Eastern Cape and Coastal Region News

July 2018

We were deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden death of Fr Shaun Carls SJ. Kaye attended his funeral at Holy
Trinity, Braamfontein, and writes the following words in tribute to Fr Shaun who was a loyal friend and Regional EA
to CLC Eastern Cape.

IN MEMORY OF FR. SHAUN CARLS, SJ

Fr. Shaun first came to Port Elizabeth 2006/7 to direct a Retreat instead of Fr. Mike Lewis who had been called away
on some Jesuit affairs. When I met Shaun at the airport he said that he knew nothing about CLC, but that Fr. Mike
said that we were a great bunch, so he was looking forward to getting to know us. I informed him that the same Fr.
Mike had had told me that Shaun was a great guy and that we would be fine with him! So, it was!
All who were on that Retreat felt enriched and blessed by Fr. Shaun’s direction and guidance. Over the next couple
of years Fr. Shaun directed more Retreats at St. Luke’s and Nazareth Schoenies. I think that it was during 2008 he
was with us for a day of reflection and our regional Assembly. My dog, Murphy, had suffered a stroke during the
previous week and was still struggling to eat, just lapping watery chicken soup. He was with us at Schoenies and
kept to my room. During the Sunday morning I discovered that he was missing. We were all looking for him, and
when Fr. Shaun came to the meeting room and heard that Murphy was missing, he informed us that the dog had
arrived at his room and was eating biltong with him! Instant recovery from there. Shaun’s compassion and caring
even extended to 4 legged creatures.
In 2009 Fr Shaun came to Port Elizabeth with the St. Kizito’s Orientation Seminary of the South African Bishops Conference,
operating from what was St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, the convent of the Sisters of the Little Company of
Mary, who had run St. Joseph’s hospital. For that year he was appointed as Ecclesiastical Assistant/spiritual guide
for CLC EC. During that year he was a wonderful guide and support for us and although the experiment of regional
EA’S was short lived, Fr. Shaun contributed significantly to growth and development of CLC during a difficult year.
Although the seminary moved to Cape Town, at the end of the year, Fr. Shaun continued to work with CLC. During
the 2009/2010-year Fr. Shaun frequently supplied in St. Augustine’s parish when Msgr Brendan Deenihan
was away on diocesan duties. His love of people and care and compassion endeared him to many parishioners.
In 2015 Fr. Shaun visited Port Elizabeth again and led parish mission in St. Augustine’s on the theme of
God’s face of mercy. This was riveting and has left lasting memories with many parishioners.
Many of us will long remember Fr. Shaun for his openness to people in whatever circumstance they
are and like his parable of chicken lichen and the sparrow, as people doing the best we can, with our
little bodies and skinny legs. Fr. Shaun’s life was short, but vibrant and energetic
and he was a memorable gift to us. Rest in peace after a life lived to the full and a gift to us who knew you, dear Fr. Shaun.

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

It was good to have our E.A., Fr Graham, join us on 15 April for our Regional
Assembly in Port Alfred. Fr Graham’s input on the GENERAL PRINCIPLES was
well-received. At the Mass to conclude our Assembly, Kevin and Danielle Tennant
were formally welcomed into CLC, and Christine Hobden made her Temporary
Commitment, while other members present renewed their commitments
to CLC. Kaye led a Prayer of Blessing for our World Assembly delegates
Colleen, Sabie (in absentia) and Fr Graham.

SLEEPING-BAGS FOR WINTER

CLC Port Elizabeth joined with members of the SVdP group at St Augustine’s
Cathedral to make sleeping-bags for homeless people. Some of
the sleeping- bags have already been distributed to people living on the
streets, and more will be made at the end of July. The sleeping -bags are
made from newspaper and 60 micron plastic bags according to a design
created by the Rotary Club of Claremont in the Western Cape.

CLC EDUCATION SUPPORT

In June, Colleen facilitated a workshop on Pastoral Care with the staff of
St James School, Scahuderville, as well as a Retreat Morning for their
Grade 11B Class. CLC Port Elizabeth continues their support of pupils in
the Masinyusane Project, while CLC East London’s project of establishing
student housing has seen two students move into the house

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