Friday April 27th, 2018
8 am | Registration begins |
10-30 am | Brunch |
12 noon | Welcome and Opening Prayer |
12-30 pm | Understanding Dignity: theological developments and debates (Tina Beattie)
An introductory session considering how themes of dignity have been addressed in postconciliar documents, up to and including Laudato Si’. |
2 pm | Refreshment break |
2-30 | Dignity and Difference: what does it all mean: How will it all end? (Tina Beattie)
A reflection on dignity as a characteristic of being, and dignity as an aspect of doing in the context of means and ends. I ask what it means for creatures to fulfill their potential for dignity, and how an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference contributes to that. |
4pm | Stretch Break |
5-45pm | Dinner |
7pm | Working for Dignity amidst Diversity: The role of conscience (Catherine Cavanagh)
An exploration of biblical and Church teachings on conscience. This session will include some storytelling and consideration of the need for discernment and courage in addressing social injustice and exclusion. |
9pm | Wine and Cheese |
Saturday, April 28th, 2018
7-00 – 8-30 am | Breakfast |
9am | Morning Prayer |
9-15 am | Difference in Ontario Catholic Schools: Ministry and Hospitality at the Border of Belonging (Catherine Cavanagh)
Reflections on questions of belonging and justice arising from the Ontario Catholic school context. How do we deal with marginalization in Catholic schools particularly around the issues of religion, gender and sexual identity? What lessons might arise from the Ontario Catholic school context for the larger Church, and what direction might schools (and Church) take in the future to promote inclusion and social justice? |
10-45 am | Refreshment Break |
11-15 am | Fostering Conversation (Cathy and Tina)
A brief description of the growth of Catholic Women Speak as a response to the need for all voices to be heard in conversation. This will be followed by interactive small group discussions allowing participants to explore current contexts and the issues around dignity and difference that they personally encounter, along with possible solutions. Topics will be introduced by the speakers and discussed at round tables by participants. |
12-45 pm | Lunch |
1-45 pm | Open Forum and Dialogue with the Speakers
Participants may bring forth questions or reflections that arose from the previous sessions. Presenters may provide greater depth or clarity to topics introduced in the earlier presentations. |
3-30 pm | Closing Session |
3-30 pm | Closing Prayer |