Welcome to the spring edition of ‘Presence’. It is packed with news and updates from across our network in England, schools, ministries, and brothers’ communities. Spring is a time for new growth and rebirth, certainly we see this in the big changes afoot in our schools’ management changes and in the closure of the brother’s community at ‘Woodeaves’. Change can be difficult and painful, but our church and Edmund Rice mission has already seen many ‘guises, so again, we are called to adapt, be mindful of progress and new ways into the future. As our schools become involved in their new trusts, they will be afforded opportunity to share, grow and develop in mission as a family of religious orders. Brothers are carefully and graciously planning a lay directorship of the province in their establishment of the Edmund Rice Foundation. So, we place our trust in God, in the words of Blessed Edmund; ‘Cast all your cares into the arms of Divine Providence. The will of God be done in this and everything we undertake.’
May the blessings of Edmund and the hope of the risen Lord be with all of our readers.
Ann Nichols
Network Facilitator
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.