Monday, September 14, 2009

Articulating hopes and expectations for involvement in the program

Each member of the group has been asked to share their hopes and expectations for the program with the others in the group.

I see the five weeks devoted to this program as a time of input, reflection and community around the themes of Christ-inspired service for others, and what we collectively can do to respond better in Australia to his teachings in this area.

In Rome I hope to deepen my own engagement with the universal church, and its central agencies, particularly in relation to service and justice issues. Exposure to historical and holy sites will be part of this; as will meeting people and leaning of their issues and their institutions. Pre-reading and discussion prior to departure has already contributed in both areas.

In Leuven, and during the range of visits to programs in surrounding areas, I hope to deepen my engagement with many aspects of the actuality and the theory of Catholic social services:

  • Gain a better understanding of the development and application of Catholic social teaching
  • Learn about current directions and innovations in addressing the needs of local communities, particularly in relation to entrenched issues of disadvantage and marginalisation
  • Learn more about how Catholic identity impacts on the Church’s work of service; and how this is changing in response to changes in society and in the Church

I hope to be able to reflect with others on the program on the relevance and import of these matters for Australia.

Over the period as a whole I hope to deepen my own spirituality, and its linkages with service and justice. Shared prayer, worship and fellowship with similarly motivated colleagues will be part of this; as will encounters in presentations and in program visits. DF

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