FORMATION
FORMATION 1996
Introduction
As we come to the end of the Second
Millennium, it is appropriate that we take up the challenge of Our Holy Father, Pope John
Paul II, to prepare for the Great Jubilee which the whole Church will celebrate in
the year 2000.
According to the programme which Pope John
Paul outlined in his Apostolic Letter Tertio Millenio Adveniente, the Jubilee of the Year
2000 is to be a 'great prayer of praise and thanksgiving, especially for the gift of the
Incarnation of the Son of God and of the Redemption which he accomplished.'
From 1997 to 1999, the Pope wishes us to be
involved in this strictly preparatory phase. The first year will be devoted to a
reflection on Christ, the Word of God, made man by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1998 will
be dedicated in a particular way to the Holy Spirit, so that we will develop a renewed
appreciation of the presence and activity of the Spirit. For us who are members of the
Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross, this will allow us to reflect on how the life
of the Order depends very much upon our faith in the presence of the Holy Spirit in all
the works of the Order. Finally, in 1999, we will be encouraged to see things in the
perspective of Christ: 'in the perspective of the "Father who is in heaven",
from whom the Lord was sent and to whom he has returned.';
This scenario provides the reason for our
programme for this year. All of us can echo the plea of the first disciples of the Lord
who on more than on occasion said to him: 'Lord, teach us to pray.' In the providence of
God, we do well to take up the final section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which
is devoted to Christian Prayer. Commentators are unanimous is describing this section of
the Catechism as being truly outstanding for the manner in which it draws together the
rich tradition of the whole Catholic Church on this most important subject.
The themes which are developed in the
Formation Programme for this year are taken very much from the material contained in the
Catechism. I strongly urge all members to purchase a copy of the Catechism which is now
available in pocket edition, complete and unabridged, for $14.95. It will provide a wealth
of information and inspiration for every Catholic home.
The themes have been placed in the context
of a passage from Sacred Scripture. I recommend a period of silence after the Scripture
Reading. The movement of the Holy Spirit will lead us on to personal prayer. The Message
is really a summary of the material contained in the Catechism. However, what is more
important is the time given to the Exercise and to the Sharing.
I suggest that your Branch consider the
possibility of inviting some qualified person to address a meeting during the year on the
topic of prayer and spiritual growth. It would also be good for the Branch to arrange a
Day of Prayer, if it is not possible for the members to attend a weekend Retreat. Some of
the members will remember the custom of the annual Retreat for Catholic Men. This year
would be a wonderful opportunity for us to renew this praiseworthy practice.
Once again I wish to assure you that I am
always happy to receive any comments or advice on how the Formation Programme can be
improved or made more relevant to the needs of the Members of the Order. Be assured that I
shall often remember you in my own prayers as you endeavour to pray as Jesus teaches you
to pray.
'Temuniana'
150 Queen Street Most Reverend P J Connors
Altona Victoria 3018 National Chaplain
The Scripture quotations contained herein
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.
Reflections on
Part 4: Christian Prayer
in
Catechism of the Catholic Church
A Catholic Awareness Programme
Formation Programme Themes 1996
- Prayer is the Process of making the Faith Personal
- The Psalms, The Prayer of the Assembly
- The Prayer of Jesus
- Guides for Prayer
- Expressions of Prayer
- The Battle of Prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer ( Part A)
- The Lord’s Prayer (Part B)
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.
