The past few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster ride. In my role as Auxiliary Visitor (second-in-charge of the Brothers in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea) I have a variety of responsibilities including Vocation Promotion, Community renewal, developing formation programs for Brothers’ communities, and when I can, involvement in Youth Leadership Programs.

There is certainly never a dull moment.  In the middle of September I had three days in Brisbane at a school working with a group of 28 Year 11 students.  They were an enthusiastic bunch.  Along with James, the De La Salle Brothers Youth Coordinator, we ran a leadership training day giving them skills so they could run a two day program with younger students in Year 7 and 8.  That’s an encouraging part of this aspect of my work.  You see the results of your efforts almost straight away.  We taught them the skills and they put them into action. 

It was difficult to leave the warmth of Brisbane even more so because it’s my home town (Yes, I’m a big Broncos fan!) but then it was down to Melbourne.  It’s a nice enough place if you take the shocking weather out of the equation! I spent time with Bill and Lewis, two young guys who have just commenced their training to become Brothers. I ran a five day program with them where we explored the Old and New Testament. Then it was back to Sydney where now I call home. 

Last week I conducted a “community visit” which was very inspiring. The community consists of a group of 15 of our senior brothers who have been brothers for 50, 60 and 70 years.  It gave me a real opportunity to sit down and listen to their individual stories and the contributions they have made to the lives of so many young people.

This weekend I was able to slow down a little.  Tomorrow I’m off to a seven day retreat. I am looking forward to it. I know without a doubt that it’s the time I give to prayer each day that gives me the strength to do the work that I do. This retreat comes at a good time because I head off to Pakistan on October 14. Beforehand I am looking forward to attending Mel’s wedding who I work with in the area of Vocations Promotion. Mel, myself and Ange have just reviewed nine applications for the upcoming PNG Challenge Program for guys to test drive the Brothers’ life. I’m hoping to have a decision about who will go soon.

Peace,

Br Mark McKeon