NEWSLETTER
AUGUSTINIAN FORMATION ASSOCIATION (AFA)
Supporting the training of brothers and priests for the Augustinian Order
Post Office Box 679, Brookvale 2100
No. 1/01 April 2001
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7th February was light in attendance,
however those attending were an enthusiastic group. The continued membership
support is also acknowledged as the association strives to achieve its
objectives. Our current membership is over 160.
Office bearers elected at the AGM for 2001 are:
President Michael Halloway
Secretary Yvonne Clarke Secretary
Treasurer Eddie Robinson
Social Secretary Sue Colwell
Our committee is made up of Betty Epps, Bill and Pat Ward, Baden and Joan Keating, Kevin Malone, Leslie Sing and Margaret van Ommen.
In welcoming our new Treasurer, Eddie Robinson, a warm vote of thanks is extended to our outgoing Treasurer Baden Keating for his tireless involvement in office and his positive contribution.
Membership Fees for AFA have been kept at $15 and these are due now.
You will recall that AFA and Augustinian Friends had an arrangement
for the option of a joint membership at $30 all up, this arrangement
is no longer an option so the $15 AFA membership should be made payable
to AFA. Augustinian Friends is a separate organisation.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- Saturday 21st April 2001 Stall at Manly Corso
- Sunday 19th August 2001 Annual Mass and BBQ at 12.30 pm St Kieran's
Manly Vale
- Saturday 24th November 2001 Christmas function at Warringah Golf
Club
- The Augustinian Lay Conference in Echuca 27th, 28th and 29th April being organised by Augustinian Friends is drawn to your notice. It promises to be a most worthwhile event and give the opportunity for members from all over Australia to meet.
At the AGM the prospect of widening our objectives was discussed to
cover funding for a SCHOLARSHIP for students both male and female to
experience the Augustinian way. The concept could embrace a year where
the student would gain the exposure by attending Augustinian Houses
within our region and/or overseas working and living in the community
and perhaps contributing with their own talents. Such an exposure for
the person may on their return cause them to seek further involvement
with the Augustinians either in community or in the growing area of
Lay Ministry with youth. The funding of this would mean redirecting
the funds now sent to Korea, if trainee students did come into the Australian
Order then the Scholarship concept would be placed on hold. Your comments
on this concept would be most appreciated.
Michael Halloway
President
As I consider the various Augustinian events taking place during 2001
it is evident it is a year of much activity. Fr Pat Fahey osa (Provincial)
has already visited the Korean region (January) and, as I write, is
presently visiting East Timor together with Fr Richard Pido (Provincial,
Cebu, Philippines) to develop a proposal for an Augustinian venture
there. Already Priors of Augustinian communities have gathered for a
two-day meeting on community life and in April Augustinians who work
in parish ministry will gather for a seminar. The
Lay Congress in Echuca (27-29 April) is a very significant event
and I hope to see many AFA members there. In early July young adults
will gather in Harrietville in the Victorian Alps for an Augustinian
Youth Festival.
Then there is the regular programme for AFA - the stall in Manly, annual Masses for AFA members in the various Augustinian parishes, the social gatherings and fundraising ventures.
With so much going on, it is important to never lose sight of what is ultimately important. An inner quiet in which we have a sense of our union with Christ helps us to maintain a good perspective on life. St Augustine was a very busy pastor but he maintained the value of keeping his gaze on what was the purpose of the various activities and projects which claimed his attention.
May whatever anyone of us undertakes this year serve as a way that God's grace draws us closer into the divine Presence and more committed in our love and service to one another.
I wish all members of the Association a Lenten journey that is fruitful and a joyous celebration of the feast of Easter next month.
Fr Peter Jones osa
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