One Friar Story – Friar Bernie Thomas
There are as many Franciscan stories as there are friars. Each friar discerns he way to live out his calling, following Francis in the footsteps of Christ. To discover how God is moving each of us as friars is an essential part of our calling.
Friar Bernie Thomas hails from New Zealand where he previously worked in two parishes, at our retreat centre at Mount Roskill and as a chaplain and retreat director in a number of schools. In February 2017 he was assigned to the parish of St Charles Borromeo and Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley. Beyond the demands of his parish work, he is part time chaplain to a number of local Catholic schools, giving retreats and providing support and encouragement to students, teachers and principals.
One Friar Story – Friar Joe McKay
There are as many Franciscan stories as there are friars. Each friar discerns he way to live out his calling, following Francis in the footsteps of Christ. To discover how God is moving each of us as friars is an essential part of our calling.
Friar Joe McKay was an engineer with BHP in Port Kembla before he joined the friars. He made his first profession after completing his novitiate in Singapore. He completed theological studies at the University of Divinity (YTU Campus). He was ordained a priest in 2015. His first assignment was to the retreat centre in Auckland where he also assisted at the local parish.
In 2017, Friar Joe was transferred back to Australia and now wears many hats: guardian of the community at Box Hill (Melbourne), chaplain to the Poor Clares in Bendigo, and vocations director for the Franciscans in Australia. Joe brings to all of his roles an enthusiasm that is infectious and inspiring.
