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PARTNERS IN MISSION 2009
Charles McPhee and Clare Dalgity are sharing their experience they had in Hong Kong, teaching English in Oblate shools and living with Oblates from China Delagation.
Like all families the Oblates are always looking for new ideas to strengthen family ties between its members. The initiative for the Partners in Mission came from discussions between the China Delegation and its parent body the Australian Province.
It was originally intended that there would be two places for this new venture, Zhaoqing and Beijing, both in mainland China. However due to an unforeseen change in circumstances, the former place had to be deferred and Hong Kong was substituted.
（from left）: Alex, Toni, Clare and Charles
It was made clear from the start that our role was the teaching of English in various ways to different groups of young people from primary schools to young men wishing to enter the Oblate Congregation. Most people fail to realise that there is a huge demand for knowledge of English throughout China including Hong Kong, which is largely seen as a tourist destination. It was a big step into unknown and untried territory and as is expected with any new venture there were bound to be teething problems. However with a great amount of flexibility and good will by all involved the programme started out.
It was an auspicious day that the arrival date was both Australia Day and Chinese New Year. The participants Alex and Toni White from Adelaide set off for Beijing to work with China Little Flower, where they were to work with handicapped children as well as give intensive English lessons for 4 aspiring candidates for the priesthood.
Charles McPhee, also from Adelaide and Clare Dalgity from Brisbane spent a week getting to know Hong Kong before starting in schools. Fr. Luc Young omi was to lead in Beijing and Frs. David Ullrich omi and Irek Dampc omi were to lead in Hong Kong. The “Pims” as they were soon known, kept in contact by e-mail and passed on information and suggestions
Superior-General Fr. Steckling omi , Clare and Charles
It was not until Easter that they would come together to exchange experiences. It was also an opportunity for family members to visit in Hong Kong if they wished. Everyone had to leave their placement in order to comply with visa conditions which are strict.
A little later the Pims took part in the Oblate’s annual spiritual retreat given by Fr. Santucci omi which gave a further insight into Oblate charism and spirituality. Once Easter had passed time started to fly as everyone was totally involved in their roles. If you expect to work a 5-day, 40-hr week, it’s not going to happen. Clare and Charles worked after school and on Sundays tutoring students at different levels. The biggest impact was when students and parents realised it was being done at no charge, but entirely free.
Charles, Clare, Fr. Provincial H. Dyer omi, Tony and Alex
Alex and Toni, Charles and Clare would not necessarily say that they undertook this role for the love of God. They felt it was calling they had to answer as a form of thanksgiving for the lives and opportunities they had had. There was obviously a deeply spiritual component behind this as they all recognised no achievement was possible without it. To live gospel values in an alien culture is difficult, yet it is within everyone’s capabilities.
The success of the programme was confirmed by the huge amount of positive feedback given by the people who came into contact with the programme and are very keen to see it continue because of its impact in student learning.
The other Asian delegations are envious of the programme and would like to see it extended throughout the whole region. In an interesting aside the Oblate Superior-General Fr. Steckling omi envisaged a similar type of programme throughout the whole Oblate world during a recent visit to Hong Kong.
Everyone who attends an Oblate parish is automatically a member of the Oblate family. The Pims would agree that it is not your usual type of family but it is one nevertheless and as time has passed they feel an integral part of the Oblate “family” and community. As in true family fashion, if you ask you shall receive without stinting particularly in generosity of spirit.
PIMs with Oblates from China Delegation
What does it take to be a Pim? You have to be over 25, a practicing Catholic in good general health with an adaptable and flexible outlook on life, with good social skills and most important a sense of humour! A wish to serve others, particularly in teaching English for the Oblate family in the name of God and Mary Immaculate is another pre-requisite. The first steps have been taken, it is to be hoped many more will heed this call.
What are the practicalities? You have good accommodation everywhere, with many meals provided if you live in Hong Kong, You receive a small stipend to meet your extra expenses, and you have a mobile phone, a wireless computer for e-mail access, almost all the comforts of home. You need the support of your family, friends and parish you should also have access to funds of your own as there is a 2 week vacation period built into programme which allows you to play tourist in Mainland China.
It’s an experience not to be missed if you think you could be a Pim contact Fr. Fini omi through the Oblates at pim@oblates.com.au. He will be delighted to hear from you and you can expect a warm welcome from the Chinese members of your Oblate Family!
Charles McPhee and Clare Dalgity
