REFLECTIONS ON NAIROBI, # 2

“The Way to the Future” gathering in Karen, a prosperous suburb of Nairobi, was an opportunity, for me, to face the future!  As I reflect on the experience, several insights are relevant for me.  

View of the Little Sisters of St. Joseph Retreat Center, Karen, Kenya

The 2008 Congregation Chapter in Munnar, India encouraged the Brothers “to engage with people at the margins.”  Often that has been a hoped for by-product of what I did in administration in schools, in diocesan or in national offices.  As I look back, there is one thing I realize quite clearly—I was replaced by very good people in all those roles and many exceeded my best efforts, both in administration and concern for the marginalized. 

As one paper noted, “The Christian Brothers have been dedicated to helping people free themselves from poverty via the escape route of education.”  It goes on: “But as time has gone by, the general provision of education has increasingly been embraced by society at large.”    I can remember moving from school to school using terminology like: “We took over the school,” but I recall it with some embarrassment.  I believe we tried to be collaborative and inclusive, but sometimes I fear it was more like: “Here is our solution—what is your problem?”  That time is gone, that way of operating no longer sustainable. 

Our large meeting space at the retreat house.  Can you find me?

  Sustainability is an issue we cannot ignore.  In the developed world, our primary task is to ensure the continuance, as best we can, of the ethos of Catholic education. I have always been involved with schools.  These days, as a coach with the School Leadership Center of New Orleans program called “Discovery Walks,” I work with six principals on school improvement.   I believe we have much to offer our successors in the field of Catholic education from our experiences, but the time for handing over is past—now we are called to be fraternal supports to those who have the responsibility for the educational institutions we enjoyed for so many years.  Then we can use whatever continuing good will we have to support and encourage their involvement with people at the margins.  

New membership in the developed world will serve our mission to those on the margins if they are in touch with their gifts, the charism of Edmund, with the needs of the people we are called to serve, and if they are supported in whatever they choose to do by lively and life-giving communities.  Some will be educators, but that is no more a requirement for acceptance or membership.  And they will collaboratively discern where they can best serve with the congregation and the people who are calling for them. 

Chris Meehl, [Australia], Jenni Barrett, [Ireland], Joash Sigu, [Kenya], self, StephenChewe, [Zambia]

The experience in Karen with our African brothers echoed what happened here in New Orleans.  We explored the needs that arose from our conversations with people here.  After listening and some experimentation, Joe Fragala settled into Café Reconcile, serving the most marginalized youth in society—and those who sought to help them—with his experience in guidance, and at Karibu in Kenya.    Charles Avendano supports and gives life to Lantern Light with the Presentation Sisters, serving their homeless “guests.”  And Bob Koppes does the financials, and works with the rebuilding efforts of Operation Helping Hands to serve the poor homeless get back into houses.   Even my work with the Office of Catholic Schools and the School Leadership Center are responses to their requests.  Then the community mission continues to be to volunteers and being ‘brother’ to many in New Orleans.  Unburdened of an institutional commitment, we are free and always seeking ways to serve.

11.11.11 A VETERAN'S DAY BIRTHDAY

I was born in Philadelphia, Pa. at Germantown General Hospital on Armistice Day, November 11, 1946.  This year, when I typed in: “65 is the new . . .” Google produced entries that began with 55 and went down to 40!  So it appears there is no rest for the ‘wicked’—or is it ‘weary’? 

Fittingly, I am the son of veterans, my Dad a radar man on the “Chester T. O’Brien” a destroyer escort in the Pacific and my Mother in the Naval Reserves in WW II.  I am the brother of two veterans, Patricia, a Captain in the Army Nurse Corps and Mary, a Lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps.   I am named after my Dad’s brother Cpl. John Anthony Casey, who died on Iwo Jima on April 4^th, 1945.  He was 23 when he died, a machine gunner with the 25^th Marines, Fourth Marine Division.  So Veterans Day occupies a prominent place in my consciousness, especially as we hear so much about returning service men and women.  A cousin on my Mother’s side, Michael Atzert, is on active duty in a war zone; his parents, my cousin Mary Margaret and her husband Walter are also veterans, as is Jim Coyle, a cousin of my generation who served in Vietnam.  [My brother Bill, nine years younger than I, grew up with siblings at one time or another in some sort of uniform.  He resisted the urge to don one.]

On November 11, 2011 I led Morning Prayer and we listened to the hymn “I Vow To Thee My Country” and then I read from the last letter that my namesake, Jack Casey wrote to his Mother before his death.  In it he said: “Aboard this ship we are fortunate in having a Catholic Chaplain, and I am thus afforded the opportunity of going to daily Mass.  So far this week I went to Confession and Communion, and I intend receiving tomorrow.  Naturally I remember you all in my prayers at home, and I know you do likewise.  And don’t think I don’t need your prayers, as at this particular time they are most helpful.  And in your intentions, just ask God as I do, that I may be, in all conflicts, a good Christian, and a good Marine, and Mom Casey’s boy.”  The entire letter is a beautiful reflection on duty, service, family and Faith—Jack’s high school graduation photograph was an icon, always on my Dad’s dresser and Dad wore his high school ring until he died.

Br. Bob and I then listened to the hymn again and after a time of reflection prayed for our family members and friends who were veterans or who are serving, as well as birthdays and other intentions—then we went out to the second floor balcony and put the flag out.

I spent the morning visiting a school that is part of the “Discovery Walk” program of the School Leadership Center here in New Orleans.  I worked with two schools last year—it was a pilot for the Archdiocese and I was most impressed with the process—now there are more than 30 Archdiocesan schools involved—I agreed to take on two more—then another and on 11/11/11 agreed to take on number 6—one that I really want to work with.  So the day was a happy one for me.

I spoke to my siblings on the phone and spoke to some others when I remembered to turn it back on after several hours visiting classrooms and being in conference with administrators.  And we did the New Orleans thing at night--we went out to dinner!

Bob in back of John, Sr. Jackie and Sr. Monica--post dessert!

Bob and I [Br. Charles was at a province meeting in Florida] invited Sr. Monica Gundler, SC and Sr. Jackie Schmitz, CSJ to dinner at Dante’s Kitchen to celebrate my 65^th.    After a wonderful meal Bob said: “And it was great having Jackie and Monica—not only was the food great, we had fun too!”  Ditto.  [He could not have meant that dinner with me would be a bit tedious--but perhaps. . .]  All in all, 11/11/11 turned out to be a very good day.

VISITATION, INSPIRATION, CELEBRATION!

Recently we had a 'trifecta' of activity in the community.  We had visitation from our congregation leadership, during a retreat weekend at a rectory in New Orleans East and while on retreat celebrated Br. Charles Avendano's 86th birthday!  

Br. Peter Dowling, CFC, [pictured at left], is a member of the Congregation Leadership Team and came to visit with us from Friday, October 28 through Tuesday, November 1st.  While here Peter shared with us his experiences traveling around the world, including spending time at the recent "Way  To The Future" conference in Kenya that John also attended.  Peter came to us after facilitating a retreat for school leadership in the West.  While here he participated in our long planned retreat where we were discussing our way to the future facilitated by Sr. Monica Gundler, SC.  On Monday, Peter spent time with Br. Charles at Lantern Light Ministries, had lunch at Cafe Reconcile, visited Br. Bob at Operation Helping Hands, and visited Allison Maraldo at the house she is renovating in the city.

Bob, Charles, Sr. Monica Gundler, SC and John

On Friday, Peter joined Bob, Charles and John at the Resurrection of Our Lord Rectory in New Orleans East and after dinner viewed the movie "Of Gods and Men" about eight Trappist monks who lived and died in Algeria in the 1990's.  It is a moving exploration of brotherhood, community, discernment and service.  It was an unforgettable experience.  On Saturday, Sr. Monica came and facilitated our discussion of both the film and Br. Philip Pinto's inspiring meditation on the future of religious life, "Out of Darkness, Colour Breaks."  We used these to reflect on our own way forward.

Bob, Sr. Monica. John, Charles, Molly, Peter and Allison at "East of Italy"

That evening we were joined by Molly Sherry and Allison Maraldo for dinner at a Vietnamese-Italian restaurant, East of Italy, near Lake Pontchartrain, for Charles' birthday dinner.

Br. Peter Dowling and John visiting Charles at Lantern Light Ministries on Monday.

Br. Bob at his desk at Operation Helping Hands--sorting and paying bills.

Taize Prayer at Constance Street

Forty or so people came to Taize prayer at our home last Wednesday, October 19th.  Taize is the name of a town in France and an ecumenical community that has developed a prayer form using quiet reflective music that is repeated like a mantra and is accompanied by periods of silence, Scripture reading and prayer.  It is a contrast to the noisy and busy world we live in and an opportunity to gather with others for silence and contemplation.  The setting is candle lit and focuses on an icon of Our Lord like the  one that accompanies this message.

Sr. Jackie Schmitz, CSJ prepares the music and Sr. Monica Gundler, SC prepares the readings and prayers.  Our community prepares a large, unused meeting room on the first floor of our building with an altar, candles and chairs.  The community here also invites those who particpate in the prayer for refreshments afterward upstairs in the residence.  Our location provides room for prayer and fellowship afterwards.  The by-products are several.  We have the opportunity to share our wonderful facility here.  We are not invisible--our guests can't say they  never met a Brother.  Then there is also the benefit that comes from inviting people to bring something for the refreshments.  We supply iced tea, [the house wine of the South], some cookies, plates and napkins, ice and glasses.  We are left with really good homemade cookies and lots of chocolate cake which we conscientiously eat so nothing will be wasted. 



Our guests included Fr. Doug Brougher, who is a great friend and supporter of our mission here, religious women from a number of communities including, [but not limited to], Notre Dames, Dominicans, Charities, St. Joseph and others.  We also had long-term volunteers who are with the Dominicans here in New Orleans this year, and a dozen or so young persons from Creighton University who were with the Charities and were down for a week of service.

Jennifer McKeown who coordinates Americorps efforts in New Orleans and has office space at OHH was here, and Molly Sherry and Allison Maraldo came and had dinner with us beforehand, which was a real treat.  We will continue with Taize each month and have them scheduled through January. 

Sr. Jackie, Sr. Monica and a Creighton University student

Adam, a volunteer with the Dominicans, Sr. Mary Daniel, OP and Allison, back to camera.

Molly Sherry, Jessica McKeown and Sr. Regina Marie Fronmuller, OSU

REFLECTIONS ON NAIROBI, #1

"The Way to the Future" was the theme of the recent gathering [October 2 - 8] in East Africa of 35 Brothers and  Associates who spent a week of intense consideration and reflection on the future.  The group included men and women from the Americas, Africa, Europe, India and Oceania.  Pictured below is our group portrait with both "John Caseys" in the back row!

Group portrait in the meeting room of the Little Sisters of St. Joseph Retreat House in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya.  "Juan" Casey, Regional Leader for Latin America is fourth from the right, back row with the beard.

 

 

 

 We arrived on a Sunday evening and met through the next Friday.  Our schedule included prayer, reflection time, and many meetings in small group and large group.  We began meeting after prayer and meditation time, at 9 AM and went to lunch at 12:30 PM.  We reconvened at 3 and went until 6 or 6:30 with dinner at 7.  There were tea breaks at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM.  The conversations were based on reflection on our readings, prayer and lived experiences.

I was in the "Mission and Ministry" group.   Our viewpoints are diverse, profoundly shaped by the historical, political, economic, social and educational systems that shaped the worlds that shaped our generations, families, communities and ourselves.  Our group includes  Brothers from Ireland, Australia, India and Zambia as well as myself.    All but one of us are "baby boomers" or older--only Stephen Chewe from Zambia is not. 

More on Nairobi and "The Way to the Future" later on this week.  After East Africa I visited the Ursuline Sisters in Forest Gate, in East London.  I returned to NOLA this past Friday and am still working on jet lag.  Leave for meetings in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi tomorrow!  Until then, below is a picture of the "Mission and Ministry" group in our small meeting room.  Declan kept us focused!

Stephen Chewe-Zambia, Martin Byrne-Europe, Declan Power-Europe[Chair], Jude Butcher-Oceania, John Casey, Graeme Leach-Oceania and Philip Pinto-India [Congregation Leader]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nairobi Here I Come

The leadership of our religious community, the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, has invited 35 or so Brothers and associates to a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.  It is part of a process  of planning called: "A Way into the Future."  It is held in Nairobi which is central for our brethren in India, Australia, Africa and Europe.  The delegates from North and South America have to travel a bit.  Since I hate sitting on airplanes, [I really do], I was asked to go.  It is a very long trip.

You want me to fly where?  And that will take how long? 

I leave from New Orleans on Friday, the 30th of September and fly via Miami and London to arrive 23 hours later at 8:55 PM Nairobi time, October 1.  The meetings begin on October 2!  One hopes it all begins gently.  We are assigned groups: Community, Finance & Fundraising, Leadership & Governance, A Learning Organization, and Mission.  I am, happily, assigned to the Mission group with 5 or 6 others.  The members of the Mission group include Brothers from India, Africa, Oceania, Europe and me!

We are together for the week to be oriented and make initial plans with the chair who has been appointed.  After that we will communicate by Skype and other forms of communication.  No more travel, D. G.   We end our sessions on Saturday and I will fly out on Sunday evening the 9th, and stop in London, returning to NOLA [via Chicago] on the 13th.  It will break the trip and I will visit the Ursuline Sister who has led our August visitors these last two years.

I will probably not have access to a computer until I get back in mid-October, so the Monday morning posts will skip two weeks or so.  Do say a prayer for God's blessings on the meetings--and for volunteers to come and join our community in New Orleans this year.  We are still asking folks to consider it.

I'm Just Saying: Casey on Coaches!

Some time ago, I had a discussion with Peter Finney, Jr., the editor of our Archdiocesan newspaper, The Clarion Herald, about Catholic identity in our schools.  He recently had reason to recall my comments about the important role of coaches and moderators in Catholic formation of the young people with whom they work.  I had said that, in an NCEA publication, "CHS 2000"  about Catholic secondary schools, research is quoted that demonstrates that young people are most likely to pray in: huddles, at games, and when invited to during activities and athletic events. I told him that my experience in schools confirmed that. A recent spate of publicity about the intemperate language of a major university football coach prompted him to give me a call.  I went to drop off a copy of the "CHS 2000" document, and while at his office, he interviewed me.  If you want to see the result you can go to the Clarion Herald and see the results.     http://clarionherald.info/clarion/index.php/parks-home/489-the-blue-tongue-of-notre-dame-coach-brian-kelly%3Ehttp://clarionherald.info/clarion/index.php/parks-home/489-the-blue-tongue-of-notre-dame-coach-brian-kelly 

On caller who read the article said:  "Well, it does sound like you!"  The truth is, Peter tapes you as you talk and is very accurate. "I'm just saying."