EREA schools strive to offer a liberating education, based on a gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community committed to justice and solidarity.
Established by the Christian Brothers in 2007, EREA has the responsibility for the schools owned by the Brothers at that time. With the addition of schools established since 2007 there are 55 schools enrolling over 40,000 students, through all states and territories of Australia. As part of their mission within the Church and inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, schools offer an education guided by the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition.
EREA has its own canonical and civil identity but remains closely connected to the Christian Brothers and their ongoing ministry. Schools operate in dioceses with the mandate of the Bishop of the diocese and work closely with local Diocesan education authorities.
Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition
Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition strive to offer a Liberating Education based on a Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity.
The Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition describes our distinct, though not unique, identity as Edmund Rice Education Australia. The Charter provides a practical expression of this identity and so is of crucial use in decision-making, planning and review.
The Charter uses four Touchstones to describe the culture of a Catholic school which is striving for authenticity in the Edmund Rice tradition.
These Touchstones give us ideals authentically linked with the Charism which underpins the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours. They help us set our direction and define our goals as, following Blessed Edmund’s vision, we continue to reflect and to seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities.
You can download the full EREA Charter here
Edmund Rice
Born in Callan, Ireland, in 1762, Edmund came to the bustling city port of Waterford as a young man. Following the tragic death of his wife, he became more aware of the disadvantaged people around him and in 1802, he set up a free school for boys living in poverty. Edmund was given the grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God’s loving presence in all. He invited his followers to share the Gospel insight to reach out to the needy.
Learn more about Blessed Edmund Rice
The Christian Brothers
EREA was founded by the Christian Brothers and we continue to work closely with them in a variety of areas. The Christian Brothers dedicate their lives to the service of others, particularly those at the margins of society. They work across the world in areas of education, community engagement, faith formation and social justice. Since those small beginnings in Waterford in 1802, the Christian Brothers have reached out in mission to many parts of the globe. Christian Brothers and other members of the Edmund Rice Network are now working in over 30 countries. They are continuing to discern the signs of the times and respond to the needs of the poor and the earth, while working towards a just and sustainable future for all.
Learn more about the Christian Brothers
EREA Governance Structure
Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) was established to succeed, carry on and expand the education ministries conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers in Australia. The purpose of EREA is to own, govern, manage and conduct these ministries in fulfilment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition and in continuation of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Please click here to find out more about the Governance Structure
