The Western Theological Institute -  some activities since its foundation
 

Preparing for the New Syllabus in Religious Education

For the first time, religion teachers had an opportunity to take a module in religious education as part of their Master’s Degree in Education at NUI Galway. Since September, Eamonn Conway and Eugene Duffy have been giving secondary teachers and catechists courses in ecclesiology and the relationship between faith and culture. Lectures took place at the Newman Institute in Ballina.

Links with St Angela’s in Sligo

Attracta Shields taught on the Certificate in Counselling Psychology course at St Angela’s and is also the Academic Director for a course in Non-formal Guidance to Youthreach and Community Training Workshop employees. Eugene Duffy taught a module in theology to Second Year students from the College who were in Galway for a month-long study period at NUIG.

Diploma Course at GMIT to be developed further

The Diploma in Religious Studies at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology is entering its third year and plans are being made to develop this successful programme into a full academic degree. During this semester more than twenty students came to class twice a week, taking courses in Eschatology, Creation, The Creative and the Sacred. Lecturers included Joe Pollard, Siobhan Garrigan, Eugene Duffy, Eamonn Conway and Mary Troy.

A Forum for Priests

An atmosphere of openness and honest reflection permeated the three one-day workshops entitled Graced Horizons – Ministry after the Mid-life years. Thirty priests from all over the Province participated. The workshops explored the management of stress, contemporary challenges to Christian faith, and the role and responsibility of the priest. Delight was expressed that such a forum exists, for honest, informed and critical reflection on the personal and ministerial issues facing clergy today. Comments made in the evaluation sheets included: "Thank God for these clergy education opportunities";"at last, an opportunity to move into the darkness knowing that Christ can be found there"; "inspiring and uplifting and a reason to continue the struggle".
 

One Bread, One Body – Many views

The recent document on the Eucharist was the subject of theological reflection at special clergy conferences in Achonry, Galway and Clonfert. Eugene Duffy situated the document in the context of current theological approaches to Eucharistic theology. He also drew attention to the need for good quality liturgical celebrations of the Eucharist.

Meanwhile Eamonn Conway addressed the Elphin deaneries on the Millennium theme for this year " a great pilgrimage to the house of the Father whose unconditional love for every human creature we discover anew each day". The discussion focussed on the need, in our own prayer, to work out of an understanding of God’s unconditional love; also the need to build communities which image this love for the whole of society.

Listening to the Voice of the Survivors

Three seminars on Child Sexual Abuse were held in Galway in November. The presentation which will stay longest in people’s minds was that of  "Margaret", herself a survivor of clerical sexual abuse. There was anger, but no bitter words, only a desire for understanding and healing. "Margaret" spoke with dignity, gently calling the Church she still loves beyond legalities to honesty and genuine pastoral care. Participants, who were drawn from across the caring professions, acknowledged the dilemma of those in authority but felt compassion needs to be extended to all involved in the tragedy; to victims, but also to those who have abused. Disappointment was expressed repeatedly that in particular more of those in positions of leadership and responsibility in the Church were not in attendance.
 

Meeting the Young Priests of the Province

During the semester a small number of the younger priests in the province attended a series of afternoons reflecting on the challenges they are encountering in their ministry. Many were just delighted with the opportunity to meet their class-mates from other dioceses. Those who participated have suggested topics which the Institute hopes to address over the next few months.

Revitalising our Liturgies

Close on a hundred people spent three very successful evenings in, Knock and in Esker, designing exciting Advent and Christmas liturgies. Presenters included Siobhan Garrigan, Eugene Duffy, Enda Lyons, and Sarah Greenham.