ER Volunteers

Who We Are

Edmund Rice Volunteers are, by definition, volunteers who have been recruited, prepared and supported during and after their placement period by an Oceania Province recognised scheme, currently called the Edmund Rice Volunteer Scheme (ERVS). They are generally volunteering with Edmund Rice Ministries or with associated programmes in partnership with the Edmund Rice Network or Oceania Province.

What We Do

Through volunteering within the Edmund Rice Volunteer Scheme it is explicit that the volunteer is participating in the justice work of the ministries of Oceania Province and the International Congregation of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice Schools, the Edmund Rice Network and the Catholic Church

The volunteer experience not only supports the work of the ministry, but it also provides great potential for volunteers to refine their justice-work practice, personal spiritual growth and professional development.

Returned volunteers, through their practice, are energetic and powerful advocates and leaders of the mission of their Edmund Rice Ministry or School. It is expected that they will share their experience in both formal and informal ways with their ministry or school community

Our History

Volunteers have been a part of Edmund Rice Ministries for many years. The Edmund Rice Volunteer scheme was established in 2001 in Australia and New Zealand and so far over 100 volunteers have been placed and supported.

The 2008 Congregational Chapter of the Christian Brothers in Munnar, India, calls the members of the Edmund Rice Network to; 

Open our hearts to the cry of the earth and the poor and be moved to prophetic action through advocacy and works for justice.

Members of the Edmund Rice network; Staff of Oceania Province Ministries and EREA Schools and interested individuals with a passion for justice are invited to engage in solidarity with people from the majority world by partnering with Province's Ministries that work alongside them, as an Edmund Rice Volunteer.

Notable Achievements

Some research is being carried out to see just how many people have participated as volunteers in Edmund Rice Works.

At this time we do not have figures but at any one time we would have about five volunteers doing extended periods in developing countries with many more participating in short term immersions or volunteering in Australian Ministries.

Contact Us

The Edmund Rice Voluntere Scheme (ERVS)serves the needs of E R ministries for volunteer staff and as volunteers return with with their passion for justice, spirituality, advocacy and activism generally further energised by their experience, it has great potential to animate the ER Network.

The ERVS's work is embedded in three Life and Mission directorates;Formation, Ministries and Networking Communication and Development, however direct responsibility for the preparation and support of volunteers and the ERVS's coordination lies with the Formation directorate.

People interested in volunteering could approach their Regional Formation Coordinator listed below.

For general Information on
Formation of Volunteers
for the works of the
Edmund Rice Network in the Oceania
you might contact any of these or:

Dr Mary Murphy
Dirtector of Formation

EMail:  mmurphy@edmundrice.org

Phone: 07 3621 9660 M:

Mobile: 0409 897 916

Mail:    Dr Mary Murphy
          PO Box 596
          VIRGINIA BC QLD 4014