FORMATION
FORMATION 2000
INTRODUCTION TO FORMATION 2000
The Coming of the Third Millennium
Whether we think that the second
millennium is finished or that the last year of the millennium has just begun, there is no
doubt that the year 2000 is a Year of Jubilee. We have been preparing for it for some time
and it will be no great surprise to note that the themes of the programme for the year
2000 are the themes picked out for special emphasis during this Jubilee year.
Whatever we think about a
millennium starting or finishing, there is also no doubt that the occasion of our moving
to begin the years with a 20 instead of a 19 is accepted as a time for new growth, for new
beginnings. Such new growth calls for us to put God in the picture and to strive to love
both God and neighbour. A Blessing suggested for the main door of a Church at the
beginning of the Jubilee Year of our redemption states: "Here may we enter your
presence as humble worshipers, from here may we go forth as servants of your Holy
Gospel".
Like many people and
organisations, the Knights will be examining at this time their relevance to the world of
2000 and beyond. They will only succeed in their efforts to have more members if they have
clear objectives. I pray that the Formation Programme will help the Knights of the
Southern Cross to respond to the challenge put before us by Pope John Paul II in his text
on the Mystery of the Incarnation: "So, that there may be a renewed commitment to
Christian witness in the world of the next millennium, let faith be refreshed, let hope
increase and let charity exert itself still more".
Bishop
Ronald A. Mulkearns
National Chaplain
PO Box 411
Aireys Inlet Vic 3231
THE COMING OF THE THIRD MILLENIUM
FORMATION PROGRAMME FOR 2000
SESSION THEMES
1. “A Time to Celebrate”
2. “Embracing the Jubilee Tradition”
3. “Proclamation”
4. “Call to Repentance”
5. “Walking as Reconciled People”
6. “Living Justly”
7. “Unity and the People of God”
8. “Looking to the Future”
Points for Successful Formation
Programmes
Planning is the keynote. Choose a
discussion leader if practicable for the year so that he can plan the year’s
programme.
To increase members’ participation,
choose different assistants for each meeting.
Discussion leader and assistants are to
meet for, say, ten minutes prior to the meeting to make certain that preparations are
complete.
Members are to bring copies of the
Formation Programme to each meeting, but have copies for those who do not bring their own
copies.
Abide strictly to the allotted time; not
less than twenty nor more than thirty minutes.
FORMAT OF SESSIONS
1. Opening Prayer
This is introduced by the leader and prayed
by all present.
2. Scripture Reading
Read by the discussion leader or member
nominated by him.
3. The Message
Read by the discussion leader or the member
nominated by him.
4. The Exercise
Five minutes of reflection by all members.
5. The Sharing
Members share aspects of their personal
faith and its place in their lives that have come to them through the Exercise.
6. The Word
The basis of meditation and reflection for
the ensuing month given by the discussion leader.
7. Closing Prayer
Prayed by all members.
Acknowledgements
The Scripture quotations used in the programme are from the New Revised
Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition copyright © 1993 and 1989 by the Division of
Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.
Additional material is taken from “The Coming of the Third Millennium”
a letter to all Australians from the Catholic Bishops of Australia.
