Fostering a vocation culture
Say the word "vocation" and the priesthood or religious life immediately come to mind. But what about individuals called to live the gospel as single or married persons?
Fostering a vocation culture where all of these groups are helped and encouraged to respond to what they are called to be is a focus of a national conference in Halifax April 13-16 at The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites. Come to the waters: Called to be sent is a conference of the National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors. For the first time, attendees will extend beyond the association to include young adults, members of the Knights of Columbus and members of The Catholic Women's League of Canada. More than 125 participants from Canada and the United States are expected.
The keynote speaker will be Fr. Anthony Gittins, an international missionary expert, author and social anthropologist. His written works include the recently-released book, Called to be sent: Co-Missioned as disciples today (2008, Liguori Publications). Fr. Gittins is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost (Spiritans). He teaches graduate theology in Chicago - where he also works with homeless women - and undertakes anthropological and theological research in a number of countries from Africa to the Pacific.
The facilitator will be Sr. Elizabeth Davis, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and Labrador. Sr. Davis is an active participant on board and system-wide committees and task forces in both health care and educational systems. She served as one of three commissioners on the royal commission on renewing and strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador's place in Canada. Among her many awards is an appointment as a member of the Order of Canada.
For further information, contact Marie Weeren
(902) 404-3555
10thfloorsolutions@eastlink.ca