FORMATION
FORMATION 2003
INTRODUCTION TO FORMATION 2003
"Lectio Divina"
A challenge was recently presented to the Knights of the Southern Cross in South Australia, and to the National Executive. It was a challenge stating that in order to confront these difficult times for the Church and the world, we need to be a people of hope, a people of confidence, a people of dialogue, a people willing to engage with the existing problems facing us at this time. To put it another way, we need to be a people of faith and of active love.
To help us become such a people, it is obviously desirable for us to ponder the words of Sacred Scripture. The Formation Program for 2003 offers a framework in which to do this. In reflecting on some Scripture passages, we do not do so with a view to return to the past, but with the object of reminding ourselves of the principles which should guide us as we face the present.
In the post-Synodal document "Ecclesia in Oceania — The Church in Oceania", the chapter on "Living the Life of Jesus Christ in Oceania" warmly proposes that we all endeavour to learn the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ by frequent reading of the Scriptures. May the efforts of those who use this Program make them more aware of our past and more hope-filled and confident as we face our present and future.
Bishop
Ronald A. Mulkearns
National Chaplain
PO Box 411
Aireys Inlet Vic 3231
"LECTIO DIVINA"
FORMATION PROGRAMME FOR 2003
SESSION THEMES
1. “Lectio Divina and Prayer”
2. “God sent his Son”
3. “Love”
4. “Walk worthy of your vocation”
5. “Dialogue and cooperation”
6. “Ecumenism”
7. “Confidence”
8. “Mary”
Points for Successful Formation Programmes
Choose a formation leader for the year so that someone is responsible for the facilitation of the session.
These formation sessions require each participant to ideally have his own copy of the Scriptures, or a copy of the text will need to be supplied for each member.
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. The Word
v The Word of God is proclaimed. This is read by the discussion leader or the member nominated by him.
3. Reflection
Silent reflection on the Word of God. (5 mins.)
4. The Sharing
Members share their reflection on the Word. (10 mins.)
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.
