In 2022, Cardijn Community Australia suspended its constitution and opted to have a Registrar to maintain the organisation’s essentials. I have held the position since 2022 and am stepping down.
This decision to suspend the constitution was necessary because we did not have leaders willing to carry out the executive roles. To have a registrar was not ideal, and each year at our AGMs, this situation has been reviewed.
As outgoing registrar, I have maintained the basic governance.
I also tried to reinvigorate our community by encouraging small groups and participation in social enquiries. As a young man, I experienced terrific personal formation in my Salisbury parish group as part of the Young Christian Workers (YCW). We employed personal reviews and social enquiries. These discussions challenged my thinking and took my faith into the reality of the world.
I have been disappointed with the lack of interest in the enquiries from the Cardijn Community Australia (CCA), and that our individual members are not organising into small groups. I view these as essential components of the Cardijn method. Either I misjudged things or failed to encourage well.
I am also disappointed with the squabbling that has occurred within our membership. I have attempted to remain neutral as registrar and maintain good relations, but this bickering has damaged us.
My temporary gloom was lifted when I attended the centenary event for YCW at Salisbury Parish and the Study Circle at St Dominic’s in Adelaide. I reconnected with old comrades and met inspiring young leaders of today. The energy was good, and it was clear that these people are still striving for all the ideals we committed to in our youth, such as Just Work and discovering the deeper meaning of life.
You can take the person out of the YCW. But you can’t take the YCW out of the person. Like you all, I continue our way of life. I see, judge and act to bring Christ’s kingdom into the world. I recently achieved great success when I taught a young man who is unable to speak properly due to his disability to use social media, enabling him to communicate effectively in his workplace.
My old skills returned when I took over the parish men’s group, and the personal sharing has deepened significantly. My confidence in our method was restored when the men’s group engaged in thoughtful discussions on loneliness, the Sabbath, the Pope’s teachings on the environment, and other topics. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. These blokes took to it like ducks to water.
Through the centenary preparation, I have joined a new team in Adelaide involving people from different Cardijn Movements. With Joe Catania, I represent Cardijn Community Australia (CCA) on this team, and I look forward to continuing our mission in 2026.
I congratulate Greg Lopez on succeeding me in the role of registrar. Greg has a thorough understanding of the worker problem and is a devout Catholic. He brings a fresh approach and vigour to our movement, and he knows he has my complete loyalty and support.
Merry Christmas, friends. Always in Christ the Worker.
Mark Ager
Cardijn Community Australia Registrar (2022-2025)
“Everyone is holy. The only sin is drying up. Get out and get wet and green.” Hildeguard