Short Course in Theology Listening to the Spirit: Towards the 2020 Plenary Council

Transcription

1 Short Course in Theology Listening to the Spirit: Towards the 2020 Plenary Council The Mission of the Church in the 21st Century Dr Joel Hodge 22 August 2018

2 What do you think God is asking of us in Australia? 2

3 Plenary Council Can A plenary council, that is, one for all the particular churches of the same conference of bishops, is to be celebrated whenever it seems necessary or useful to the conference of bishops, with the approval of the Apostolic See. Can. 445 A particular council, for its own territory, takes care that provision is made for the pastoral needs of the people of God and possesses the power of governance, especially legislative power, so that, always without prejudice to the universal law of the Church, it is able to decide what seems opportune for the increase of the faith, the organization of common pastoral action, and the regulation of morals and of the common ecclesiastical discipline which is to be observed, promoted, and protected. Sessions in 2020 (Adelaide) and 2021 (Sydney). Those who must be called and those who can be called. Agenda based on the current phase listening and dialogue. 3 Office Faculty Department

4 2016 Census Catholics: from 5,439,267 (25.3%) in 2011, to 5,291,834 (22.6%) in This is a greater decrease than from 2006 to No Religion : 4,693,162 (21.8%) in 2011, to 6,933,708 (29.6%) in

5 Age Profile of Mass Attenders 5

6 Pope Francis Nor can we overlook the fact that in recent decades there has been a breakdown in the way Catholics pass down the Christian faith to the young. It is undeniable that many people feel disillusioned and no longer identify with the Catholic tradition. Growing numbers of parents do not bring their children for baptism or teach them how to pray. There is also a certain exodus towards other faith communities. The causes of this breakdown include: a lack of opportunity for dialogue in families, the influence of the communications media, a relativistic subjectivism, unbridled consumerism which feeds the market, lack of pastoral care among the poor, the failure of our institutions to be welcoming, and our difficulty in restoring a mystical adherence to the faith in a pluralistic religious landscape. (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 70) 6

7 John 15:12-15 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 7

8 Called to missionary conversion resolute process of discernment, purification and reform. joy in communicating Jesus Christ both by a concern to preach him to areas in greater need and in constantly going forth to the outskirts of its own territory or towards new sociocultural settings. (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 30). 8

9 Challenges We must recognize that if part of our baptized people lack a sense of belonging to the Church, this is also due to certain structures and the occasionally unwelcoming atmosphere of some of our parishes and communities, or to a bureaucratic way of dealing with problems, be they simple or complex, in the lives of our people. In many places an administrative approach prevails over a pastoral approach, as does a concentration on administering the sacraments apart from other forms of evangelization. (no. 63). 9

10 Dialogue Dialogue can be understood in different ways. Firstly, at the purely human level, it means reciprocal communication, leading to a common goal or, at a deeper level, to interpersonal communion. Secondly, dialogue can be taken as an attitude of respect and friendship, which permeates or should permeate all those activities constituting the evangelizing mission of the Church. This can appropriately be called "the spirit of dialogue". Thirdly, in the context of religious plurality, dialogue means "all positive and constructive interreligious relations with individuals and communities of other faiths which are directed at mutual understanding and enrichment"(6), in obedience to truth and respect for freedom. It includes both witness and the exploration of respective religious convictions. (Pontifical Council for Inter-religious dialogue, Dialogue and Proclamation, no. 9). 10

11 Dialogue No real dialogue yet takes place where men are still only talking about something. The conversation between men comes into its own only when they are trying, no longer to express something, but to express themselves, when dialogue becomes communication. But when this happens, when man brings himself into the conversation, then God, too, is involved in some way or other, for he has been the real theme of controversy between men since the beginning of their history. Moreover, only where man brings himself into the conversation does the logos of all being enter, along with the logos of human being, into the words of human speech. Joseph Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity,

12 Dangers Gnosticism Pelagianism 12

13 Grace Only on the basis of God s gift, freely accepted and humbly received, can we cooperate by our own efforts in our progressive transformation. We must first belong to God, offering ourselves to him who was there first, and entrusting to him our abilities, our efforts, our struggle against evil and our creativity, so that his free gift may grow and develop within us: I appeal to you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Rom12:1). For that matter, the Church has always taught that charity alone makes growth in the life of grace possible, for if I do not have love, I am nothing (1 Cor 13:2). Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, no

14 Contemplation and Mission The best incentive for sharing the Gospel comes from contemplating it with love, lingering over its pages and reading it with the heart. If we approach it in this way, its beauty will amaze and constantly excite us. But if this is to come about, we need to recover a contemplative spirit which can help us to realize ever anew that we have been entrusted with a treasure which makes us more human and helps us to lead a new life. There is nothing more precious which we can give to others. (EG 264) 14

15 Listening and Dialogue Step 1: Pray together Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost. Come, Holy Spirit of the great South Land. O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council. Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road. Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth. Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying. Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age. Amen. Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us. 15

16 Listening and Dialogue Step 2: Read, Question and Reflect Step 3: Share and Listen Step 4: Pray and Respond 16 Office Faculty Department

17 What do you think God is asking of us in Australia? 17

18 Enjoyed this short course? We ve only scratched the surface Throughout the year, we offer many different ways of engaging with theology and philosophy. We offer international study tours, public events (ACU Luminaries Series), professional learning and development for those working in the Catholic sector, and academic programs (including one-off units for credit and auditing) for those wanting to deepen their learning. Our next short course to be held at our Melbourne Campus: 27 February, 13, 20 and 27 March Want to know more? Come and talk to our staff about what you re interested in, or visit our website Please fill out the anonymous Feedback Survey: 18