Catholics for Renewal
Subtitle
Events 2018
Western Spirituality in the Pub
Clerical Abuse: the human cost to survivors/victims
Fr Kevin Dillon AM PP
7:30 pm, Wednesday, 28th November
Club Italia, Furlong Rd, St Albans between Sunshine Hospital and the Western Ring Road
“For more than two decades, Father Kevin Dillon has spoken for those who can’t speak out and acted for those who are crippled, particularly those affected by church-related sexual abuse… With strength, courage and perseverance, Father Dillon has publicly advocated for and privately counselled more than one hundred survivors and helped them to rebuild their lives. In 2013, he established Lifeboat Geelong to provide practical and pastoral support for victims of church-related sexual and child abuse. Humble and faithful to his priestly calling, Father Dillon’s work goes above and beyond the call of duty and his advocacy has at times been in conflict with the church hierarchy. A man of integrity, intelligence and fortitude, his actions have served to strengthen the resolve of many and to help pave the way towards healing, hope and justice.” - From 2016 VIC Senior Australian of the Year Nominee blurb.
Come along by yourself or with a group of friends!
Be open to having your thoughts expanded or challenged by the evening of conversation, which begins with our speakers, followed by conversation around tables and then by open forum across the room. The room opens off the Bistro area.
Support the club that supports Western SIP by dining there beforehand from 6.00 p.m. Dine on a table with other Western SIP participants by notifying us at admin@wsip.org.au by the day before and we will book tables for all of us. Early arrival allows time to order and enjoy your meal before moving into the room we use, which is off the Bistro area. We aim to start at 7.30 p.m. and finish by 9.00 p.m.
An Evening with John Allen Jr - FLYER
An ecumenical conversation on the task of rebuilding and renewal after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
27-29 August 2018, Melbourne
At a time when Australia’s churches are still in an early phase of absorbing and responding to the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, this two-and-a-half-day symposium aims to begin an inclusive, ecumenical and interdisciplinary conversation about the task of cultural change and renewal that lies ahead.
There are significant questions that need to be taken up in light of the Royal Commission’s final report:
- What are the theological implications of the child sexual abuse crisis and indeed the theological learnings to be gained from the Royal Commission?
- How do we support those who have been harmed, confront the damage that has been caused within the ecclesial community, and rebuild trust?
- How do we build ecclesial communities and ministerial practice marked by health and integrity? What are the neuralgic issues that need to be faced and addressed, and how can resistance to change be confronted positively and transformed for the good of the ecclesial community?
- What questions require further research? In responding to the Royal Commission, what can the various Christian faith traditions learn from each other?
July 11 Perth " Speaking Christian in a Non-Christian World" (Floreat Uniting Church)
The Melbourne Lecture series comprises the following components:
- The Many Ways This World Matters: Constructing Progressive Theologies
- What if God is not the Primary Topic of Theology
- From Parables to Power: Imagining Our Theological Proposals
- Like Scales Falling From My Eyes: Learning to See Differently
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Bookings essential. Melbourne $25 p.p. Limited Numbers
Bookings at: www.trybooking.com/QSAL Melbourne FLYER
$15 per head. Tickets available through
TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/300007 Sydney FLYER
Richard’s presentation will reflect on the background to these scandals and address the question of continued belonging and the possibility of renewal, noting the commitment of the Australian bishops to convene a national plenary council in 2020.
Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz is the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College and is currently the chair of the theology department.
He received his Ph.D. in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Gaillardetz has published numerous articles and has authored or edited 13 books. Some of his more recent books include: Go into the Streets! The Welcoming Church of Pope Francis
(Paulist Press, 2016) and An Unfinished Council: Vatican II, Pope Francis, and the Renewal of Catholicism
(Liturgical Press, 2015).
We are extremely excited to announce that Rev Dr Ai Pham SJ (Dean of Studies at Jesuit Theological College) will be sharing his knowledge over three seminars commencing 27th July. These are open to the general public. Further details can be found in this flyer.
Flyers are also available for our upcoming units for Semester 2. If you are interested in enrolling in any of the units please do not hesitate to contact me.
- DS9109J Key Meditations and Rules in the Spiritual Exercises – Monday 17th to Friday 21st July (Guest International Lecturer – Rev Dr Pavulraj Michael SJ)
- DS9132J/DS9139J Organisational Transformation and Ignatian Spirituality – Weekly throughout Semester 2 commencing 1st August (Available as an online unit also) – Lecturer – Sr Therese Carroll.
- DS9116J Peer and Group Supervision – Monday 11th to Friday 15th September (Dr Carlos Raimundo)
Katica Buccheri, Registrar – Executive Assistant to CEO, Jesuit College of Spirituality, 175 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052. Direct: +61-3-9448-8272, Main: +61-3-9448-8276 registrar@jcs.edu.au www.jcs.edu.au
Some upcoming events in Melbourne that might be of interest.
Symposium 29th July 2017: ‘Promoting Lay Formation, Cardijn and the YCW in Australia’
It is a thought-provoking program of short presentations on a range of themes, including lay and clerical YCW chaplains and leaders, and methods of YCW formation, that should be of interest to a contemporary church in need of grass-roots lay leadership. There are also some interesting presentations on new applications of Jocism in church and community today. FLYER
Bishop Robert McElroy
San Diego’s Bishop McElroy, who earlier this year delivered a powerful speech on the need to 'disrupt and rebuild' economies using 'See Judge Act' and Catholic Social Teaching, is visiting Melbourne. He will speak twice at the Newman College Pope
Francis Fellow 2017 Program:
Friday 23rd June, 5 pm: 'Listening to Pope Francis: Challenging Nationalism, Market Rule & Overconfidence in Technology’. FLYER
Saturday 24th June 10 am: ‘Pope Francis and the Common Good: Where is Our Society Going?" FLYER
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8pm Wednesday 7 June 2017
INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC OFFICE -
IS IT POSSIBLE IN THE AGE OF SPIN?
The Pumphouse Hotel, 128 Nicholson Street Fitzroy (opp. Carlton Gardens) Street parking available
If “the truth shall set you free”, what effect does the opposite in communication and behaviour from public leadership have on fostering trust, respect, justice and compassion in the community, let alone confidence in our institutions?
Dr Peter Frost is exceptionally well qualified to lead on this topic. Until recently Victoria’s Deputy Auditor-General, he has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor at RMIT University, Special Advisor for Public Sector Reform in London at the Commonwealth Secretariat , with experience in thirty-three countries, and Program Director for the Asian Development Bank, among other posts. His Ph.D is in Public Policy and Education from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
The PUMPHOUSE HOTEL provides a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Meals available from 6.00pm –7.30pm. Remember: Support the Pub that supports SIP – Dine at the Pumphouse! Flyer HERE
Helder Camara Public Lecture
The Opal & the Pearl: Two kinds of perfection
Exploring a Christian spirituality for our times
Thursday 18 May, 5pm - 6.30pm Newman College, Melbourne University
Mark Patrick Hederman OSB has been a monk of Glenstal Abbey in Limerick for over 40 years. Formerly headmaster of the school, he has just completed eight years as Abbot. He has a doctorate in the philosophy of education. He studied in Paris under Emmanual Levinas and has lectured in philosophy and literature in America and Nigeria as well as Ireland, and was a founding editor of the cultural journal The Crane Bag. Flyer HERE
Marist
Underground Cathedrals
A Spirituality for the 21st Century
Tuesday 30 May, 6-7pm
Christ Theatre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne
Other times, dates and Locations for Brisbane, Sydney, Warragul, Adelaide & Perth in the flyer HERE
Newman College Presents
Pope Francis & Caring For The Soul
A seminar for priests, chaplains and all those interested in accompanying others on the spiritual journey.
Friday 19 May, 10am - 3 pm Newman College, Melbourne University
Guest speaker Mark Patrick Hederman OSB has been a monk of Glenstal Abbey in Limerick for over 40 years. Formerly headmaster of the school, he has just completed eight years as Abbot. He has a doctorate in the philosophy of education. He studied in Paris under Emmanual Levinas and has lectured in philosophy and literature in America and Nigeria as well as Ireland, and was a founding editor of the cultural journal The Crane Bag Flyer HERE
This is a free event. RSVP requested for catering purposes. Contact Br Mark O’Connor FMS (Pope Francis Fellow)
on 0429 694 707 or mark.oconnor@marists.org.au
Extract from Statement by Concerned Catholics - of the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese, 13 April 2017
A group of concerned Catholics are holding a public meeting in Canberra on Thursday 27 April to explore how the Catholic laity in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese can have an effective role and voice in the administration and direction of their Church. They invite Catholics to join them in discussion. Chair: Prof John Warhurst AO, Emeritus Professor Political Science ANU. Panel: Hon Kristina Keneally, former Premier NSW, TV host Sky News, Director Gender Inclusion Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Marilyn Hatton, Convener Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Renewal, Francis Sullivan, CEO Truth Justice and Healing Council. It's at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACCC), 15 Blackall St, Cnr Kings Av Barton. 7.00pm, for 7:30pm - 9.30pm. Further details in Flyer HERE
8pm Wednesday 3 May 2017
The Pumphouse Hotel, 128 Nicholson Street fitzroy (opp. Carlton Gardens) Street parking available
The Catholic Identity Project - What can it offer the Church in these troubled times?
How can we present Catholic identity in a way that enables a free embrace (or rejection) of participation in the Church today, without descending into mere relativism? The Catholic Identity Project has been developed over recent years as a thoroughly researched means of addressing these questions.
Rev. Dr. Brendan Reed is a Melbourne parish priest. He is also a lecturer in Theology and Revelation, holding a licentiate from Rome’s Gregorian University. His Doctorate was on application of the Project to Catholic parishes. He will share his findings with us.
The PUMPHOUSE HOTEL provides a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Meals available from 6.00pm –7.30pm. Remember: Support the Pub that supports SIP – Dine at the Pumphouse!
Flyer HERE
John N Collins, Gateway to Renewal
Reclaiming ministries for women and men
Thursday 4 May, 2017 (5.30 – 7.00)
The Swedish Church
21 St Georges Rd, Toorak, Vic.
YOUR INVITATION FROM THE PUBLISHER
Morning Star Publishing
AND THE AUTHOR’S FAMILY
rsvp 30 April: carolyncollins21@gmail.com Flyer HERE
PROCEEDINGS, 5.30 – 7.00 PM Welcome by Deacon Katarina Olofsgård
- Meeting the publishers – Hugh McGinlay
- First short reading from the book – Carolyn Collins
- ‘The crisis in ministry’
- The Launch by Dr Claire Renkin, Head of the Department of Christian Thought and History, Yarra Theological Union, University of Divinity
- Second short reading from the book – Catherine Ferla
- ‘Like flies in the soup’
- Why the author went to the trouble – John N Collins
- concluding with…- Bookshop, coffee, wine…
For the curious: why the Swedish Church?
When you know it, why not?
The Swedish Church provides a charming environment.
The place has history: this was the home of Victoria’s first Governors.
Swedish pastors have provided pastoral care here for expatriates for over a century.
The current pastor is Vicar Gunnar Olofsgård, assisted by his wife, Deacon Katarina.
In the early ’90s Swedish theologians were the first to take the author seriously.
Vicar Gunnar and Deacon Katarina know some of the Collins’ friends in Sweden.
This is a church within the Lutheran tradition, and has an ecumenical commitment.
We appreciate the opportunity to gather in this environment
An initiative of Catalyst for Renewal
IT’S TIME: “THE RISING LAITY’’ *
RoseMarie Prosser & David Timbs
Wednesday, 22 February, 2017 at 7.30pm
As a lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and Catholic Theological College, David lectured mainly in Pauline Correspondence, Exegetical methods and Biblical History. For fifteen years he taught Texts and traditions, Religion and Society, English and Australian History in Catholic Secondary Schools. Now retired, David has worked with Edmund Rice Refugee Service, teaching English language literacy whilst mentoring children in reading skills at a Catholic Primary School in Melbourne’s West. David also writes extensively in the areas of Church, Theology and Scripture and for the past seven years has been an active member of Melbourne -based Catholics for Renewal.
VENUE: SANDRINGHAM HOTEL,
CNR BEACH ROAD & MELROSE STREET (MELWAY 76 G9)
Separate adjacent room for SIP meeting
BOOKING
FOR MEAL - PHONE HOTEL : 9598 7255 SPECIFY THAT BOOKING IS FOR SIP,
SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB GROUP Meals can be ordered individually from a
large menu with a range of prices. All are welcome to gather for a meal
from 6.00pm OR join the group from 7.30 – 9.00pm for the presentation
& conversation.
For further details contact VIN 9530 6004, FRANCES 9579 3920
Download Flyer Here
GENDER ISSUES EXPLORED
Wed. 1st March 2017, 8pm
THE PUMPHOUSE HOTEL 128 NICHOLSON STREET FITZROY
(opp. Carlton Gardens - Street parking available)
He appeared on the ABC’s Australian Story last year when the court gave permission to Georgie Stone to change her gender.
The Pumphpuse Hotel provides a spacious and comfortable atmosphere.
Meals available from 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Remember: Support the Pub that supports SIP – Dine at the Pumphouse!
Events 2016
Peter Wilkinson
Selecting Bishops – Is there a role for lay people?
Marian Centre, Mother Of God School, 66 Wilfred Rd, Ivanhoe East, commencing at 7.45pm sharp.
Another Presentation by the Yarra Deanery (Neighbouring Parishes), Wednesday 5 October 2016
At this critical time for the Church in Australia a number of dioceses (6 as of 31 March 2016) are without bishops, and given Canon Law requirement that Bishops at the age of 75 submit their resignation to the pope for consideration, several Australian diocesan bishops are likely to be appointed in the not too distant future, including a new archbishop for Melbourne. What does this mean for us all?
For the first centuries of our Church lay people and the general clergy were involved in the selection of bishops. Now, with the future of our church being seriously challenged, the question might be asked: is there some way that lay people today might add a their voice and discernment to the bishop selection process? Initiatives have started for the laity to play a part, but how likely is it that they will be welcomed and accepted? Why is wider participation in the selection process important? What are the possibilities and what are the facts?
Presenter, Dr.Peter Wilkinson, is a former Columban missionary priest who ministered in Australia and South Korea. After relinquishing his clerical ministry in 1976, he has worked in Multicultural Affairs, and lectured in Missiology at Yarra Theological Union, among other areas, and has a strong voice in reform of the Church. He has also managed his own company, being awarded in 2002 the Centenary Medal for his advocacy for small business.
For this Yarra Deanery event Peter will speak at the MOG School Marian Centre, at 66 Wilfred Rd, Ivanhoe East, commencing at 7.45pm. There is street parking and a public car park on the LHS of the Centre. Download FLYER
Richard Dawkins and many fellow-travellers reject religion on the grounds that the existence of God is “not provable”, and the Scriptures because they contain too many stories that are “just not believable”. Scripture scholars have developed radical new insights over recent decades, but many Christians hold fast to a literal interpretation of scriptural narratives even when they are seen to be contrary to human experience – such as the parting of the Red Sea in the Old Testament and the Virgin Birth in the New.
Could it be that both the nay-sayers and the convinced traditionalists are both wrong? Could it even be that both are making the same error? If so, what are they both missing, and how can we legitimately retain the Scriptures as a foundation for belief?
David Tacey, Emeritus Professor at LaTrobe University, is a public intellectual working across the fields of spirituality, religion, psycho-analysis, literature and Australian culture. Some of his fourteen books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Spanish and French. He will provide challenging insights regarding the above questions, by explaining the themes in his latest book, Beyond Literal Belief: Religion as Metaphor, published by John Garratt Publishing in 2015. Come along and provide him with challenging feedback!
The PUMPHOUSE HOTEL provides a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Meals available from 6.00pm –7.30pm.
Flyer HERE
An Evening with Massimo Faggioli on
“The Catholic Church and Francis in the International Situation Today” 
Where: St Carthage’s Church Parkville
Address: 123 Royal Parade,
Parkville, Vic 3052
When: Thursday 21st July 2016 at 7:30 pm
Admission: $20.00
A great topic. Massimo is being brought to Australia by the NCP for their conference next month and It's believed that this will be his only public appearance in Melbourne. A crowd is anticipated. As the flyer claims, Professor Massimo Faggioli is now regarded as one of the most significant commentators on the Catholic Church in the Post Vatican II era. (Flyer here)
To honour the founder of CTC,
James Robert Cardinal Knox, fifth Archbishop of Melbourne
Monday 16 May, 7.30pm
Archbishop Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Brisbane
From Wandering to Journeying: Thoughts on a Synodal Church
Journey
Journey and pilgrimage are important themes in Scripture and throughout Christianity. They provide a background for considering Pope Francis’ election in 2013, his decision to convene two Synods in 2014 and 2015, his proclamation of the Year of Mercy in 2016 and his recent publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia – seeing all these as part of a process which is far from over.
This gives a context for the recent proposal of the Australian Bishops to move towards a Plenary Council for Australia in 2020, seeing the preparation for the Council, its celebration and implementation as part of the same process, which seeks to make the Church more genuinely synodal in the way foreseen by Vatican II and treated more explicitly by Pope Francis.
VENUE: Catholic Leadership Centre
Corner Victoria Pde & Hoddle St, East Melbourne
RSVP: Wednesday 11 May 2016
E: jill.allen@ctc.edu.au or 9412 3304
Light Refreshments provided afterwards
Street parking available on Victoria Parade
Enter Centre via Victoria Parade
For background on the following event read an earlier report
Reform Groups meet in Limerick, April 13-16, 2015
by David Timbs, 12 May 2015
