New Champagnat Partnership Ministry
Br Doug Dawick FMS
The Marist Young Adult Ministry (MYAM) has been operating out of ‘The Grove’ community in Lower Hutt for 14 years. The Grove was set up by the Marist Brothers in 2001 as an outreach to young people aged 19–35 years. Young adults, perhaps looking for a challenge or new direction in life, come and live in a supportive Catholic environment for a year, paying a nominal fee to cover costs. Our community offers opportunities to get involved in community service and faith-based ministry that fit in with residents’ usual work, study or social interests.
‘Marist’ is a way of being Christian in the world and for the world; a role open to both Brothers and lay people. The community is commited to personal and community prayer, hospitality and outreach to disadvantaged people, including prisoners at both Rimutaka and Arohata prisons.
This year we are taking an added direction called Champagnat Partnership Ministry. Our aim is to keep alive the spirit and mission of Marist Brothers founder, St Marcellin Champagnat. We plan have three Marist Brothers – Brs Kieran Fenn, Carl Tapp and myself – as well as three lay people sharing community with an emphasis on ‘partnership’. In this partnership, we sharing responsibilities, planning initiatives, and so on.
Esther Saldanha has joined while continuing her role as Archdiocesan Co-ordinator for Seasons for Growth and serving in Hutt Hospital chaplaincy. The community is open to another female and male within the lay partnership. To learn more email me or call (04) 972-6926 or Esther Saldanha (phone (04) 972-6926).
Meanwhile, our academic support for students at St Bernard’s College continues as will running two lay Champagnat Marists’ groups – one for young adults in Wellington and one for older people in Lower Hutt. The Grove’s involvement with young adults will continue. Our newsletter will resume shortly; email to subscribe to subscribe.
Br Douglas Dawick FSM is one of the founders of The Grove Community at 7 Birch St, Lower Hutt.