Fri, Oct 31 2008 05:22
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European meeting of National Delegates in University Pastoral Care: Bucharest, September 2008
Some delegates after Mass in the Cathedral, Bucharest
Some delegates after Mass in the Cathedral, Bucharest
European Meeting for National Delegates for University Pastoral Care. Bucharest 26th-28th September 2008
Fri, Oct 31 2008 04:25
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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.
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
Sun, Sep 7 2008 02:38
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Viikinsaari Island Native dancers
University EntranceBoat representing Finland
Opening Ceremony
REFLECTING LIGHT- GLOBAL CONFERENCE, Tampere 2008
Sun, Sep 7 2008 01:49
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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.
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
Wed, Jun 25 2008 06:59
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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
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