Discovering the
Secrets ​of the 'Lodestone:
How our Sacred Scriptures can renew and revitalise 'weary' Catholic School Communities in a post-covid world?

Formation for Leadership
Target Audience:  Assistant Principals

Overview
For many centuries the ancient Vikings possessed a secret navigational aide that enabled them to traverse the Northern seas even in the midst of storms and thick fog. Their secret was a special magnetised rock, the Lodestone or Lead-stone, that served as a compass in the midst of a treacherous environment. Utilising the metaphor of the Lodestone this retreat experience will immerse Catholic school leaders, the ‘Keepers of the Stone’, in the wonder and beauty of our Christian ‘Lodestone’ – the Sacred Scriptures.
 
Over the course of two days, Principals and Assistant Principals will be given an opportunity to ‘catch their breath’ and reflect upon some the scriptural ‘secrets’ that may guide their religious leadership within their school communities, after the tumultuous impact of the recent and ongoing Covid pandemic.
 
In particular, the retreat will endeavour to gently break open the scriptures from the cultural perspective of 1st Century Palestine and explore how Jesus’ counter-cultural message provided hope and inspiration to a weary Jewish community weighed down by oppression and injustice. In addition, it will also take the opportunity explore Pope Francis’ insights into the COVID pandemic: ‘Let us Dream: The Path to a Better Future’.

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Aims
With this program participants will:
  • Encounter the Scriptures anew through the cultural lens of 1st Century Palestine;
  • Explore how the counter-cultural messages of Jesus is even more relevant today in rebuilding wellbeing and spirituality within school communities in a post-COVID environment
  • Examine the dreams and wisdom of Pope Francis for a post-COVID future
  • Reflect upon their own leadership vision and style in response to the challenges of the Gospel
  • Enjoy some ‘Sabbath’ time with a community, to help nurture and restore their personal wellbeing and spirituality
Duration
The two-day retreat will combine storytelling, scripture and the use of metaphors to highlight the key themes. Participants are given frequent opportunities for personal reflection and discussion with their peers so as to ascertain the relevance of the input to the unique context of their school community.

Facilitators
Dr Dan White

Date
Thursday 26th May and 27th May,2022

Venue
St Joseph's House, Perthville

Books Require
Let us Dream: The Path to a Better Future - Pope Francis
Ancient World - Dr Dan White

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