WEB= http://homepage.eircom.net/~jadsj

Editor: John A. Dunne S.J. socius@jesuit.ie

June '03

#2

This Newsletter is addressed privately to Lay, Religious, and Jesuits together.
This Newsletter may not print well, as it is designed for the screen only... sorry about that!

  
Over140 attended the Province day on Collaboration in Ministry

3 of the Lay & Jesuits Organising Committee: Liam O'Connell, Gina Menzes [Chair], Jim O'Connor.

Province Assembly Day
Success

Thanks to so many for making the Clongowes Assembly Day, June 7th. so enjoyable and such a rich experience of inter-connectivity.
 

"Can we renew our determination to go forward together?"

Fr Provincial's address was considered frank, honest and inspirational. His briefing on the Province Strategic Planning for a less burdensome future helped situate the changes that have already taken place. He outlined the growth areas and areas of reduction in our ministries to date. His invitation above is based on Jesuits placing their resources at the disposal of all and asking laity to help them with their wisdom and insight to plot the way forward together.

"The Longest journey in life is the journey inward."
Mary Maume presented Ignatian spirituality from her own life and her work as Assistant Pastoral Coordinator in Clongowes. Her telling examples of how the spirituality helped the boys in the 5th Year Prayer Group, the Kyros Retreats, and the 4th Year social outreach were very practical and encouraging. Ignatian spirituality unites the mind, imagination and emotions in a wholesome way that allows one to confront life events in the company of a God who is in all things.

"Making the link between first-time life events and the inner reality"
Eamon Stack S.J. presented Slí Eile, the Young Adults ministry. He picked up Mary's 'journey' theme in that they try help young adults, who do not on the whole have the traditional institutional supports, make the link between first-time life events and the inner reality of what is happening. Slí Eile is evolving as a model of ministry, partnership and organisation.

"Owning theology ...and a credibility derived from action not words"
Eugene Quinn presented on the C.F.J. and the Social ministry. He referred to the steep learning curve needed to grapple with Justice issues and the Faith. He stressed the need for formation in the Ignatian approach and the dangers of traditional individualism causing isolation of those who work with Jesuits. He enumerated the achievements and pointed to the challenges like justice issues within the Church, ownership and access to theology, mutual respect and equality and a credibility derived from action not words.

"The Intellectual, in the Ignatian Vision, is Not Alone-Standing"
Jim Corkery S.J. presented the intellectual ministry, both tertiary and secondary, in the Ignatian scheme of things. Giving seminal insights from his own Faith and Theological experience, he stressed the importance of a Faith shared in friendship as grounding ministry. Practically this means making resources (intellectual, spiritual, social) available and learning from the wisdom/insights of lay colleagues in each of these areas.

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It is intended to have what talks we have made available through this Bulletin, should you wish to read them. When I have them to hand I will send them in this medium, so if you have two (or is it now 3?) Bulletins this June, please don't feel persecuted this month. You will have a break in July and August! [Maybe]
NEW:
Communications Manager Garry O'Sullivan
NEW:
Headmaster of Coláiste Iognaid; Paddy Lydon

NEW
Central Director of the Pioneers: Padraic Naughton

 

Jesuits on the Web
www.jesuit.ie = General information and links to our work in Ireland and world wide.
www.sacredspace.ie = Pray for a few moments - regroup your energies - relax a moment
www.jesuitvocations.ie = putting people in touch about joining.

Updated 11/6/03