The SA Cluster is the smallest in Oceania. It is also Geographically isolated from other Clusters. However all the communities of the Cluster are within forty minutes drive from each other. Because of this isolation and smallness of numbers in close proximity, there is a very obvious sense of unity and belonging amongst the brothers that has been evident long before the new Province was formed.
When the brothers gather together, which they do frequently, there is a great sense of brotherhood and enjoyment of each others’ company. Another result of the smallness of the number is that we have a history of being involved outside of our little group. This can be seen today in the way that the SA brothers are involved in the Edmund Rice Network.
The Huntfield Heights community is the in the Southern Suburbs. There are two brothers there, Reg Whitely and Des O’Grady. Both Des and Reg are engaged with their local Parish and the local Community. Des is especially involved with groups in the parish. He also gives Spiritual Direction and works with Roy’s retreat. Another aspect of his ministry is his involvement with Pace e Bene and the Non Violence movement; he has been instrumental in organising speakers such as John Dear and Brendan McKeague visiting SA. Reg was involved in the setting up of FAME in 1996 and has been in the Southern Suburbs Community since then. His major ministry is involvement in the Southern Collective Alternative Education Program (SCAEP), a program similar to FAME with emphasis on re-connecting school leavers to Education. Reg also runs such programs as Introduction to the Enneagram.
Coming North along the coast the next community is the West Beach Community where Pat Guidera, John (Jock) McGee and John Moylan live. Pat and Jock do voluntary work at both St Paul’s College and at FAME. In addition, each year Pat travels to the River Murray for three weeks to help out on the River Murray Venture, an Outdoor Education Program with students from the St John’s Campus of Samaritan College. Jock continues his involvement with the Aboriginal Community, that started many years ago. He continues to involve himself in activities and work at the Otherway Centre with Indigenous People. John Moylan has recently returned from France where he was very fully involved in an English Speaking Catholic School.
Travelling up towards the city is the Thebarton Community where three brothers, John Webb, John Ahern and Ben McCabe share community with two young adults, Mieka Van Rijn and Oreste Farrugia. John Webb is the Cluster Leader of the brothers. He is also involved in Vocations. He does some Chaplaincy, Counselling and Spiritual Direction. John Ahern is one of the Deputy Heads at Rostrevor. His primary portfolio is in the area of Spirituality and this involves him in teaching in the RE program, running retreats and organising liturgical events. In addition, he continues to do some sports coaching. Ben is a most valuable member of the Community. He looks after the very large garden and involves himself with the domestic duties. It is Ben who does a great deal towards making Thebarton a community of hospitality. He is always ready to spend time in listening to others – members of the community or visitors. In addition, Ben still spends time with the Hesed Community at Magill. He also frequently goes down to Middleton, the holiday house for the brothers in SA, to check on cleaning, gardening and maintenance.
In the CBD is the Regent St Community of Pat Cronin, James Murray, Trevor Dean and Michael Flaherty. Pat is a dynamo of energy. He continues his Theological Studies and in addition is the Coordinator of the Adult Catechumenate Program for those interested in joining the Catholic Church in both the Adelaide and Port Pirie Diocese. This work involves constant liaison with the Priests, Parish representatives and Deaneries. He also coordinates gatherings to support local workers in the Catechumenate program. James Murray is the eldest of the brothers in the cluster. He continues to do the shopping for the Community, pushing his trolley down to the markets to look for bargains. He makes an early trip to CBC to make sure that the gates are open in time for the arrival of students and teachers. Trevor Dean is a man of energy and drive. He has recently retired from a long involvement at the Diocesan Missions Office, but he puts his considerable energy into other projects; one of these is the teaching of English to the Passionist Seminarians at Glen Osmond. Michael Flaherty spends four days a week at CBC counselling students and being a most appreciated presence in the school. He spends one day a week with the Primary Students using his gift of story telling.
Finally, nestling in the foothills over the road from Rostrevor College is the Magill Community with three members: Mark McCabe, Peter Faulkner and Michael Coughlin. This Community is set up for older or infirm brothers. Fortunately the three there at the moment are all fit and well. However, whenever anyone from the Cluster needs to spend time at Magill, these three community members are very supportive. The Community generously hosts our Christmas and Easter Gatherings each year. Mark is the Community Leader and is a most gracious host at gatherings held at Magill. His leadership of the community brings about the atmosphere of welcome so evident at Magill. Peter Faulkner is involved in many things that reflect his passion for the Earth, the Environment and Justice. He works as a Volunteer for the United Nations Office in SA. He runs an annual retreat that focuses on the remarkable environment of the Flinders Ranges and raises awareness of astronomy and the place of God in the Universe Story at Gum Creek Station. Michael Coughlin is very much part of the hospitality of the Magill Community. He also works at Rostrevor College in the Indigenous Academy, with training students in Athletics and is ever ready to help out in the Retreat Program at the school. In these areas, his charism of relating in a warm and positive way to the students is very evident.
When one is aware that the average age of the brothers in SA is 75 years and that the majority of the brothers are over 70, this profile of the activities of the brothers is impressive. In addition to the activities there is also a deep Spirituality in the brothers. It is from the sense of God active in their lives and an awareness that the way that God works is through people that inspires the brothers in SA to be so active in their work and Ministries.
Submitted by Br John Webb (SA Cluster Leader and SA Wisdom Group Leader)
