Catholic HE Chaplains

2008-10-31T17:22:00.002Z

European meeting of National Delegates in University Pastoral Care: Bucharest, September 2008

Some delegates after Mass in the Cathedral, Bucharest

European Meeting for National Delegates for University Pastoral Care. Bucharest 26th-28th September 2008

2008-10-31T16:25:00.017Z

This meeting was attended by national delegates from 26 countries and representitives from Movements and Associations engaged in University Pastoral Care.

We were accommodated in a newly built (and not yet complete) Carmelite Monastry some 20 miles from the city of Bucharest.

The main topic reflected on during the meeting was the preparation being undertaken for the European Maeeting of University Students that will take place in Rome in July 2009 on the topic: "New Disciples of Emmaus. Being Christians in the University"

On the first evening of the meeting, the Vice Secretary General of the Commission, Dr. Ferenc Janka, led us with the help of a powerpoint presentation, through the structure of the Conference of the European Bishops and its various departments. This was followed by another presentation - that of Pastoral Care in Romania. Thankfully we had simultaneous translation!

In geographical groups next morning we were invited to discuss and make suggestions for
1. The Meeting of Students in 2009....its format and method of procedure
2. The Meeting of National Delegates in 2009.

Time was allocated to each delegate during the overall meeting to give a short report on the Coordination of Pastoral care in his/her country. These reports were very interesting and highlighted the fact that we share similiar difficulties and successes wherever we minister.

The meeting also included an invitation to the delegates to dinner with the Archbishop in Bucharest itself and the celebration of Mass on the Sunday in the Cathedral.

Unfinished building work - Accommodation Bucharest

Snapshots from Tampere

2008-09-07T14:38:00.009+01:00

Viikinsaari Island Native dancers

University Entrance

Boat representing Finland

Opening Ceremony

Tampere

2008-09-07T14:27:00.001+01:00

Ecumenical Chapel on Viikinsaari Island

Some snapshots from Tampere

2008-09-07T14:24:00.001+01:00

Multi Faith Prayer Space

REFLECTING LIGHT- GLOBAL CONFERENCE, Tampere 2008

2008-09-07T13:49:00.003+01:00

Tampere, Finland was the venue chosen for the 3rd. Global Conference of University Chaplains in July this year. There were 225 representitives from 26 countries and all five continents. The group from England and Wales numbered 25 covering all denominations and faiths. For each of us it was a truly thought-provoking, enriching experience in some way.

Theme: Reflecting Light: was explored through sharing stories, celebrating diversity and searching for common ground. The aims of the conference were summed up as
a) enriching the profession by refining our skills, exchanging ideas etc
b)offering support by gathering as a global community and
c) extending our understanding of a contested and changing world by exploring the role of religion in educational institutions and much more!

Keynote Speakers concentrated on issues like 'Faith, Justice and Common Ground' and the 'Methaphor of Light : what can it teach us?' Both speakers used a wide range of texts from different traditions.

Reflection groups helped us create a sense of community wherein we tried to break down for each other the invitations offered in the lecture material.

Workshops were numerous on a very wide variety of topics and participants were invited to attend at least two or three.

Appreciating Cultures. The hospitality shown us by the Finnish was outstanding as was the organisation of the entire conference. We were offered many opportunities to enter into the Finnish culture but also at the Global Market there was ample opportunity to sample other cultures and to converse on the differing ways we cope with our own situations.

Prayer was interspersed throughout the whole conference but the highlight for many of us was the Multifaith Twilight Evening Prayer on the last night. This celebration concentrated on the themes of thankfulness and hope bringing us all together through varied Scripture Readings, singing, music, dance and meditation.

Evaluating the conference tribute was paid to the holistic balance; opportunities for sharing, networking, and deepening our knowledge of other traditions ; the extraordinary hospitality and organisation of our hosts the Finns.
A slightly fuller account of the Conference is available from the office.

Regional Meeting dates

2008-06-25T18:59:00.002+01:00

Tuesday,November 4th : North East Region...................Durham University Catholic Chaplaincy

Thursday, November 6th : Central Region......................Keele University Catholic Chaplaincy

Thursday, November 13th: South West Region................Bristol University Catholic Chaplaincy

Wednesday, Novemebr 19th. North West Region.............St. Augustine's , MMU (Manchester)

Friday, November 28th. South East Region.......................Newman House, Gower St. London

CCHE Conference 2009

2008-05-29T18:48:00.003+01:00

The CCHE Conference 2009

22nd-24th June 2009

Loyola Hall, Rainhill (Nr Liverpool)

"The glory of God is the Chaplain fully alive"

(Faith, life, and growth in Chapalincy)

Speakers: Michael Paul Gallagher, SJ (Gregorian University, Rome)

Professor Tina Beattie, (Theology and Religious Studies, Roehampton)

Variety of Workshops: Liturgy, Media and Communication, Weeks of Guided Prayer etc.

Please make a note in your diaries!

Conference Report and Photos

2008-04-14T21:40:00.000+01:00

From March 10-13th Catholic Chaplains at London Colney enjoyed the stimulation of good speakers and fellowship with each other at the National Conference - read more here on the Conference Report. and view photos here.

“a fantastic theme, with great speakers, and excellent discussions." (P.C.)

“this has been a valuable and worthwhile conference enriched by the fellowship ,wisdom and experience of fellow chaplains. I have learned a lot about God and Islam, about interfaith dialogue, about reading the signs of the times….”

“Very informative especially re Islam; dynamic approach to timetabling; well chosen speakers speaking to our concerns; great atmosphere.” (M.M.)

“This conference has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of all the conferences I have attended.
It was thought provoking , informative and challenging. It has given me the courage to adopt the ‘no compromise’ of Nadim vis-a –vis my own R.C. faith”

Our new, first time chaplains too, had some very encouraging comments:

“it felt like family- being part of a common project, larger than our own chaplaincies.”

“There was an atmosphere of simplicity, and openness of expression as well as stimulating theological ‘gymnastics’.”

“It was an insightful time which shed light on the role of the Catholic chaplain.”

“I felt encouraged even when the road is arduous”

“I was stirred by the enthusiasm and commitment of colleagues”

Sister Teresa Kennedy appointed National Coordinator

2007-12-04T09:32:00.000Z

Sister Teresa, former Chaplain at Derby University (Buxton) was appointed National Coordinator of CCCHE in September 2007. News of the appointment

The National Coordinator is appointed as a full-time post to be a resource person for chaplains, providing regular exchange of information, opportunities for training and to offer general support and encouragement to chaplains, through personal contact and visiting. Sister Teresa can be contacted via the contact page on this website.