Kildare Ministries New Staff Induction

On Thursday 27 April and Friday 28 April, Renee Oberin from Kildare Ministries met with new staff at the College to explore the aims, vision and mission of the Kildare Ministries. Staff explored how the founding stories inspire the work of Kildare Ministries today.

Staff were asked to: reflect on what each of them can contribute in shaping and interacting with the story of Kildare Ministries, to discuss the stories of the Kildare Ministries traditions and how St Brigid, and the founders, Nano Nagle and Daniel Delany, inspire staff in our own ministries today.

Staff reflections:

“I really enjoyed the Kildare Ministries New Staff Induction Day. It was a great opportunity to share and it gave me a broader sense of community and togetherness. It also provided me with a deeper understanding of how we can all play a part in contributing to the Ministry and how we can support one another in an inclusive manner.”  

“The staff day gave us time to share some of our own story and to hear each other’s. Identifying the common themes of our lives and how they are reflected in the Kildare Ministries values continued to welcome us to the community of Kilbreda College. I would like to thank the College for giving us this opportunity and Renee for facilitating.”

“Renee guided me and other new staff members on a gentle spiritual immersion. With her expertise we explored and embraced the mission and values of Kildare Ministries.“

“My orientation at Kildare Ministries highlighted the distinct value and intrinsic worth of each individual, irrespective of their origin, social standing or personal situation. The foundation of this principle necessitates a significant focus in the way I engage with my students, parents, the school and its external communities. This involves being conscious of how my conduct and choices affect those in my environment and consistently endeavouring to display compassion, consideration, and admiration.”

Kildare Ministries First National Conference

On Monday 3 May, Renee Oberin and Peter Houlahan from Kildare Ministries presented to all staff about the 2024 Kildare Ministries National Conference. This will celebrate 10 years of the Kildare Ministries. The theme of the conference is ‘Crossing New Seas’, where all staff from Brigidine and Presentation colleges and community works in Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland will come together in five hubs across Australia to focus on:

• Encountering Need – the vision where all are valued, and all creation is recognised as sacred.
• Dreaming the Future – where people are recognised for their hope and courage.
• Taking Action – issues that as community we will focus, investigate, learn and take action to promote change.

The conference is in its planning stages and we look forward to learning more about the issues we will focus on and how, as a community, we will ‘look forward’ to the future work of the Kildare Ministries.

Clare Kelly
Assistant Principal: Performance and Development