Recently returned from Palestine, Br Mark has been a De La Salle Brother for 35 years. He has been engaged in teaching ministry in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

NZCBC President, Bishop Patrick Dunn, said that "Br Mark brings to this position his extensive international experience as an educator and formator, together with a great humility and dedication to the wellbeing of others.

"We are delighted he is available to take up this important formation ministry."

Br Mark's time in the Middle East included taking on the responsibility for training the Bethlehem University student ambassadors, responsibility for engaging in dialogue with the many pilgrim groups that come to the University, and for teacher formation in the De La Salle schools in Jaffa, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Amman.

The rector of Holy Cross Seminary, Father Brendan Ward, added, "with his experience in human resources and relations management, Br Mark brings a depth of knowledge and skill to the role that will greatly benefit the seminarians and staff formation team."

In his new full-time role from January 2018, Br Mark will oversee the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of practical pastoral experience while students are in the seminary and out on pastoral placement during their formation for priesthood.

On his appointment, Br Mark said, "I want to thank the New Zealand Bishops for their support and affirmation as I take on this important role. I'm looking forward to this opportunity at Holy Cross, working with the students and the impact they will have on the landscape of ministry in New Zealand."

Holy Cross Seminary (HCS) is the national seminary for the education and formation of diocesan priests for the Catholic Church in New Zealand

The De La Salle congregation was founded 330 years ago. There are now over 4,000 De La Salle brothers worldwide working alongside 70,000 other Lasallian educators in 80 countries.

Their work is centred on meeting the educational and welfare needs of young people, especially the poor.

Source

• Supplied; Amanda Gregan New Zealand Catholic Bishop's Conference
• Image: fdmcfoundation.com

The initiative involves having a parent or guardian of every boy playing for De La Salle attend an educational evening about appropriate sideline behaviour.

The initiative, a combined effort of the Auckland Rugby Referee's Association and De La Salle College has been trialled and supported by the Catholic college before the season kicks off this weekend.

"This is a positive step in the right direction," De La Salle principal Myles Hogarty said.

"We believe that this programme, by involving parents, coaches, students and match officials and providing them with an opportunity to meet and share their knowledge of the game will enhance the pleasure and satisfaction that everyone gets from the sport," said Hogarty.

Auckland Rugby match officials manager Smudge McNeilage has been working with the college and the Auckland Rugby Referees Association (ARRA) to roll-out a programme of events.

He commended the De La Salle staff for their proactive stance and said practical measures have been put in place for the start of the season.

Warning any unacceptable on-field or sideline behaviour would have consequences, Smudge McNeilage said, "A school rugby community needs positive role models and encouragement on the sidelines."

"Parents who step outside acceptable behaviours only hinder their child's rugby opportunities as the child will be removed from playing for their school," he said.

As part of the initiatives, Smudge McNeilage will also run a "You Make the Call" course at De La Salle for student leaders and others who would benefit. The students will be required to referee at three tournaments during the year and when they pass the course will receive 10 Level 3 credits. Continue reading