Catholic Earthcare Australia, an ecological agency established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, will host an Australia-wide Convocation of Catholic Leadership on September 4-5, to continue its emphasis upon personal change as being at the heart of leading community change.
Director of Catholic Earthcare, Bernard Holland said those in senior leadership roles in the Catholic Church in Australia are responding to the teachings of Pope John Paul II who called for “an ecological conversion”.
“Many are responding to caring for our common home through managing systemic changes, however it’s not until we change our own heart, mind and daily practices that we live an ecological vocation and become a leader by example,” Mr Holland said.
Mr Holland said behavioural change is at the core of all conversion and leaders are a key part of this change.
The Convocation has been placed in the two days leading up to the National Catholic Education Conference (NCEC) and will challenge attendees to address systemic practices in their own lives.
“It will also offer practical solutions from leading presenters and remind us all of our place in the world,” Mr Holland said.
There will also be a large youth component to the event with key youth presenters in the main forum and at workshops.
Fr Stephen Hackett MSC, General Secretary of the Bishops Conference, said young people, including young Catholics, are highly engaged in the pursuit of social and ecological justice.
“This gathering will support them in that effort and also provide an opportunity for them to develop their faith and to grow as leaders for our changing world,” he said.
Catholic Earthcare’s Youth Coordinator, Clare Vernon, will be conducting a national competition for youth aged 16-25, to both help identify the top 20 speakers to attend the convocation with support and sponsorship from Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund. Registrations are now open. Go to www.catholicearthcare.org.au.
To play its part in helping protect the health of earth, and its inhabitants, Catholic Earthcare Australia is mandated, through the activities of education, research and advocacy to give leadership in responding to Pope John Paul II’s call to “stimulate and sustain the ecological conversion”.
With thanks to Catholic Earthcare Australia.
