Congress Programme

Workshop

At the opening of the Pastoral Convention of the Diocese of Rome in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI asked what paths can be taken since the mandate to evangelise not only concerns a few but rather all of the baptised. He asked that we renew our efforts for a formation which is more attentive and focused on the vision of the Church … on the part of priests as well as of religious and lay people to understand ever better what this Church is, this People of God in the Body of Christ. He said “it is necessary to improve pastoral structures in such a way that the co-responsibility of all the members of the People of God in their entirety is gradually promoted, with respect for vocations and for the respective roles of the consecrated and of lay people. This demands a change in mindset, particularly concerning lay people. They must no longer be viewed as ‘collaborators’ of the clergy but truly recognised as ‘co-responsible’, for the Church’s being and action, thereby fostering the consolidation of a mature and committed laity.

”From 13th – 15th September the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development in dialogue with the Council for Justice and Peace will be hosting a national conference in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone on the theme of Communion and Co-responsibility in the Church.  The aims of this event are: 
• to further the work of renewal and reform in the Catholic Church in Ireland at this time;
• to enhance the capacity of participants to work for renewal and reform in their own contexts;
• to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II and look ahead to the Year of Faith.

As part of this process, the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development is offering a number of opportunities for pilgrims at the Eucharistic Congress to further this work of renewal and reform by participating in one of the sessions being offered.  It is hoped that those attending would share their experiences from dioceses, parishes, groups and organisations with the team through structured dialogues.  These experiences will be communicated expressly as reflections from Congress pilgrims at the national conference.  The process will be facilitated by Dr Anne Codd, Ms Julieann Moran, MTh and other faith development personnel in Ireland.