A Time for Lay People

Mosaic in Irish College Chapel, by Fr Marko Ivan Rupnik SJ, carried out by Centro Aletti

Return to the Source - rediscovering the meaning of our baptism, is the title of a summer course lead by Michael Drumm for laypeople at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, from 18 – 24 July 2010.

A parish is a community working and praying together. The true measure of any parish is the involvement of its lay people in all aspects of life and ministry. Some give generously of their time on the parish council or on the finance committee, as a collector or a counter, in music or in administration, in education or in youth work, in family support or in mission awareness, as cleaners or flower arrangers.

Many undertake ministries associated with the sacraments: liturgy groups, readers, Eucharistic ministers, baptismal team, funeral group. Others are members of associations like the St Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, St Joseph’s Young Priests Society, prayer groups, lectio divina, ACCORD, Cura, Pioneer Association. In these situations, the church comes to life as the Gospel is proclaimed. The church teaches that such lay involvement flows from the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. An important task facing the church today is a rediscovery of the meaning of our baptismal calling.

Rome is a fascinating place to rediscover the meaning of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist in the light of the experience of the early Christian community. Lectures, liturgies and visits to significant sites in Rome and beyond will combine to deepen an appreciation of these sacraments as a participation in the saving mystery of Christ Jesus and as a call to service.
 
The cost is €870. A deposit of €250 is required to secure a place. Rooms are ensuite. Please arrange your own travel to Rome. Transfer to/from the airport in Rome entry fees, excursions in and beyond Rome, lectures and half-board are included in the cost. Those who wish to arrive prior to 18 July or remain after 24 July may do so subject to availability.

Michael Drumm is a priest of the diocese of Elphin (Ireland). Formerly Director of the Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin, he is now Chairman of the Catholic Schools Partnership. He has lectured widely on sacramental theology and on faith and ministry in the contemporary world.

His publications include Passage to Pasch (1998) and, with Tom Gunning, the two volume A Sacramental People (1999).

For more information see: www.irishcollege.org or e-mail: ufficio@irishcollege.org