Who We Are - Formation 2003

FORMATION

Formation 2004

Formation 2003

Formation 2002

Formation 2001

Formation 2000

Formation 1999

Formation 1998

Formation 1997

Formation 1996

FORMATION 2004

Click this image to see Jubilee 2000 at the Vatican

Introduction

Format

Programme

Theme
#1

Theme
#2

Theme
#3

Theme
#4

Theme
#5

Theme
#6

Theme
#7

Theme
#8

FOREWORD

Knights of the Southern Cross – Australia

One of the facts emerging from the meeting of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights in Salzburg, Austria in September, 2003 was that Knights in all parts of the world have many things in common. Apart from the question of Freedom (or lack of freedom) of Religion, which concerned a couple of regions represented at the meeting, the main issues were Life Issues (and the attack on life by way of abortion) and the issue of Catechetics. In many countries, including our own, many of the laity do not have an adequate knowledge of their Faith. It was said that a reason for becoming a Knight is to grow in our faith and in knowledge of our faith.

The importance of obtaining an up-to-date knowledge of what our Church teaches is also reflected in the fact that it was suggested to me at a meeting of Knights that the Formation Programme could well look at the main issues which are the Objects of the Order. We cannot foster the Christian way of life throughout the nation unless we are steeped in that way of life ourselves. Hence the programme for 2004 aims to focus on the Christian Way of Life.

It is suggested that the Formation Programme might find its best place in the Knights' meetings if it is held immediately after the Opening Prayers. This would help to give a prayerful atmosphere to the whole meeting, and provide a grounding for discussions.

I pray that this Programme will go towards meeting the needs of members and contribute to fostering the Christian Way of Life throughout the Nation.

Bishop Ronald A. Mulkearns

National Chaplain,

“Objects of the Order”

Formation Program for 2004

“Come to help us in our affairs, and be pleased to enter into our deliberations. Instruct us in what we should do.”

       The Order Prayers – Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Segments

1                    “Inspired by the Spirit”

Let it be You, first of all, who inspire our suggestions.

(Prayer to the Holy Spirit)

2                    “Mary, Mother of God”

Mary, our Mother, have us always in your keeping.

(International Alliance Prayer)

3                    “The Christian Family”

…to strengthen the family in society..

(Family Commitment Prayer)

4                    “To be Australian”

To promote the advancement of Australia.

(Objects of the Order 1)

5                    “The Christian Way of Life”

To foster the Christian Way of Life throughout the Nation.

(Objects of the Order 2)

6                    “Caring for each other”

To promote the Welfare of its members and their families.

(Objects of the Order 3)

7                    “Growth in Faith”

To encourage Social and Intellectual Activities amongst its members.

(Objects of the Order 4)

8                    “Reaching Out”

To conduct and support Educational, Charitable, Religious and Social Welfare Work

(Objects of the Order 5)

Points for Successful Formation Programmes

Choose a formation leader for the year so that someone is responsible for the facilitation of the segment.

·        These formation segments require each participant to ideally have his own copy of the Readings, therefore a copy of the Session should be provided for each member at the each meeting.

Abide strictly to the allotted time; not less than twenty nor more than thirty minutes.

FORMAT OF PRAYER SEGMENTS

(20 mins)

1.         opening PRAYERS

v     Opening Prayers from the Order Prayers for Meetings of the Order.

2.                  PRAYER FOCUS

v     Each segment will address a theme taken from the Order Prayers and the Objects of the Order.

3.         THE WORD

v     The Word of God and related reading from Church documentation is proclaimed. This is read by the discussion leader or member/s nominated by him.

4.         reflection

v     Silent reflection on the Word of God and other readings. (5 mins.)

5.         THE SHARING

v     Members share their reflection on the Word and responses to discussion points. (10 mins.)

6.         CLOSING PRAYERS

v     Closing Prayer as in the Order Prayers for Meetings of the Order.

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.

.

Last updated: 12/02/2006