36 Queen Mary Avenue, Epsom
Edmund Rice Community Auckland
From 2001 until the end of 2009 one of the key features of the Edmund Rice Network in New Zealand has been the Edmund Rice Community in Auckland. This community at 36 Queen Mary Avenue in Epsom was often affectionately referred to as ‘QMA’ and has been home to over forty people during that time. QMA was founded in 2001 by Br. Paul Robertson [who at that time was Deputy Principal of St. Peter’s College], Andre Fonseca, Joel Paitry, Alison Titulaer, Chris Baraclough, Andrew Walters and Karen Geaney.
Throughout its nine year existence QMA has provided a significant presence within the Edmund Rice Network. It played a very important role in the establishment of Edmund Rice Camps in Auckland and provided a gathering place for the Monday Night Reflection Group. Over time, QMA became the place to gather, to celebrate and to reflect; it was truly home for so many energetic and passionate people for whom justice was a deep motivation. QMA community members attended significant gatherings of any of the network groups thus contributing to the Network’s life and mission.
During 2009 many of the older members of the Edmund Rice Community moved on from community life after several years at Queen Mary Avenue. The decision was made to not have a residential community at QMA during 2010 and to ascertain the level of energy for such a community late in 2010 for 2011. It became evident last year that the level of interest in re-forming a residential community at QMA had waned. This has led to the decision to formally close 36 Queen Mary Avenue as a possible community house for the Edmund Rice Network this year.
The Oceania Province wishes to thank all those who have contributed so generously to this valuable part of the New Zealand Edmund Rice story over so many years. Especially we wish to honour the role that Br. Paul Robertson played at QMA. Paul’s energy, passion and vision have inspired and supported so many in their life journeys. We would also like to thank all those who have made up the QMA community since 2001. Your prayerfulness, fun, commitment and generous giving have supported so many within the Edmund Rice Network in New Zealand.
In more recent years we would like to acknowledge with gratitude Brs. John McKean, Denis Hernon, Barry Buckley, John O’Shea, John Prendergast [RIP], Peter Ellis and Ben Scanlan who have all given so generously to the life of 36 QMA. We would like to especially thank Br. John McKean who undertook so much of the day to day support of the Edmund Rice Community. Our thanks also goes out to Myles Hogarty, Mary Ann Considine and Br. John McKean who contributed so much as members of the QMA Support Committee and oversaw the transition period for the community in the time after Br. Paul’s departure for Australia.
To facilitate on-going discernment and discussions around a new Edmund Rice Community a focus group will be assembled. More details about this group will be forthcoming as invitations to participate and expressions of interest are received.
Br. Damien Price cfc
Regional Coordinator, Formation.
