Post date: Sep 4, 2012 11:19:47 PM

Empowering the Church

For the Mission of Charity and Justice

A special invitation to deacons, wives of deacons and others interested in empowering the Church for mission based on the diaconal charisms of charity and justice.

When

Friday September 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM EDT

-to-

Monday September 24, 2012 at 1:00 PM EDT

Where

Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers

55 Ryder Road

Ossining, NY 10545

Background:

In January 2009, Maryknoll gathered a dozen deacon couples from around the country for a four day retreat to explore how the diaconate could better engage in the mission of the Church, particularly in overseas mission. This initial gathering generated much excitement and great ideas for mission, and resulted in the strong desire for a second opportunity to further explore Diakonia and Mission.

To build on this experience, Maryknoll hosted a second gathering on Friday, May 7 to Monday, May 10, 2010 at Maryknoll, New York. We again came together to pray, reflect, and share in a seminar setting with the goal of generating ideas and plans on how to engage the deacon community in mission and postition the deacon community to become a driving force for mission in the U.S. Church.

In April 2011, the third gathering was held with the theme of Implementation of the Maryknoll Deacon Initiative, which resulted in the creation of a concrete plan based on a three prong approach:

1. mission education formation,
2. mission immersion experiences, and
3. animating others for mission.

For more information about the Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners Program visit our website at www.deacon.maryknoll.us

Hopes for the Gathering:

Building on the success of the previous three years, the hopes of the fourth gathering include:

Ongoing reflection and dialogue on the scriptural and theological connections between the diaconal ministry of charity and justice and the evangelical mission of the Church.

Exploring the challenges and opportunities for the diaconal community to empower the faithful in the mission of charity and justice both at home and abroad; and helping them to see the connection between the two, particularly through the lens of global solidarity.

Developing concrete plans for empowering the faithful in the mission of charity and justice both at home and abroad; and helping them to see the connection between the two particularly through the lens of global solidarity.

Evaluating the 2012 Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners Plan and develop the 2013 Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners Plan.

Expectations for Participants:

• Active involvement in the diaconal community; with a focus on charity and justice ministry, mission, or deacon formation
• For non-deacons, actively involved in church-related mission activities who are interested in helping the diaconal community become more involved in mission.
• Willingness to participate actively in the gathering through a collaborative, seminar style format.
• Prior to the gathering, to have read “What is the mission of the Church?” and the written minutes and material from the 2011 Gathering.

For More Information

Please contact one of the Co-Directors:

Deacon Steven DeMartino / sdemartino@maryknoll.org / (914) 941-7590 x 2416

Deacon Matt Dulka / mdulka@maryknoll.org / (510) 276-5021