Life in Mission

Brother Jim Catterson, cfc. St Sebastian’s Community, Salford

Can you share an anecdote from your life as a Christian brother which shows you “in action”?
I remember an incident in Liberia during the civil war, when our town had been occupied by the rebel forces. I had to walk around the town where I lived because our vehicles and our possessions had been taken from us. One day, I was walking home from visiting a family and I felt a sense of peace, despite having nothing of my own and being totally dependent on the young fighters who occupied the town. I felt this lightness and freedom of heart because I had no possessions to ‘weigh me down’.

I have never forgotten this feeling even though, when I returned to the UK, I started gathering ‘things’ again. I have never felt this feeling since. What does this mean for me and my way of life?

Tell me about your parents: what did they do, how did they influence you and what lessons did you learn from them?
My parents were people who lived the Good News in all they did. My father, a Scotsman, became a policeman in Liverpool after leaving the army at the end of the war. My mother, from Liverpool, was a nurse during the war but gave it up to raise her family. I grew up in Liverpool and attended St Edward’s College.

I still remember my father coming in from work, having his dinner, and then going out to visit the needy as a member of the SVP, come rain or shine. I remember my mother, who had been a nurse and was now a mother, going out to visit young mothers to help them manage their new babies.

Passing on their faith was very important to them. They did this by action not just words.

How did you know when you wanted to become a Christian Brother?
I joined the brothers direct from school. It’s difficult to remember how I felt at the time, but I certainly admired the brothers’ work. When a brother came round seeking new brothers I responded.

Can you describe your biggest obstacles in life and how have you mastered them?
It’s difficult to answer this question. Like everyone else, I have had to make important decisions at various times in my life but have been supported by family and friends. When difficult decisions loom you have to ask, “What is most important in my life?”. What decision will give me peace of mind? This principle has served me well.

It is only relatively recently that I have tried to make a complete commitment to following Christ in all I do. Total commitment without compromise. This is not easy.

What do you consider to be your greatest weakness?
This is another difficult question to answer. Probably it might be better to ask someone close to me!

I tend to keep things ‘inside’ and so may appear to be detached from others. I experience the same feelings as others, but this may not appear to be so on the outside. I must learn to trust others and not be afraid to allow my weaknesses to show. They will care for me. No love without vulnerability.

How did you develop your life philosophy?
As life passed, I was supported by my brothers and others to manage life events. I don’t think I consciously developed my life philosophy. I think life did this for me!

What would you say have been the moments of life-defining change that have shaped you into the person you are today?
Leaving home at an early age was difficult.

Living and working in different countries has broadened my mind.

My experiences during the civil disturbances in Liberia and Sierra Leone helped me think of others in their difficulty.

The brothers I have had the privilege to know and the support and leadership they have given me have helped me a lot.

What is your vision for the future of Edmund’s mission?
In the past, the mission of Edmund was carried out by brothers.

What was this mission? It was simply to spread the Good News of the gospel. The Good News tells us that love is the foundation of a full human life. Jesus showed us what that means in practice by his life and death. We spread the Good News simply by living it out in our lives. People of any religion or culture can do this and many do.

I believe that things are changing. There are not so many brothers these days but many more followers of Edmund’s way of passing on the Good News. The brothers are ‘passing on the baton’ as it were, to others: the men and women in the Network, the teachers, and students in our schools. They must keep Edmund’s vision alive. There are fewer brothers these days and I may feel sad about this, but this is the Spirit in action and something to fill us with joy.

Neither the Catholic Church nor the Congregation of Christian Brothers has a divine right to survive into the future, but if we are all faithful to this call of the Spirit, the mission of Edmund Rice will prosper for a long time to come. What a potential force for good!

What inspires you?
When I meet members of the Edmund Rice Network and visit the schools and meet students and teachers, I am moved by their dedication to live the Good News in their own lives. Many young people may not go to church, but they live their faith. They speak movingly of their visits to Sierra Leone and their work with the UN. Something good is happening here.

I am also inspired by the refugees with whom we work in Salford. They have survived many trials and tribulations but remain very human and generous.

What has been your favourite role within the congregation?
I think my favourite role was simply working with young people in school, especially in Africa during the periods of civil disturbance. They taught me so much, although I don’t think they were aware of this.

What would you say to someone considering joining the congregation?
When I read in the gospel Jesus saying, “Follow me”, I feel that I am being called personally.  I feel it in my heart. The call moves me deeply although I am unable to explain what this means to me in so many words.

So, I would encourage anyone who felt a call to join the congregation, provided they felt the same call deep in their hearts. They would not be ‘joining an organisation’ to help with the work but following the call of the Spirit. No other motive will last.