Formation Events

Kildare Ministries Leaders’ Retreat

In the middle of June, the Leaders of Kildare Ministries gathered for their Retreat Towards an Integral Ecology at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach. The program was designed to enable Principals, Faith Leaders and Trustees to connect to the land, and more fully understand that our human and Catholic responsibility towards Earth is rooted in our identity, as the Hebrew translation of Genesis 2:7 reveals:

God formed the earthling (adam) from the soil of the earth (adamah) 

and breathed into the earthling’s nostrils the breath of life

We were fortunate to be welcomed to the land at Saltbush by Willie Pepper of the Boon Wurrung Foundation. After inviting all of us to be cleansed through a beautiful Smoking Ceremony, Willie spoke of his people’s deep, ancient understanding of what connection to Country means to him. 

The Leaders were grateful to spend time engaging with Laudato Si’; Pope Francis’ call to us to respond to our Climate Emergency without delay. We also explored the recent thinking of Paul Hawken, and were led by our facilitators Pat Long and Jane Collopy through a night-time Cosmic Walk, both of which helped us take a very wide perspective on our existence, starting with the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago. 

Being at Saltbush enabled us to physically connect with nature through bush walks and beach walks, through getting our hands dirty in the garden, and also being present to the ongoing regenerative work of the Presentation Sisters Wilderness Group, staff and volunteers who co-ordinate the regeneration of the land at Saltbush. 

The light of Christ that shines through all our lives since that first spark of Creation – was alive throughout our Retreat and will continue to guide us in all our schools and community works as we continue to lead our young people into deeper connection with each other, with the stranger and with Earth which is groaning under the strain of inattentiveness.

What a blessing the land and work of Saltbush is for us all, and how lucky our Leaders were to receive it with such beautiful hospitality from Maree, Meg and the dedicated community of volunteers. 

Faith and Learning Leaders Network

Our Faith Leaders and Learning (Curriculum) Leaders came together on 27th May to deepen our understanding of Inclusive Liturgy and explore how we can make our school prayer and liturgical opportunities more accessible and meaningful for our students.

Salesian priest and liturgical theologian Elio Capra inspired us with his passion for breaking through the misconceptions we often hold about public and private prayer. Seeking to provide our diverse range of students with authentic opportunities to encounter God, Faith Leaders and Learning Leaders discussed the challenges they face, shared their successes to date and identified the work to be done in the coming months. We look forward to meeting again in Term 3 to consolidate this work.

Jane Collopy

Mission Leader