BRIGID’S WELL

KILDARA CENTRE

2017

Come to the well

all who are thirsty…

A PROGRAM

FOR ADULT SEARCHERS

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FROM BRIGID’S WELL KILDARE TO BRIGID’S WELL MALVERN

From ancient times the Celts have venerated various water sources, especially wells, as sacred places, which lead to the otherworld, and provide wisdom, healing and hope to the wayfarer. It is no accident that many ancient wells still exist today around Ireland and Scotland, named after Brigid. Like the oases in desert places, these wells have become associated with hospitality, healing, compassion and hope for all who stop there awhile. Today, we hope that the Brigid’s Well offered at Kildara Centre provides a similar haven for hospitality, learning, hope, healing and challenge, for all who come.

THE BRIGIDINE STORY

The Congregation of Saint Brigid was founded on 1st February, 1807 by Bishop Daniel Delany in Tullow, Co. Carlow, Ireland. At that time in Ireland, men, women and children were denied human and religious freedom and were beset by destitution, unrest and crime because of the Penal Laws enforced by the civil authority of the time. Bishop Delany took strong, decisive action by founding the Sisters of Saint Brigid and the Brothers of Saint Patrick to address the needs of the people through educational opportunities. He chose Brigid of Kildare as the patroness of the new congregation of sisters.

BRIGID OF KILDARE

Brigid emerges from the countless legends that surround her name as a valiant woman, strong and gracious, a prophetic leader of women and men in the society of 5th Century Ireland. Brigid revolutionized the Irish society at the time by establishing religious communities that were centres of prayer and culture where the arts and crafts of Ireland were fostered. The stories we glean from the earliest Vitae of Brigid are replete with accounts of her ability to relate to the present moment. She is described as a woman who always responded with practical generosity to each person in need, standing before her.

THE ADULT SEARCHERS WHO GATHER AT BRIGID’S WELL

The adult searchers who gather around Brigid’s Well at Kildara Centre are in a sense no different from the woman who met Jesus at the well, or the one who touched his cloak. They are no different either from those who gathered around the well of Brigid in earlier times: They are people who

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seek to learn; they are people who seek and offer compassion and hope to one another; they are people who are longing to be heard and responded to with love and respect; they may be people who know each other well or they may be newcomers; they are people who search for new answers to age old questions; they are people who seek and offer life-giving experiences to one another.

Come and join other adult searchers at Brigid’s Well and find a way to ask your own questions and to tap into the wealth of your own heritage. Hopefully, you will find here a place of refreshment, nourishment and hospitality to energize you with hope and vitality for your own life.

ASPECTS OF THE BRIGID’S WELL PROGRAM

Unless otherwise indicated, the Brigid’s Well courses take place at Kildara Centre. Most are offered during the day because these tend to attract the larger numbers. However, there are some evening sessions and it may be possible to repeat some daytime courses and groups in the evenings, if the numbers are viable. Please contact Catriona if you are interested in developing this aspect of our program.

HOSPITALITY

Tea and coffee etc. are always available for those who would simply like to call in for a chat. There is also a lovely outdoor courtyard area, and a quiet library area, suitable for those who would prefer to read or reflect whilst here.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS Several outreach programs are organized and sponsored by Brigid’s Well:

• Support for BASP (Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project) • Support for ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against the

Trafficking of Humans) • Support for Victorian Women’s Trust projects • Support for Pax Christi Victoria, Pax Christi Australia and Pax

Christi International • Free conversational English classes for migrants

If you are interested in any of these, or in initiating a new one, please call Kildara Centre on 9509 7906.

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BOOKINGS

Bookings are always necessary either by phone (9509 7906 or email: kildara@netspace.net.au It is always advisable to check dates with Kildara Centre in case there have been changes to the advertised program. If you join as a “Friend of Kildara Centre”, you will be updated on these changes via the monthly flyers. Occasionally programs and events are cancelled because of insufficient numbers. Alternatively, some events are added at a later stage, as details are confirmed.

It is very important to check monthly flyers for changes or contact us directly at Kildara Centre to register your interest.

DONATIONS

Please note that most programs have a “suggested donation” for entry to sessions. Whilst a substantial annual financial contribution continues to be made to Kildara Centre by the Brigidine Sisters, it is necessary that those who benefit from the Centre contribute as well, in the interests of developing financial viability into the future.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Kildara Centre does not offer Spiritual Direction. However, we can refer you to other Spirituality Centres nearby, which specialise in this aspect of your journey.

CREDENTIAL

A statement of attendance at sessions for credential purposes can be provided on request. This is especially helpful for teachers to gain accreditation to teach in a Catholic School and /or accreditation to teach Religious Education through the Catholic Education Office. KILDARA CENTRE CONFERENCE FACILITIES

Kildara Centre is available to professional groups for bookings for seminars, workshops etc. Please phone 9509 7906 for information, tariffs and an application form. Application forms and tariff rates for 2017 are also available online: www.kildaracentre.org

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POTENTIAL PRESENTERS & COURSES

If you know of anyone interested in presenting courses, recitals, well being programs, workshops, art exhibitions etc. who would like to use the Kildara Centre facilities and/ or participate in the Brigid’s Well program, contact Catriona on 9509 7906.

KILDARA CENTRE TEAM

Kildara Centre is administered by the Brigidine Sisters, Victorian Province.

CATRIONA DEVLIN COORDINATOR 9509 7906 URSULA NIHILL ASSISTANT 9509 6624

VOLUNTEERS

Kildara Centre has a growing number of generous volunteers who give time to helping with hospitality, housekeeping, gardening, archives, library and accounts. If you would like to assist in these or other ways on a regular or occasional basis, please contact Catriona or Ursula for an application Form.

FRIENDS OF KILDARA CENTRE

To be sure that you are on our mailing list for all Booklets and monthly updates and flyers, it is recommended that you fill in your details on the appropriate form enclosed, and offer a $20 annual donation to Kildara Centre. This helps defray postal and other costs, which at present are quite considerable.

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A PLACE OF QUIET AT THE WELL

We live in an age when “going apart to a peaceful place to pray” is quite a luxury for most of us, so we need to become more imaginative about creating some regular spaces for this in our busy lives. Whilst Kildara Centre is oftentimes a very busy place, there are still times when it is suitable for private reflection and retreat. There is no overnight accommodation but the Centre is well situated in terms of public transport, and parking is generally available. It is possible to make a private retreat, simply using the peaceful atmosphere at Brigid’s Well and the library and music facilities there. Please feel free to contact us for details and dates that may be free for this purpose.

BRIGID CROSSES

We keep a reasonable supply of these peace crosses, hand made by the AFRI movement (a movement in Ireland which works for Justice and Peace in Ireland and in the third world). They sell for $15.00 plus postage and GST. Contact Kildara Centre for details.

LITURGY PLANNING ASSISTANCE

CATRIONA DEVLIN

There are times when you may wish to plan a personalised liturgy or ritual to suit a particular occasion: wedding, funeral, christening or other significant event in your own or someone else’s life. It is generally helpful to talk over themes, songs, prayers and other possibilities to help make your celebration as meaningful as possible. This can be arranged for a small group or on an individual basis. However, we do not provide a publishing service. Please feel free to contact Catriona by phone on 9509 7906 or by email at kildara@netspace.net.au to arrange an appropriate date and time.

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TAKING BRIGID’S WELL FURTHER AFIELD PROGRAM PLANNING TEAM

This year we plan to take some of our programs out to other communities. At present we are developing a Kit for a 3 part series of sessions for small groups to use to reflect on Laudate Si’: On Care of our Common Home, the recent encyclical letter on environmental issues, written by Pope Francis. The Kit will include appropriate resources and instructions for each session. If you are interested in trying this Kit out in your community, please contact Catriona at Kildara Centre.

It is hoped that other programs experienced at Brigid’s Well can be shared in this way with the wider community.

BRIGIDINE ARCHIVES

BARBARA KOWALSKI, FRANCES KEON & GERALDINE SHEEDY

Kildara Centre houses the Heritage centre and Archives of the Victorian Province of the Brigidine Sisters. Enquiries are always welcome. The Archives are open most Tuesdays, 9.00am – 4.30pm, in Term time. Phone contact: 9509 6624; email: brigidinearchives@netspace.net.au

KILDARA CENTRE LIBRARY

BARBARA KOWALSKI, FRANCES KEON & GERALDINE SHEEDY

Kildara Centre has an excellent library which is housed upstairs in the Delany Room. The library consists of over 2000 books and some audio visual materials which are available for loan. Although most of the resources are religious, there is a wide variety, especially on Celtic topics. The religious resources include theological, biblical, spirituality and prayer topics as well as some on non-Christian religions, Church history and biographies. A small selection of fiction is also available.

The library is open whenever courses are operating and you are welcome to come and browse in the peaceful atmosphere of the Delany Room, whilst enjoying a cuppa as well; at other times the library can be made available by arrangement. “Open days” will be arranged and advertised in advance. Books can be borrowed for four weeks, or, in the case of students, a longer time can be arranged. For further information, phone Barbara, Frances or Geraldine on 9509 6624.

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LIGHTING THE LAMP

FOR BRIGID FOR 2017

Wednesday, 1st February

11.00 am – 12.45pm

This is our chance to come together to reflect on the year ahead, whilst celebrating St Brigid of Kildare, whose feast it is.

All are welcome to this gathering and the ritual will conclude with a light lunch.

Cost: suggested donation: $10

For catering purposes, please contact Kildara Centre

Phone: 9509 7906 or email: kildara@netspace.net.au

by Friday, January 28th.

BRIGID FEST AT THE

CELTIC CLUB

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY

12.30pm

Venue: Celtic Club, Melbourne

Cnr. Latrobe & Queen St.

Funny Shelagh

This is the annual luncheon held in honour of Brigid.

The guest speaker is entertainer Mary Kenneally who will be speaking on her life in Comedy.

COST: $42 pp for 2 course meal Drinks at bar prices

Proceeds go towards the work of Brigidines and others involved in the work of ACRATH (Aust. Congs. of Religious against the trafficicking of Humans)

Bookings www.trybooking.com/243208 Phone Anne on (03) 9852 0074 eMail brigidfest@gmail.com

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THURSDAY BOOK GROUP

Feb 16 & Mar 16

10.00 – 12 noon Facilitator(s): Catriona Devlin &

others For February, there are two books about the Mitford Sisters : Take Six Girls: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters by Laura Thompson and The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford family by Mary S. Lovell. For March: The Beauty of Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb.

Suggested Donation: $5 Newcomers always welcome

MONDAY BOOK GROUP

Feb 6 & Mar 6

10.00 – 12 noon Facilitator: Barbara Horrigan

For February, the book is: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; For March it is: H is for Hawk by Helen Mc Donald.

Suggested Donation: $5

Newcomers always welcome

TAI CHI FOR TERM 1

A six session block on Mondays Feb 13, 20, 27 Mar 6, 20, 27

7.00 – 8.00pm

Facilitator: Kathleen Murphy

Although this is an ongoing class, newcomers and beginners are very welcome

Cost: $10 per session

Further blocks in Terms 3 & 4 will be detailed in monthly flyers

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KILDARA CAFÉ Monday March 27

Generally, last Monday of the month

2.00 – 3.30pm

A group to join if you enjoy discussing affairs in Church, society,

the world.

Facilitators: Catriona Devlin & Margaret Cassidy

Newcomers are always welcome. However, please request a copy of the pre-reading which is generally sent out prior to the session.

Suggested Donation: $5 Facilitator: Catriona Devlin

ST JOSEPH’S FRIENDSHIP GROUP

TUESDAYS, FEB 21, MAR 21

Generally 3rd Tuesday of the month

11.30 – 1.00pm

This is a social gathering following the 10.30am Anointing Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Malvern. Contact the JoCare Coordinator at St Joseph’s Parish Centre for

more details:

Kerri Anne: 8508 7207

ANGELA’S NEEDLERS

Wed. Mar 1, 8 & 15 ( for Term 1)

Generally, most Wednesdays (some exceptions)

1.30 – 3.30pm

A lovely group to join if you like to do needlework, crochet, knitting and other creative crafts, in good company. Newcomers are always welcome. Members teach each other, where beginners are concerned.

Facilitator: Angela O’ Brien

Suggested donation: $5

SCOTTISH GAELIC CHOIR

Wed. Feb 8, 15 & 22; Mar 1,8 &15 Generally most Wednedays in Term time ( some exceptions)

This is a small choir of the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria – newcomers are always welcome. Prior knowledge of Gaelic is not a pre-requisite; only a love of Celtic music is essential. Conductor: Bernadette Norris Language tutor: Joan Mitchell Willis For further details, contact Catriona at Kildara Centre.

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CAIRDE BHRIDE: FRIENDS OF BRIGID

FRIENDS OF BRIGID is a movement which includes many different people and groups in its circle of friendship:

… an association of people enlivened by the Brigid tradition who share common interests based on a view of society that is inclusive and founded on right relationships.

(Friends of Brigid Charter)

Members are invited to attend gatherings, generally held on a bi-monthly basis, sharing a meal and some reflection time together and being informed with updates about the common project.

For 2017 this will be supporting both BASP and ACRATH.

The first of these gatherings for 2017 is on Friday, 24 February at 6.00pm

For this first gathering, we will have a guest speaker: Sr Claire Griffin who will introduce us to ACRATH (Aust. Catholic Religious Against the trafficking of Humans), a group which works to raise awareness about the human slavery and trafficking that still exists in our community today. As we will continue to support the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) during 2017, you are invited to bring monetary and other donations for this, as part of your entry to the evening.

If you are interested in finding out more about this gathering or the movement in general, please contact Catriona.

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH GROUPS

Thursdays, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 All Thursdays in Term time

11.00 – 12 noon

This is an opportunity for those who would like to improve their spoken English in various situations, by sharing a chat, a hot drink and meeting new friends in a welcoming environment. Some are new migrants, others are refugees… all are welcome.

As this has become an increasing need, we are also asking for volunteers to assist with this program. Please apply to Catriona for further details.

PLEASE INVITE THOSE YOU KNOW WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM THESE OPPORTUNITIES.

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REFLECTIVE TIME

FOR LENT Thursdays, Mar 2,9,16,

23 & 30 2.00 – 4.00pm

This is a weekly prayerful preparation for Easter over five Thursdays in March. This year we will be using the booklet and resource material provided by the Wollongong Diocese (QLD). The theme for 2017 is HOPE – something much needed in our world today.

Suggested donation: $5 per session

(booklet provided). Facilitator: Catriona Devlin

EARTHSONG SABBATH DAY 1

Wed Mar 22 10.00 – 3.00pm

This is a reflective/ retreat/ Sabbath day offered by the EarthSong Team. It will include some input, time for personal reflection, conversation and ritual. Beauty, Truth and Goodness are the three themes for 2017. Join us as we continue our exploration of meaning making in a time of emerging consciousness into a new era.

COST: $20 (home cooked lunch and other refreshments included).

Facilitators: EarthSong Team Members

Further EarthSong

Sabbath Days

Two further EarthSong Sabbath days will be held during 2017:

Wednesday, May 10 Wednesday, September 20

See further details on monthly flyers

Further Prayer Times

During Terms 2, 3 & 4 there will be further opportunities for meditation and seasonal rituals. Details of these are still being finalised. See monthly flyers or contact Kildara Centre directly. Phone: 9509 7906 eMail: kildara@netspace.net.au

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PAX CHRISTI AGAPE

Sunday, Feb 19

At Kildara Centre

Shared meal at 1.00pm Speaker & reflection 2.00 – 4.00pm

The New Nuclear Threat All are welcome

HUMAN TRAFFICKING & SLAVERY SERIES

Tuesday evenings in March

Tuesdays, Mar 7, 14, 21 7.00 – 9.00pm

This is a three part series which will cover areas outlined in the document Human Trafficking and Slavery, issued recently by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as a response to a very serious, yet oftentimes hidden problem that confronts Australia today. An introduction to the series will be part of the first Friends of Brigid gathering on Friday 24th Feb.

Facilitator: Claire Griffin Sugg. donation: $10 per session

eCONFERENCE

Wednesday, Mar 29

10.00 – 3.00pm

This is an excellent Conference streamed via ACU and the University of Newcastle. This year’s theme is: Lessons from the Long Paddock and includes speakers like Veronica Lawson,

Lunch and other refreshments are included in the day.

Suggested donation: $20

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PAX CHRISTI VICTORIA & THE ISLAMIC COUNCIL (VIC)

Invite you to

A Conversation with Muslim Women Listen to their stories, get to know them

Sunday, April 30 @ 2.00pm

Kildara Centre, Malvern.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS REPLACES APRIL AGAPE FOR PAX CHRISTI

CORALIE LING SERIES

Tuesdays, 1, 8, 22 & 29 Aug.

1.30 – 3.00pm

Women of the Reformation Cost: $10 per session

Mini Retreat with

Chris Hope

Wed 19th – Thurs 20th July

Jesus as Teacher in Matthew’s Gospel

Personal & Home Safety Session

Wednesday, 23 August

2.00 – 3.30pm

This is part of a Lifestyle program offered for seniors by the RACV

Further details in monthly flyer.

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2017: A CENTENARY YEAR

• FOR BRIGIDINES & FORMER BRIGIDINES • FOR PAST STUDENTS OF

KILDARA COLLEGE • FOR PAST STUDENTS OF

BRIGIDINE TRAINING COLLEGE • FOR PARTICIPANTS AT

KILDARA CENTRE

On 23 December, 1916, six Brigidine Sisters took up residence at 1292 High Street Malvern: Mothers Paul Barron, Fidelis Callanan, Stanislaus Tobin, Anthony Quinn, Bernard O’ Mahony and Mechtilde McDonald.

On 17th January, 1917, Sister Margaret Mary Murphy, brought 16 Novices from the Mentone Convent to what had originally been Sacred Heart Convent, High Street Malvern, directly opposite the Malvern Town Hall, to set up a Novitiate there. Previously the Religious Sisters of the Sacred Heart had been conducting a high school at the Convent, originally called Clifton House, whilst running the Parish Primary School, but now wished to concentrate their activities in the area of Burke Road. Hence they offered to sell the High Street site to the Brigidine Sisters, which the latter accepted. This is when Brigidine education began in the Malvern area.

Over one hundred years, a lot has changed and several smaller Brigidine houses in High Street and Kildara Centre in Stanhope Street, are all that remain – but there are lots of memories, and this is what can be celebrated and shared during 2017.

Keep in touch, to find out about the reunions and other events being planned for 2017.

The first of these is a luncheon for Past Students of Kildara College to be held on Sunday, April 30 at the East Malvern RSL, Stanley Grose Drive, Malvern East. For further details contact: Virginia Bourke (mob. 0411 822 608) or purchase tickets directly from Feb 1: www.trybooking.com/NPXQ

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BRIGID’S WELL,

KILDARA CENTRE,

IS A PROJECT SPONSORED BY

THE BRIGIDINE SISTERS,

VICTORIAN PROVINCE.