2007 Summer ACT

(Academy for Contemporary Theology)

Theme:  Ministering to Families

 

About  SUMMER ACT...

St. Bernard's Academy for Contemporary Theology provides an opportunity and forum to explore and reflect theologically on issues of contemporary relevance.  This year’s program will focus on ministering to families.

• Open to anyone interested in engaging in contemporary theological discussion and exploration.

•  Certification students may use these courses for their program.

• To facilitate effective planning, we urge you to register at least one week before each course begins.

  

Classes take place at:

St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry

120 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618. 

 

 Course Descriptions

 

The Challenges of Modern Family Life (Tom McDade Clay)

Join us as we explore modern family life and the struggles and challenges facing our families.  This course will look at historical understandings of family and relate these to the variety of familial configurations in our communities including single parent, blended, grand parents as parents and same-sex parenting.  We will examine a range of issues facing families today including morality, violence, consumerism, over-scheduling and the encroachment of work into family time.  Participants will look at how the Church can support family life and the ways in which parents and extended families can reinforce each other. 

July 12 & 18:  6:30 – 9:00 pm

Tom McDade Clay, Director of Certification Program, St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry

 

Understanding Change in Parishes (Bernard Grizard)

Parishes today are undergoing major changes affecting the very core of our Christian belief and local practice. We will examine these changes by reflecting on the spiritual component of change within a parish context and by dialoging with a panel of parish leaders of our Diocese. Based on their insight and reflection, this course will offer a dialogue platform in order to find ways to cope, understand, and provide leadership in this challenging time.

July 17 & 19:   6:30 – 9:00 pm

Bernard Grizard, Director, Parish Support Ministries, Diocese of Rochester

 

Will Our Faith Have Children? (Michael Theisen)

The recent National Study of Youth & Religion yields some fascinating findings regarding passing on of faith to children and teens that parents and parish leaders need to both hear and heed. Come for an in-depth look at what this pivotal research reveals about the Catholic faith, and the practices and beliefs of youth and families today. The program will also address what we (the whole church) should be doing to fully form young people and families in faith.

July 23 & 24:   6:30 – 9:00 pm

Michael Theisen, Director of Membership Services for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Washington, D.C.

 

Aging As a Spiritual Journey (Gratia L’Esperance, RSM)

Ministering to senior Catholics involves being alert to life changes and questions faced by them. How does one search for meaning and purpose in later life? What are some of the spiritual needs? What does one do in the face of losses or difficult relationships?  How does one nurture spiritual health and vitality?  

July 25 & 26:   6:30 – 9:00 pm

Gratia L’Esperance, RSM, Volunteer Resource Center Support, Mercy Resource Center with the Aging

 

 REGISTER