NEWSLETTER

AUGUSTINIAN FORMATION ASSOCIATION (AFA)

Supporting the training of brothers and priests for the Augustinian Order

Post Office Box 679, Brookvale 2100

The month of August is shaping to be a busy month for the Association. I am presently working on the finalisation of a Membership campaign for the weekend of 11th/12th August 2001 where parishioners will be addressed by AFA members in Parishes which the AUGUSTINIANS oversee I thank all those who have renewed their membership which is a sign of our joint desire to see the Augustinians continue to work amongst us. I for one have no hesitation in saying that my faith is the stronger and indeed enriched, for having settled in the Manly Vale Parish where the Augustinians operate some 27 years ago.

As the Augustinians have no students in training at present the Association continues to honour its commitment of $1,500 per quarter to Korea and your membership fees assist here. Our stall at Manly on 21st April raised just over $1,000 and this also will assist in our commitment. The annual Mass and BBQ for Sydney members is set down for Sunday 19th August 2001 at Manly Vale.

The major function for the year is our Christmas Function to be held at the Warringah Golf Club on 24th November 2001. Even though it is in Sydney, please note that all are welcome. Perhaps those who believe they would like to attend could contact me. More information on this will come soon.

Michael Halloway, President
Tel (02) 9949 1758

On 25 June the Augustinian family throughout Australia was saddened to receive news of the death of Mr John Stephenson. His passing is of particular significance to the Association as John was instrumental in establishing this organisation. In the 1970s John and Pat, whose sons had graduated from St Augustine's College, Brookvale asked a number of other parents if they were interested in maintaining the links of friendship and support with the Order. They approached the then Provincial, Fr John Barry in regard to supporting the work of the Order in its education of those preparing to be Augustinian religious. This association would complement the work of a group of friends of the Order in Brisbane who were already supporting the seminary at Clayfield.

Thus the Augustinian Student Guild (later the Augustinian Seminary Guild and later again the Augustinian Formation Association) was born. John was the first President and led the Association for many years. His own enthusiasm was a key factor in the strength of the Association. For many years the annual Christmas Party was held at the home of John and Pat in Mosman. Of course John's work in this regard built on the friendship Pat and he had established with the Augustinians when the Stephensons were among those who welcomed the members of the Order to Manly Vale in 1952.

May John rest in God's peace. The Association extends its deepest sympathy to Pat and to his children, John, Carmel, Paul and Elizabeth and to the grandchildren and other members of the family.

Fr Peter Jones osa

Dates for your diary

• 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.

Anniversaries

• 50th Anniversary of religious Profession Ron Bopf osa 12 July
• 40th Anniversary of Ordination Peter McHugh osa Tom Mescall osa 16 July
• 60th Anniversary of religious Profession Denis K O'Shea osa 25 September

Prayers requested

Prayers are requested for the following members who are not enjoying good health:

• Dorothy Brennan
• Jack Pike
• Marcia Rush
• Fr Dave Brimson osa
• Fr Tom Mescall osa

Any other members of AFA requesting prayers please write to: Fr Peter Jones osa.

R.I.P.

• Gwen Zaia (Affiliate)
  Died 31 March 2001
  
  
• John Stephenson (1st President of the Association and Augustinian Affiliate)
  Died 25 June 2001

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