"THE AUGUSTINIAN" December 2000

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From Camira

The Augustinian ministry in some of metropolitan Brisbane's western suburbs goes beyond the usual parish activities so as to embrace the different social needs encountered there. Fr Brian Fitzpatrick coordinates the Augustinian efforts in Goodna, Fr Michael Endicott in Springfield, and Fr Peter McHugh lends his talents to both areas.

In Goodna Father Brian established a community coordination committee, involving representatives of key State Government departments and community organisations. With Brian as chairperson, the committee in the past year has obtained a $600,000 government grant to extend a community and youth facility in Goodna, and $125,000 for a community garden.

In Queensland Government planning circles, he is a member of three local committees that consult and develop the community's capacity to have input and responsibility in the provision of government services. He is also a member of a community committee that assesses applications to the Community Jobs Priority program for the entire Western Brisbane and Ipswich areas.

As a member of Goodna Rotary, Brian chairs a family and community development program that has conducted two family camps annually, and is now seeking overseas a Rotary matching grant to enable the Aborigines at nearby Purga to set up a Bush Tucker Trail for visitors and a commercial olive grove to generate income for the project.

In Springfield Fr Michael Endicott has assisted residents to launch and sustain a garden club, art and craft circle, relaxation group, and a guest speaker series that provided nine talks during the year on human relations and homemaking topics.

The Augustinians regard these activities as worthwhile community-building, as well as increasing church interface with all local residents. Positive feedback has resulted from these initiatives.

A JOURNEY TO MY HEART

A weekend of searching for God’s inspiration in my life

The great thing about this reflection weekend was that its shaping, preparation and the experience itself were a partnership between young adults actively associated with Augustinian youth ministry and Augustinian religious. The purpose of the gathering held at the Augustinian house in Terrigal (3 to 5 November) was to allow space to ask the question about God&'s presence in the direction of our lives. The heart as a symbol expresses what is at the core of our being. A journey to the heart is a journey to that sacred centre where we can be attentive to the invitations and desires that God entrusts to us.

Sixteen women and men attended and the community ambience was an important aspect of the experience. There was a balanced integration of input, personal reflection and discussion. Prayer was a foundation on which the weekend was based with the climax being the Vigil celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.

We were fortunate to have two enthusiastic and engaging guest speakers in Father Pat

Fahey (Provincial of the Augustinians) and Mrs Pam Harrison, wife and mother, from Avalon. Both were passionate in sharing with us their vocational journey and what their experiences had taught them about discernment.

Those who attended appreciated the experience. This has encouraged the organisers to consider holding something similar on a regular basis. Interested participants can contact:

Father Peter Jones osa,
PO Box 679,
Brookvale 2100.
Telephone (02) 9905 3049 or
Email: osaadmin@bigpond.com

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