FORMATION
FORMATION 2001
INTRODUCTION TO FORMATION 2001
The Apostolate of the Laity
In deciding the topic of the formation programme for 2001, the National Executive sought the cooperation of the States by asking for any preferences. The subject which was suggested and which the Executive then recommended deals with the call and implications of the Vatican document on the Apostolate of the Laity.
The Second Vatican Council is already thirty-five years old. Yet it is clear that many of the hopes of those who formulated the aspirations of that historic meeting have not yet been realised. The late Archbishop Worlock wrote in 1985 about his experience at conferences held in England between the sessions of the Council. Some proclaimed that we had moved towards the age of the laity, if not actually the Church of the laity. His insistence that we had in fact, moved into the age of the Church tended to fall flat, perhaps because few appreciated the insistence of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, on one mission, a variety of ministries, and an equality of dignity. (cf. Vatican II by those who were there.) There are many things that the laity can do and the clergy cannot, just as there are other things that the clergy can do and the laity cannot.
One of the great needs of the Church at the moment is that of vocations to the priesthood and Religious Life. We are a community of believers for whom the Mass is of particular importance. Likewise, Religious men and women have their own special contribution to make. But we will not have Priests or Religious if we do not have a committed laity. I trust that the following reflections on the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity will help the members of the Knights of the Southern Cross to renew and play their part in the life of our Church. We will then be able to realise the ideal put before the Ephesians by St Paul: "If we live by the truth and in love, we shall grow in all ways into Christ, who is the head by whom the whole body is fitted and joined together, every joint adding its own strength, for each separate part to work according to its function. So the body grows until it has built itself up, in love." Ephesians 4: 15-16
May God bless our efforts to work for the coming of the Kingdom.
Bishop Ronald A. Mulkearns
National Chaplain
PO Box 411
Aireys Inlet Vic 3231
THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY
FORMATION PROGRAMME FOR 2001
SESSION THEMES
1. “The Mind of the Council”
2. “The Lay Vocation”
3. “Laity and Mission”
4. “The Place of the Lay Apostolate”
5. “Ways of Mission”
6. “Laity and the Church”
7. “Formation for Mission”
8. “Our Response”
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
Guide for Leaders
1. Opening Scripture and Prayer
This is introduced by the leader and prayed by all present.
2. The Focus
The focus will consist of part of the text of the Decree and/or other related material. This should be read aloud in the group and followed by a time of reflection.
3. The Sharing
Members share insights gained from reflection on the Focus and discuss the texts further in the light of the question given. This leads to a statement of belief relating to the focus question and discussion on the document.
4. The Statement
Together, members formulate and agree to a brief statement which conveys the insights of the session. This should be recorded by the Leader. These statements will form the basis of the last session.
5. 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 Vatican Council II: Volume 1 - the Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents.
