Symposium on pastoral leadership issues

As part of the fourth biennial symposium on collaborative leadership in the church to be held August 1-3 in Collegeville, MN, Sister Katarina Schuth will reflect on what the past forty years since the close of Vatican II have taught us about the work of ministerial renewal. Sister Schuth will focus on the challenge of maintaining common ground in the midst of different perspectives and ideas about ministry and church life. Sister Schuth is professor of pastoral theology at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of St. Thomas. She lectures around the world and has just completed a major book on the future of seminaries and theological education. Joining her as major presenters at the symposiums are Father Ron Rolheiser OMI and Dr. Wendy Wright.

The symposium began as an effort of the Mankato Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame to broaden their ministry of education by encouraging a deep collaborative spirit among all those who work for the sake of the Gospel.

Under the title, "Leading For The Sake of the Gospel: The Vision, Experience, and Hope of the People of God," the symposium invites all those involved in ministry throughout the region to gather at Collegeville for a time of reflection, renewal, and commitment. "We purposefully design the entire symposium around shared prayer and Eucharist," says Symposium co-chair, Sister Sue Torgersen CSJ. "We believe that the vision of the Council for mission and ministry draws its strength and focus from prayer and from recalling frequently that we are a people formed by Word and Sacrament."

In addition to keynote presentations and a special panel discussion featuring several bishops from the region, the symposium will feature twelve workshops on pastoral initiatives making a difference in parishes throughout the region. Workshop leaders will share with participants the insights they have gained and the lessons they have learned.

Registration for the three-day symposium is $100 plus housing/meals for those registering before June 15. After June 15 the cost is $115. A limited number of scholarships are available. Registration information can be obtained by contacting Sister Sue Torgersen or JoAnn Borchert at the Diocese of New Ulm, Catholic Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966; Fax (507) 354-3667.