In November the Faculty of Theology here at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth are organising an international conference on ‘Models of Priestly Formation. Assessing the Past, Reflecting on the Present, and Imagining the Future’ and an international list of speakers will address the theme
Rationale: The purpose of the conference will be:
- to reflect on the issue of priestly formation since Vatican II
- to assess the current situation
- to look at best practice from elsewhere
- to imagine new models of priestly formation into the future.
Priestly formation is a universal and international need in the Church. The promulgation of the new Ratio fundamentalis (2016) provides a road “roadmap” for this formation. The conference will reflect on existing models of priestly formation in dialogue with key ecclesial documents including Pastores Dabo Vobis and the new Ratio fundamentalis. The conference coincides with the twenty-fifth anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores dabo vobis (1992).
Themes to be covered include:
- the qualities required of those entering formation,
- models of priesthood,
- formation for collaborative ministry
- training in safeguarding
The conference will hear perspectives from Europe, North America and beyond. It will consider how the new Ratio might be implemented in diverse cultural and ecclesial contexts and examine the important challenges facing priestly formation into the future.
The conference is specifically aimed at formators, vocations directors, bishops, and congregational leaders and others engaged in seminary formation.
The conference will begin on Thursday evening 16 November and conclude at lunchtime on Saturday 18 November. Full Programme and Brochure
For further information including registration and accommodation details, please contact: formationconference@spcm.ie