ABOUT FSA enriching Franciscan Spirituality within schools. Fostering fraternity!
“Francis, go now and repair my church which, as you see, is falling down.”
Francis’ knew that to ‘repair the church’ of his day he had to live the Gospel. Nothing has changed ~ we are still all called to live a Gospel life full of love and compassion.
The purpose of Franciscan Schools Australia is:
- to enrich Franciscan Spirituality within schools through charism support, resources and connection.
- to enhance Franciscan Spirituality in Primary and Secondary Education in Australia through a network of relationship building.
God’s love and compassion is at the heart of our work as educators. Francis teaches us to keep our eyes on God, to reverence creation and to be the good example of joy and peace. To teach as he did we constantly refer all good to God and demonstrate this through the service of others.
FSA is a non-profit association run by an executive committee of volunteers.
ABN 52 607 509 438
FSA is not registered for GST.
Franciscan Schools Australia is sponsored by the Franciscan Leaders of Australia.
Major sponsors are Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Mary of the Southern Cross Governance Circle, Australia and
Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit Province, Australia.
Membership of the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of :
- Fr Stephen Bliss OFM, Coordinator
- Alison Stone, Executive Officer
- Sr Catherine White MFIC
- Michael O’Brien, Schools Representative – Padua College Qld
Fr Stephen Bliss OFM is a Franciscan Friar of the Order of Friars
Currently I am enjoying parish ministry at the Ipswich Catholic community. This includes being present and ministering to the local primary and secondary schools in the area. I have previously ministered in parishes throughout Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. I have also ministered to those in formation (at seminary) and in Administration of the Order. I enjoy school ministry as it is an opportunity to journey with students and staff in their faith and for me to be inspired and challenged by their Gospel living.
I try and follow the simple way that St. Francis of Assisi lived the Gospel of Jesus, and in my life I give witness to the Franciscan values of joy, peace and respect. I am committed to Franciscan Schools Australia and have the desire to help our member schools in whatever way I can through charism and formation support, resources and connections.
Alison Stone is an experienced educator with a Franciscan heart
Most recently I have been a member of a Leadership Team in a Brisbane secondary Catholic College in the Franciscan tradition, served on the executive of Franciscans Schools Australia for the past eight years and led retreats, immersions and pilgrimages. Living life in a Franciscan way is central to her way of being.
Alison has a Master of Education, Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma in Communication and Diploma of Teaching.
Catherine White MFIC, is a Missionary Franciscan Sister based in Brisbane. She is currently Australian Leader.
I have a background in education and formation. I have served as Director of Liturgy, Diocese of Toowoomba and worked in Thailand, Egypt and Papua New Guinea.
Catherine has an MA (Liturgical Studies), Bachelor of Theology, Diploma of Teaching and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Michael O’Brien is currently the Vice Rector – Formation at Padua College, Kedron, Queensland.
I have served on a number of Religious Education Executives including Franciscan Schools Australia, ASREAP as well as being a member of the Franciscan Friars Provincial Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee.
The Franciscan Charism is central to my way of life and I take much pleasure in regularly leading groups of students and adults to Rome and Assisi.