NZ Catholic Education Convention 2009

At this year’s NZ Catholic Education Convention, delegates will be encouraged to “be the change” by taking action to become better educators and to contribute their faith, values and Catholic understandings to a fast changing world.

“Be the Change” is the official theme of the Convention, which has attracted over 1000 registrations and will take place 29-31 July at the Wellington Convention Centre.

NZ Catholic Education Office’s Chief Executive Officer, Brother Pat Lynch FSC, says this change can be achieved through, “collective and individual actions, delivered through inspiration, leadership and service”.

There will be no lack of inspiration at the event, with a line up of quality speakers and challenging topics.

The first keynote presentation will be Professor Gerald Grace’s, “Challenges to Catholic Schools Internationally and in New Zealand”. He will be followed by Brother Lynch who will speak about “New Zealand Catholic Schools Today”.

On the second day Professor Michael Paul Gallagher will deliver his keynote address, “The Courage of our Difference; Forming a Christian Imagination”.

The final keynote presentation, “Pilgrimage - Supporting Lifelong Faith Development,” will be delivered on the third day by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Young People.

Brother Lynch says the Convention will provide “opportunities for personal, professional and spiritual development”.

In addition to keynote addresses there will be a range of seminars, a Convention Mass, opportunities for meditation, and social events such as a Convention Dinner.

The bishops’ representative on the New Zealand Catholic Education Office Board, Bishop Peter Cullinane of Palmerston North, hopes the Convention will be “an experience of what happens for each when our concern is for all”.

“The Catholic character of our schools is not limited to the environment of the school, but looks for expression in what our schools stand for through an ever outward-looking commitment to the common good. That is the dynamic of the Gospel and the values of Jesus Christ. We are at our best when we give of our best”.