Farewell to Br Rob Callen Pastoral
O
ver the past five years Faith Education at Trinity College has blossomed and the primary motivator for this work has been Br Rob Callen. He is leaving the College this year to take a well earned sabbatical, having devoted so much of his time and energy to the spiritual growth of our students. His passion and commitment to the evangelization of youth has had a profound affect on the Trinity community. In 2001 when he returned to Trinity College in the role of Director of Campus Ministry, Br Rob came with a vision of what Faith Education should and could be in an Edmund Rice School and over the past five years he has dedicated himself to making that dream become a reality. Part of that vision was the development of three separate but closely interconnected areas of Faith Education: Religious Education, Campus Ministry and Christian Service. Through these areas the head, heart and hands of every student would be called upon to know, love and serve God. Br Rob has worked tirelessly to ensure that each part of this process is thoroughly and effectively implemented in the school. He has been instrumental in supporting Mr Gerard Theseira develop a religious education curriculum which is academically challenging and theologically sound. He has encouraged and supported the development of Christian Service from the initial stages of employment of a Director, Mrs Marya Stewart, to the establishment of programs at each year level, which are rich in reflection as well as actively engaging our students in meaningful service. Our students’ experience and involvement in Liturgy and prayer has been greatly enhanced by the organization and expertise of Br Rob. From the beautiful opening school Mass of the Holy Spirit which involves the whole school to the individual class Masses on Retreat, each Liturgy is crafted to enhance the students’ awareness and experience of God’s presence. Perhaps Br Rob’s most wonderful gift to Trinity College has been the establishment of unique and inspirational
Retreats. As the Director of Campus Ministry, he has established a Retreat Program at each year level which touches the hearts of students and moves them to a stronger relationship with Jesus and a deeper understanding of their Faith. The Kairos Retreats for our senior students, which were started in 2002 by bringing a team of leaders from Bellarmine College, California, to facilitate the Retreat, have had a profound affect on all the students and staff who have been involved. The student leaders who emerge from this program, have been inspired and motivated by Br Rob’s passionate commitment to Kairos at every level of its organization. Our Year 8 students have also gained so much from the work of Br Rob because he has been instrumental in bringing the Quest Retreat to Trinity. This unique experience, led by Year 11 students who have been trained by a core group of Year 12 students who direct the Retreat, welcomes the Year 8 students to the faith community of Trinity College. Br Rob’s vision and commitment have been instrumental to the success of these programs. On top of all this work, Br Rob’s direction of the past two Indian Pilgrimages has set an incredible standard for the formation and immersion of students into an experience of extreme poverty. Students are thoroughly prepared and expertly guided throughout the pilgrimage, a spiritual journey that is life changing. Br Rob’s commitment to people in India who serve the poorest of people, has continually inspired students at Trinity College to give generously to the Indian missions. Br Rob has been an inspiration to many of his colleagues at Trinity College and his work has been extremely significant to the life of the school and the quality of Catholic education that is offered to students here. He will be sorely missed by students, staff and parents who have come to love him. His dedication and commitment to Trinity College will always be a lasting tribute to the spirit of Edmund Rice with which the Christian Brothers have graced our College.
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