Envisioning the Church of the future: Themes of the Plenary Council 2020

13 February 2020
Image: Plenary Council 2020/ACBC.

 

Bishop of Parramatta, Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD, will join a leading line-up of academics and experts to present a series of lectures on the key themes of the Plenary Council 2020 at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Strathfield Campus during March.

As part of its short courses in theology series, ACU will host ‘Envisioning the Church of the future: Themes of the Plenary Council ‘.

ACU short courses provide an opportunity to explore Christian faith and theology without committing to a full degree. Individuals teaching religious education or working in a Catholic school can gain hours towards their professional development accreditation.

National coordinator of short courses in theology at ACU, Dr Joel Hodge, said the topic of this short course has been chosen because ACU wishes to assist the Church and its members to reflect on the theological meaning of the themes of the Plenary Council and engage in dialogue about their significance for the life and practices of the Church today.

“The themes highlight key areas of what it means for us to the Church in Australia. The themes came out of the discernment and discussions of thousands of church members across Australia and will set the vision and agenda of the Church for the foreseeable future,” Dr Hodge said.

“It is very important that we understand what these themes mean for us within the context of our rich tradition and what God is calling us to in Australia. This means breaking open the themes so we can engage with them in a deeply meaningful and sustained way.”

Leading scholars and experts who will present lectures during the short course include Ms Selina Hasham (Creative Director, Archdiocese of Sydney), Very Reverend Peter Williams (Vicar-General, Diocese of Parramatta), and Reverend Associate Professor Jamie Calder (ACU).

Topics to be explored include Humble, healing and merciful, Inclusive, participatory and synodal, Prayerful and Eucharistic, and Missionary and evangelising.

This course attracts six hours of currency according to the “To Work, Teach and Lead in a systemic Catholic school” framework (Categories A, B, C, D and E) for Sydney Catholic Schools and Wollongong.

 

Course details

Event:  Envisioning the Church of the future: Themes of the Plenary Council 2020

Venue: ACU Strathfield Campus, Edmund Rice Building, 25a Barker Road, Strathfield

Date: Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 March

Cost: Cost including a Certificate of Participation is $100; attendance only is $60

Registrations: close on Friday 28 February

For more information and registration details visit: acu.edu.au/short-courses-sydney

With thanks to ACU.

 

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