhra Pradesh in the Delegation of India recently assembled 104 students for a “Come and See” programme which he organised with the help of other Brothers in the community. Lasallian Partners were involved in arranging and leading prayer at the beginning of each day. A diocesan priest gave a presentation on the theme “Call”.
This is good practice. Br Thambi did not do this alone but the community assisted. How often do we hear Vocations Directors trying to engage the Brothers in Vocations’ promotion?
Indonesian Aspirant: Ignaci Henri, a university teacher in Surabaya made contact with and visited the Brothers when they were in Manado. He read about the Brothers in a brochure he picked up in the local Cathedral. He remained for sometime in contact with the Brothers in Manado and me. I visited his family in Surabaya Following a visit by Aidan Kilty to Surabaya, a programme was set up for Ignaci. During the past year Br Jayjay from the Philippines has accompanied him electronically and very regularly. JJ also visited Ignaci. In January 2009, he will join the Nabawan community in Sabah where he will have a four months live-in experience. Depending on progress, he may be admitted to the Postulancy in the Philippines in May 2009. Ignaci is our first aspirant from Indonesia. You may like to contact Jayjay directly for details on his electronic contact programme.
New Vocations Website: Br George Van Grieken, Vocations Director in the District of San Franciso informed me of a new website for the USA/Toronto Region. Visit www.brothersvocation.org
District Chapters: I attend all District Chapters in the PARC Region and note how seriously each Chapter is taking on board the 44th General Chapter’s directions on the “Pastoral Ministry of Brothers and Lasallian Vocations”. See Circular 455, section 5.
Be encouraged as you do “God’s work”.
David Hawke FSC |