Symposium
Liturgy and the Child Symposium
(+ MAPS-CGS Reunion!)
“Within the Christian community, special attention should be given to children. Not only do children need accompaniment in their growth, but they have much to give to the community of believers. When the apostles argue among themselves about who is the greatest, Jesus puts a child at the center, presenting the child as a criterion for entering the Kingdom (cf. Mk 9:33-37). The Church cannot be synodal without the contribution of children, who are bearers of missionary potential, being valued. The voice of the child is needed by the community.” – For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission—Final Document, par. 61.
Since 2005, Aquinas Institute has been in partnership with CGSUSA, offering theological and pastoral education to complement the solid catechetical formation offered in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd courses. Over 75 catechists now find themselves richly prepared to bring the wisdom of the Church into their work with children and their caregivers. After two decades, CGS wishes to offer something new in return: the opportunity for academics to enrich their own theological and pastoral research with insights from children. Responding to the call of Pope Francis and the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, we recognize that “[n]ot only do children need accompaniment in their growth, but they have much to give the community of believers.”
The Symposium
This coming March 10-12, Aquinas Institute has invited eight scholars with a special focus on liturgy from a variety of institutions to partner with Aquinas MAPS-CGS alumni who can help them to explore how the voices of children might contribute to their research. The symposium—overseen by Dr. Christy Condyles—will include time for prayer, the presentation of new research, and guided group discussion around the fruits of that research. In the months following the symposium, scholars will continue to work toward the publication of their research for the wider Church community.
The Reunion
The symposium will be immediately followed by a reunion event for MAPS-CGS alumni beginning with cohort-based reunion luncheons on March 12. The afternoon and evening of March 12 as well as the morning of March 13 will be dedicated to discussion of ways catechists can integrate methods of theological reflection and sociocracy to further the work of the Synod in calling forth the voices of children in the Church. These sessions will be facilitated by Trinka Hamel (MAPS-CGS 2014 Cohort) and Joann Terranova (MAPS-CGS 2011 Cohort)
The reunion will include a memorial service for alumni who have passed away, a celebratory dinner (with skits???), an unveiling of the famous Chex Box, and a closing Eucharist at 11:30 on March 13.
Additional Details
Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, both the symposium and reunion are free to all MAPS-CGS alumni who are able to participate. Alumni can choose to participate in both parts of the gathering or just one, as their schedule allows. The only costs to participants are travel and lodging expenses. A block of rooms is currently being held until February 11 at The Element Hotel, a short walk from Aquinas Institute. Cohorts might also choose to room together at local AirBnBs.
Alumni wishing to register for the symposium and/or reunion can do so here. For those participating in the symposium a synopsis of the research papers being presented will be sent out by mid-February.
Questions?
