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Missionaries of the
Sacred Heart
Last Update:
01/02/2009
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Reading and Study: Preparing
for a new mission
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Reading and study was a critically important part of our preparation for
the new project. While we each had some experience in aspects
of the ministry that may await us, there was a real need to update ourselves as
much as possible. During our time of preparation we immersed ourselves in
the study of contemporary thought and good practice in areas such as; urban
ministry of presence, missiology, the challenge of secularisation, developments
in Western European culture, evangelisation, the phenomena of postmodernism and
globalisation, multicultural ministry, and inter-faith dialogue. |
During the months of preparation a considerable amount
of our time was given to reading, study and sharing. This was a real luxury for us
and one we knew would pass only too quickly. From experience each of us
knows how hard it is to find time for reading when one is immersed in full time
ministry. This was a real chance to bring ourselves up to date before we
were immersed into the thick of ministry. The purpose of the reading and
study was not only to
broaden our knowledge but also to stimulate conversation among
us and arrive at a shared understanding of some of the complex issues
that will form part of our future ministry. Once one of us had completed
reading a book, a summary, outline or selection of quotes from the book was prepared and
circulated to the
other members of the community. Then, a couple of days later, we would
meet for several hours of sharing and conversation on the issues that arose from the
reading. As we read and discussed, so we built up a bigger picture of what
our mission may look like, and became more aware of some of the questions and dilemmas that
were facing us as we prepared to begin.
Click here for a list of the questions and issues that our study raised.
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Continuing
formation is a duty for all religious.
It should enable
them to deepen their
commitment to their vocation, community life
and mission.
MSC Constitutions, 92
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Mark and
Ton selecting reading material |
Ton presenting
research from his reading |
Carl in one of the
discussion sessions |
Listed below are the books we
read as part of our preparation. For our personal notes and summaries on pertinent parts of the
books, or extracts from the books, click on the book cover images.
We have took time to read source material on the history and
charism of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and writings on Spirituality of
the Heart. This was in preparation for the Tilburg Seminar which took
place in Tilburg in The Netherlands in February 2006. Click here for details.
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Reading List |
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Een
Theorie van de Presentie (A
Theory of
Presence) - Andries Baart, (2nd Edition, revised) Utrecht: Lemma BV,
2001 (Text in Dutch) - (Click
here for an abstract of Baart's research in PDF format)
This is a
bulky research study in Dutch of over 900 pages, describing in detail
the aspects and workings of inner city ministry: how it is done and what
it can achieve. From the description of his observations over four
years Andries Baart develops a theory of presence: its principles and
its actual approach. |
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A Presence
that Disturbs: A Call to Radical Discipleship - Anthony Gittins, Ligouri,
Missouri: Ligouri-Triumph, 2002
Jesus was a disturbing figure who challenged the society and
the status quo of his time. His essential message is that of unification and
reconciliation, of outreach and inclusion. If we are too captivated by his
dream, we act like him and become disturbers ourselves. |
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Encountering
"the Other" - Jean Vanier, Dublin: Vertias Publications, 2005
There are so many
barriers between people in the world. The purpose of the incarnation was
to bridge barriers. Our mandate as Christians is to do the same, to truly
encounter the one who is "other" to us. |
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Ministry at
the Margins - Strategy and Spirituality for Mission - Anthony Gittins,
Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2003
What does it mean
to engage in marginal ministry? Of particular interest to us was Gittins
examination of cultural baggage, the quest for meaning, the search for merging
agendas, the processes of socialisation, the dynamics of gift exchange and the
necessity of understanding and negotiating the stranger/host relationship. |
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City Limits:
Mission Issues in Postmodern Times - Joe Egan and Thomas R Whelan (Eds.),
Dublin: Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, 2004
Of particular interest was the chapter: "The Challenges of Mission in a Globalised World" by Michael
McCabe.
This compares and contrasts the opinions of leading missiologists.
Michael Amaladoss is concerned with what is becoming globalised rather than the
processes by which it is happening, noting its demonic effects on the world's
poorest. Robert Schreiter is more nuanced and sees both challenges and
opportunities for Christians to become more present to "the other" on
the doorstep. |
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Europe: The
Exceptional Case. Parameters of Faith in the Modern World - Grace
Davie, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002
Europeans
are prone to thinking that what happens in Europe today will later
happen in other parts of the World. This is not the case when it
comes to matters of faith, concludes Davie. She argues that
European religion is not a model for export; it is something distinct,
peculiar to the European corner of the world and needs to be understood
in these terms. |
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Believing in
the Future: Towards a Missiology of Western Culture - David J Bosch,
Leominster, Herefordshire: Gracewing, 1995
Bosch sketches the
contours of a missiology of Western culture concluding that five essential
ingredients will be an ecological dimension, that it be counter-cultural,
ecumenical and contextual, and that it be primarily a ministry of the laity. |
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Faithful
Cities: A Call for Celebration, Vision and Justice -
The Report from the Commission on Urban Life and Faith, London: Church
House Publishing and Methodist Publishing House,
2006
Recognising religious faith as one of the richest and
most enduring sources of dynamism and hope for our cities, this Report,
coming twenty one years after the landmark "Faith in the City", calls
upon Government to work with the churches, congregations and faith-based
communities to reduce the gap between rich and poor, to combat racism
and intolerance at all levels, and to create a flourishing society in
which all are valued. Read the summary statement of the report in
pdf format here. |
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Urban Ministry and the
Kingdom of God - Laurie Green, London: SPCK, 2003
The processes of urbanisation and globalisation tear traditional
neighbourhoods apart and many people feel disconnected. Yet a different
world is possible. |
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Evangelisation
and Culture - Aylward Shorter,
How are evangelisation and
inculturation connected to one another? What are obstacles to
evangelisation both from inside and outside the Church, and which
model of Church is required for effective evangelisation?
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The
Pastoral Circle Revisited: A Critical Quest for Truth and Transformation
- Frans Wijsen, Peter Henriot, Rodrigo Mejía
(Eds.), Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2005
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the
publication of Henriot and Holland's "Social Analysis: Linking Faith to
Justice", scholars and professionals from all five continents explore
the use of the Pastoral Circle in different contexts of practical
theology and missiology. |
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The New Catholicity:
Theology Between the Global and the Local - Robert J. Schreiter,
Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1997
A close
look at the many aspects of globalisation that challenge Christianity as
it enters its third millennium. The first chapter, which is
summarised here, examines globalisation as the contemporary context for
theology. |
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Evangelism in a Spiritual Age - Stephen Croft (Ed) and others,
London: Church House Publishing, 2005
Based on
extensive research, this book takes a detailed look at the spirituality
of people beyond the fringe of the Church and offers insightful
responses showing how the Church might address the issue of evangelism
in the twenty-first century. |
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Equipping Your Church in a Spiritual Age: A Workbook for Local Churches
- Stephen Hollinghurst (Ed) and others, London: Group for
Evangelisation, 2005
This
workbook aims at helping church groups of all denominations understand
contemporary spiritualities and gives practical ideas to suit every type
of church. |
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The Spiritual Revolution:
Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality - Paul Heelas and Linda
Woodhead, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005
Are we
living through a "spiritual revolution" in which traditional forms of
religion are giving way to new forms of spirituality? Such
questions are addressed by presenting findings from a major UK research
project charting the state of religion and spirituality in Britain
today. |
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After Religion:
"Generation X" and the Search for Meaning - Gordon Lynch, London:
Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002 This book is
currently being read. Check back later for details |
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Aspects of Islam -
Ron Geaves, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2005
A
contemporary introduction to Islam which attempts to answer the
following questions: What is Islam? What do Muslims believe? Why does
the Muslim world appear to be in such conflict? |
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Muslims
in Western Europe - Jørgen Nielsen,
Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1995
An
introduction to the social, political, cultural and religious position
of Muslims living in contemporary Europe. This book describes
their early European history and outlines the causes and courses of
twentieth-century Muslim immigration. It examines issues common to
Muslims in all European countries, such as the role of the family and
questions of worship, education and religious thought. |
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Celebrating Difference,
Staying Faithful: How to Live in a Multi-Faith World - Andrew
Wingate, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2005
A valuable
guide to living in our multi-religious society, packed with examples,
case-studies and guidelines to best practice. The book covers,
issues of interfaith dialogue, Christian presence and engagement with
other faiths, theological matters, interfaith prayer and worship, and
pastoral, community and social issues. |
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Spirituality Across
Boarders - Philip Endean SJ (Ed.), Oxford: The Way Supplement (A
Review of Christian Spirituality), 2002, Vol 104
This book is waiting to be read. Check back later
for details |
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Muslim Britain:
Communities Under Pressure - Tahir Abbas (Ed), London: Zed Books,
2005
A collection of 16 articles by leading authorities in
sociology, social geography, anthropology, theology and political
science exploring how the events of September 11th 2001 and the
subsequent "war on terror" have impacted on the lived experiences of
British Muslims |
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Understanding Theology
and Popular Culture - Gordon Lynch, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing,
2005
Drawing on
case studies, this book examines the nature and functions of popular
culture and presents a reasoned argument about the distinctive
contribution that theology can make to popular cultural studies. |
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Islam:
A very Short Introduction - Malise Ruthven, Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1997 (2000)
A brief
introduction to Islam (162 pages) containing essential insights into the
divisions between Islamic movements and groups and the central
importance of Shar'ia, some fresh perspectives on Jihad, and reflections
on how Islam is currently confronting the modern Western world.
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NEW!! No Longer Strangers: Cultural
Integration in Church and Society in Ireland - Doctrine and Life
Special Issue, Dublin: Dominican Publications, 2006
The
contributors to this special issue of the Journal Doctrine and Life
examine questions concerning the experience of migration, what it means
for the migrants, what it means for the host communities and what it can
mean for a deeper mutual understanding within the human family. |
Dilemmas and Questions Raised by our Study and Reflection
Temptation to adopt
interventionist approach so as to feel you are doing something and making a
difference. Baart’s thesis: our society has grown into an interventionist
society and we hardly know how to be present any more.
We need to be honest
– we are a group of religious, we want to be in the neighbourhood in order
to know the people and know what it means to live here. We want to know what
life does to people here.
Again, be honest.
This will influence the choice we make about ministry and activity – we need
to be fair to people – not encourage a dependency that cannot be sustained.
There is more
spirituality about than is often suspected, but it is not mediated through
the conventional institutional structures (churches). Where and how are
people searching for meaning? How is this intertwined with a spiritual
search? The type of connection we are hoping to establish (presence) is a form
of primary (or pre) evangelisation.
Cheap service
providers vs critical friends (Laurie Green’s category)
Question of
Spirituality of the Heart and our Charism. How dialogue becomes a modus operandi
for living our charism and spirituality –
dialogue of life as well as dialogue of discourse. - See Tony Arthur's
reflection paper.
Question of links to
local parish and other churches, interfaith links, etc. What about those
who are attracted by our faith and spirituality… how support and sustain
them? How make appropriate connections to a local worshipping community (if
such exists)? What about ourselves as a local worshipping community (open
the house for neighbourhood prayer). Facilitation of local liturgy?
Sacraments, rituals, funerals, etc.
See especially "Report on
Evangelisation in England and Wales, 2002," (Catholic Bishops' Conference and
the Catholic Mission Society) – different models of pre-evangelisation;
presence, wordless witness, Celtic model, etc. (pp.133-141). See also
"Evangelism in a Spiritual Age" - especially chapter 4.
Unlike many
missionaries we are leaving home to go on
mission, but coming back with great regularity: living the tension of a
permanent foot
in two camps – living in a neighbourhood of mission and simultaneously
living in relationship with 8 sponsoring Provinces to whom we are
accountable. How live this tension creatively?
Negotiating the
cultural and social dynamics so as to position ourselves in the most
appropriate relationship for mission in the neighbourhood. Becoming
significant others.
Learning how to be in
appropriate gift-exchange relationships as strangers (participant outsiders)
in the neighbourhood.
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