THE STUDY PLAN

As a preparation for our World Congress in Sydney in 2002, we are inviting our alumnae to join in a reflection/study process with the central theme of RECONCILIATION. We believe that in this way, we can dispose our minds and hearts most effectively for the work of the conference as well as deepen our awareness of what it means to be an alumna of the Sacred Heart.

INTRODUCTION

The study plan invites us on a journey towards reconciliation. It is designed to deepen our love and understanding of God, self and each other.

Our wish is that this study plan will be embraced in a new spirit of openness, hope and joy.

As this plan is being shared by some 35 participating countries, we would like it to accommodate differences of languages, cultures and social or national situation. Some of these differences may well be reflected in the way each of us approaches aspects of the plan. However, the tradition and formation we all share as part of the international Sacre Coeur community gives us the unity and strength to live out the challenges which Jesus place before us. One of these challenges calls us to be reconciled at every level of our lives.

It is through this reconciliation process that our authenticity as Christians will be known.

This study plan is intended as a guide only - to foster exploration, discussion and action.

You should feel free to add, elaborate on, or delete sections as your own wishes and requirements dictate.

We would appreciate any feedback you may wish to send us about this plan. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you will share experiences of your progress. We also welcome suggestions for any recommended reading or other helpful material you have used, including poetry, treasured music, films, photographs of special places that may expand everyone's experience of reconciliation.

It is preferable that all participants join this process at the beginning of the 3-year period, however, groups should also feel free to welcome new members at any time. We would like to emphasise that every person's individual experience is a jewel to be gathered as this process unfolds. Therefore it is important to record the main points of discussion and experience as this will assist you in charting your journey as well as writing your reports.

Throughout the study plan, biblical references have been carefully chosen to assist in focussing your thoughts on various aspects of reconciliation. These references can be read aloud at study sessions, but can also be used in private. Participants are also encouraged to find and share their own biblical references. At the end of 2001, previous reports should be amalgamated into a final report, and this, including a report on your project, will be a special contribution to our next World Congress.

THE THEME:

RECONCILIATION;One definition •'to restore peace and friendship'.

Reconciliation can refer to the change from anger or hostility to love, friendship and intimacy. It places value on mutuality, connectedness, relations between people and healing divisions. (From proceedings of WUCWO World Assembly, 1996).

SUMMARY OF TASK:

It is anticipated that the study plan will be divided into stages, with each stage occupying up to one year of the projected period for the completion of the plan. However, study groups may find that they devote more or less time or emphasis to various stages depending on particular experiences, interests and priorities.
SOURCE MATERIAL FOR USE AT EACH STAGE OF THE PLAN.
Clicking on each of the following stages will bring you to another page with all its details.

STAGE I • 1999:
Explore the idea of reconciliation with self and reconciliation with God. Complete short summary report for submission to the Study Committee.

STAGE II • 2000:
Explore reconciliation as it relates to family, community, country and the world. Complete a short summary report.

STAGE III • 2001:
Choose an action-based project and complete final report for possible presentation to the AMASC World Congress in Sydney, Australia in 2002.

STAGE IV • 2002:
AMASC World Congress, April 2002.

SOURCE OF TASK:

The Documents of the 1994 General Chapter of the Society of the Sacred Heart encourage us to 'nurture life by education to reconciliation'.

BOOKLIST for Discussion on the Study Plan-Reconciliation - March 1999

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