CTC Community News Tolle Lege

December 2019 .

Community news

An eventful year ends in prayer and thanksgiving

On Friday 8 November, the CTC community gathered in the Knox Lecture Room for the End-of-Year Mass, which was celebrated this as a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. As the academic year drew to a close, this was a wonderful opportunity to come together in the presence of Christ, offering our prayers and thanks as we reflected on the events of the past year and our hopes for the year to come. Our former Master, Bishop , joined us as chief celebrant, and our new Master, Very Rev. Dr Kevin Lenehan, delivered an apt and thoughtful homily (see facing page). The Mass was also an opportunity to present Bishop Shane with the College’s parting gift to him—a beautiful red chasuble and matching mitre. Following the Mass, refreshments were served with the generous assistance of the Student Representative Council, providing another less formal opportunity for the College community to farewell Bishop Shane and welcome Father Kevin to the role of Master of CTC.

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Homily The Holy Spirit and authentic reform

In his end-of-year homily, the Master Because there is plenty of Tens of thousands of Catholics and of CTC, Very Rev. Dr Kevin Lenehan, disappointment around, isn’t there? their friends are at work around the reflected on the role of the Spirit in Both inside the church and outside. The country in prayer and conversation renewing the church, and asked how, young and the older, the committed leading up to the National Plenary as a College community, we might and the hangers-on, the disillusioned Council of the Church to meet in participate in this Spirit-moved renewal. and the furious, all wondering what October 2020 and May 2021, with His homily is printed here. comes next for the church, its parishes, the intention of discerning what the communities and agencies. renewing, recreating work of the Spirit We may not yet be feeling the relief is calling us to today and tomorrow And yet the readings of the Mass of the end of the year’s work. For in . How is the Spirit at work this evening look beyond the most of us there are still exams renewing the church by making all of disappointment to the joy that to be prepared for, papers to be us more authentically the church of emerges, it seems out of nowhere, in completed, marking to be done and the incarnate, crucified and glorified the following of Jesus and his mission, results to be submitted, courses Lord Jesus? for next year to be planned and a simple gift of the good Spirit, a filling organised, new appointments to and overflowing of the heart with In a text that was very influential on familiarise ourselves with—even a energy and praise. Blessed are the the decision to convoke the Second eyes that see what you see, Jesus says Vatican Council, Fr Congar’s True and new diocese to get to know for our to his disciples (Luke 10:23). But surely False Reform (Vraie et fausse réforme celebrant, Bishop Shane! what they can see at that moment is dans l’Église, 1950, rev. 1968), four Still it is good for us as a community his inexorable journey to the capital conditions of authentic reform are of faith and learning to gather and Jerusalem and anxiety and uncertainty identified: be still, take a few deep breaths, open about the reception that awaits him 1. Efforts for reform are motivated our eyes and see each other, and and them. by charity and pastoral concern then to lift our hearts and minds to So for us who follow Jesus, the joyful for people in the lived reality of the One who has called each of us outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the their faith. They begin not with into life paths that bring us together Messiah’s recreating and renewing an organisational theory or an in this academic community. gift, is inseparable from the day-to- intellectual system, but from the And to let sink into our hearts and day journeying towards Jerusalem, to concrete realities of people of faith minds the word that God speaks the Passover from death to a new life. living out their faith in families, among us through tonight’s Scripture The disciple’s joy springs from neither in workplaces, in worshipping the confident prediction of strategic communities. Gospel-based readings. Did you hear the Lord’s word outcomes nor the naive optimism of reforms do not attempt to achieve through the prophet Joel: you will unthinking repetition of past ways. a state of purity or perfection, know that I am in the midst of you; my whether intellectual, moral or people will not be disappointed any The people of God believes that it is cultural, but strive for holiness and more (Joel 2:27). led by the Spirit of the Lord who fills integrity. the whole world (Gaudium et Spes §11). And to receive that promise as a The Lord’s Spirit is the life-principle of 2. Authentic efforts for reform seek vocation, a mission, a work of the the church, the sap flowing through to deepen the communion of Holy Spirit. How can we, individually its branches. And if there is to be the whole body of the church. and corporately as the College, authentic renewal of the church in They arise from a perception of enflesh that word of promise for Australia, it will be due to this same life- oneself and one’s community as God’s people, in all the communities principle, the Holy Spirit, flowing anew a part in relation to the whole, in which we live and serve: God is and more freely in all the branches of not the whole in itself. The fruit of in the midst of us; you will not be the church’s life, refreshing old growth the Spirit’s presence is always the disappointed any more! and stretching out in new shoots. enhancement of the common

Tolle Lege | 3 .

Community news

The Holy Spirit and authentic reform (continued)

life of the body, itself a sacrament shifting ground, and to bear the we find ourselves in the light and in the and foretaste of God’s purpose for burden of ambiguity that a pilgrim spirit of everything that the integrity the eschatological communion church exhibits. Still, it must be a of the tradition teaches us about the of all humanity and all creation. patience that knows when action meaning of the church’ There ought to be a dynamic is necessary; church leaders, says (p. 295). It means the church becoming relation between the ‘centre’ Congar, should not be too patient more authentically church. It means, (the hierarchical structure of when the good of the church above all, a recentering of the church the body) and the ‘peripheries’ is at stake. And we are surely in on Christ and his paschal mystery of where particular communities such a moment in the post–Royal dying and rising in self-giving love and live out the Christian life. Effective Commission context of Australia. generous service of others. initiatives for renewal tend to arise 4. Genuine renewal is fostered Can we as a theological community in the peripheries of the church, through a deeper connection with assist the church in its various are discerned, recognised and the living tradition of the church, communities to embody such a endorsed by the centre, and then which is nothing other than the mission of Spirit-moved renewal? In are received, consented to by the manifestation of the Holy Spirit many of our activities, we already peripheries in action. alive and active in the church do, but what else—what is the magis, 3. Authentic reform is characterised community–a more intense ‘return the more, that we are called to? How by patience with delay. This is to the sources’ (ressourcement) do we, together with the peripheries, patience not just in a chronological for the sake of a more discerning hear the challenge of the Plenary sense, as the passing of time, but and effective contemporising Council, and how do we respond? patience in an eschatological (aggiornamento) of the church’s A starting point must be that we sense. It has patience with the proclamation and mission, so that open ourselves more radically to the imperfection, the limitations, the our renewal initiatives might be Word alive and active, carried to us lack of vision and energy, the all- true developments of the apostolic on the breath of the Spirit, and that too-human frailty of the church tradition and not the distracting we become the embodiment of the from generation to generation busyness of merely external Word we receive: I am in the midst of (including ourselves)—the ability innovations. you; you will not be disappointed any to live with the struggle, to ‘sit The challenge of renewal is, as Congar more. in the fire’, to keep our feet on says, ‘to rethink the situation in which

Study Tour of the Biblical Lands 14 November – 7 December 2020 Study and discover the heart of your faith

Journey with us to the heart of your faith: contemplate Jesus on the sea of Galilee; walk the tunnels under the temple; follow Paul’s travels through Greece, and consider adding on Delphi and Crete. Come with us to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, plus Greece. Take this tour for credit or as an audit student in two units in Old and New Testaments: • BN2/3/9705C • BA2/3/9705C

Tour leaders Dr Rosemary Canavan Rev. Anthony Dean CM For more information, contact Jenny Delahunt on 9412 3333 or at [email protected].

INFORMATION SESSIONS Saturday 18 January, 2.00–4.00pm Saturday 29 February, 2.00–4.00pm Catholic Theological College 278 Victoria Parade East 4 | Tolle Lege Father Kevin reflects on his new role

Very Rev. Dr Kevin Lenehan speaks its operations within the University of body is much more international, here about his new role as Master of Divinity, with oversight of academic, gender-balanced, full- and part-time, CTC, the change and continuity he financial, and organisational and diverse in delivery modes and has observed over many years of policies and management, staffing locations, than when I was a student. association with the College, and his and succession, and strategic But the same passion for theological hopes for the future. development. The Master shares formation that is both deeply human leadership of the College with a and fully Christian and responsive to With Fr Shane Mackinlay’s Deputy Master, Academic Dean and the issues and needs of our context appointment as Bishop of Sandhurst Associate Dean, and represents the exists today. this year, the vote fell to me, another College in church and educational priest of the Diocese of , So my hopes for the College during contexts. He serves as a member to be appointed as Master for the my term as Master revolve around of the University Executive. All this is next four years. I have been greatly ensuring the academic quality to foster and serve the academic humbled by the strong vote of and pastoral suitability of CTC’s theological formation of the College’s confidence expressed through the offerings, and to make them known almost 400 audit, undergraduate, nomination and election process, and accessible as widely as possible postgraduate and research students, and by the many encouraging to our sponsoring bodies and the and more than seventy permanent messages from around the country wider church community. I’m very and sessional academics and on the news of my appointment. conscious that during my term the administrative staff. Australian Church will undertake the CTC was established in the early My association with Catholic Plenary Council that our parishes, 1970s to provide teaching and Theological College began in 1983 agencies and individuals have research in the disciplines of when I (together with Fr Gregory been preparing for. What will be theology, philosophy, biblical Tait of the Ballarat Diocese) began the contribution of CTC’s students and pastoral studies. The College ordination studies at the College, and staff to the discernment and Constitution states that CTC “exists located then with the seminary next deliberation of mission priorities for the academic formation of to in Clayton. I had of the Catholic Church into the ordination candidates, religious very happy years as a student of future? Also, the opening of the and lay people, for the pastoral CTC and knew at the time that I was academic year in 2022 will mark the service of the Church, principally receiving a high-quality education 50th anniversary of the College, a in Victoria and Tasmania.” Since its in all the fields of theology. It was significant opportunity to celebrate foundation, CTC has been a member only years later, however, as a the achievements of the past and of the (formerly postgraduate and doctoral student recommit to the College’s mission Melbourne College of Divinity) at the Catholic University of Louvain and role in a very different church founded in 1910, one of the oldest in Belgium, that I came to appreciate and society from that of 1973. continuing ecumenical institutes in more fully the excellence of CTC and the world. its lecturers in those years. So, like my What does the Master of CTC do? colleagues teaching and researching Well, I’m learning that day by day as at CTC, I feel a sense of gratitude This is an edited extract from an article that originally appeared in the newsletter of I begin working in this role. Basically, and responsibility to provide for a the Archdiocese of Ballarat, Our Diocesan the Master is the Chief Academic new generation the same excellent Community. It is reproduced here with Officer and CEO of the College and theological education. The student permission.

5 | Tolle Lege Community news

Ordination of Bishop Shane Mackinlay

On Wednesday 16 October, a large contingent from CTC were among the almost 2,000 people who gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, for the ordination of Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay, Eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, to the episcopacy. Archbishop , Archbishop of Melbourne, was the principal consecrator at the Solemn Mass, joined by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, Bishop Emeritus of Sandhurst, and Bishop CSsR of Ballarat as co-consecrators. Among the almost thirty bishops and 300 clergy present were Archbishop Tito Adolfo Ylana, the Papal Nuncio to Australia, and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop . Bungaree and Gordon, colleagues us, and valuing and celebrating the In his homily, Archbishop Comensoli from CTC and the University of riches that are brought by each reflected on the special pastoral call Divinity, the clergy and religious of member of our community,” he said. of bishops: “It is for all of us—bishops, Sandhurst and his fellow bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay A number of people from the CTC particularly his predecessor Bishop faithful—to join in the singing of Christ community played special roles in Leslie Tomlinson. into this time and place,” he observed. the Mass, including Sr Frances Baker “Yet, as Paul goes on to note, we each Acknowledging the challenges of RSM, who read the second reading, have a particular voice with which to being Catholic in contemporary and Deacon Denjib J. Suguitan, who proclaim the song of Jesus Christ. So, Australia and the disillusionment proclaimed the gospel. to a few, the apostolic voice is given of many in the church, he assured For those who could not be there in as a definitive character. Bishops are the congregation that “I take those person, the episcopal ordination was those among us to whom the song challenges very seriously; responding live-streamed and can be viewed of Christ’s life takes on that particular to them must be integral to whatever via the Diocese of Sandhurst website shape and sound belonging to the we do” (www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au). Shepherd.” “We can only be faithful to this by The photographs in this article are In his address, Bishop Shane thanked placing our trust in God, sharing our reproduced with the kind permission of the friends from his parishes in Ballarat, gifts generously with those around Diocese of Sandhurst.

6 | Tolle Lege Tolle Lege | 7 Book launch

No conflict between science and faith

On the evening of Thursday 7 they are arguing against. Indeed, it’s November, the College was pleased often difficult for believers to recognise to host the launch of Rev. Dr Chris their faith in the account given of it by Mulherin’s new book, Science Dawkins and his associates. We might and Christianity: Understanding well say, “I understand completely the conflict myth. Part of Garratt why you wouldn’t believe in a God Publishing’s Faith Today series, this like that; neither do I!” Piers Plowman, easy-to-read book provides a clear reviewing Dawkins’ latest book, recently the properties we should expect if and engaging introduction to the described him as “a brilliant interpreter there is, at bottom, no design, no relationship between science and of science, butterfly net and sword of purpose, no evil and no good, nothing Christian faith for students, teachers, truth in hand, on the hunt for mythical but blind pitiless indifference.” clergy, and interested lay people. beasts created by his own prejudice” Bishop Shane Mackinlay returned to (The Tablet, 21 September 2019, p. 19). Chris’ particular interest is debunking CTC to launch the book. His speech is what he calls the “conflict myth”, A parallel criticism can certainly not printed here. which is the view that science and be levelled at Chris’ book. It’s very clear Christianity are set in an intrinsic that he is deeply familiar not only with For the last fifteen years, whenever conflict with one another, summed Christian faith, but also with science one has a conversation about science up in comments such as: “I believe in and its history, and with philosophy. and religion, four figures hovering in science, so I couldn’t be a Christian.” Moreover, as well as knowing each of the background are those of the so- His essential argument is to distinguish these areas, he is passionate about called ‘new atheists’: Richard Dawkins, questions about meaning, which them and an advocate for them. Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett lead to the formation of a worldview, He does this without giving in to the and Sam Harris. However, having from questions about mechanisms, temptation of an evangelical fervour, begun their interventions in 2006, they which lead to us understanding and and more by celebrating how each, are no longer ‘new’ in a strict sense, predicting what happens in the world. in complementary ways, enriches and in Chris’ admirable book, they Failing to distinguish between these our lives and our understanding. His don’t make an appearance until nearly two different kinds of question leads to insights into each of science and halfway through, which I’m sure would what he calls ‘scientism’, which asserts Christianity enhances the value that be much to their chagrin. Nonetheless, that the only legitimate worldview is he sees in the other. Thus, science they have a long shadow, and this that presumed by science. gives us more reasons to wonder book is clearly written in it. and give thanks for the ways “the Chris analyses the basis of scientism Chris presents a wonderfully lucid and heavens are telling the glory of God; as a careless and irresponsible measured defence of Christian faith and the firmament proclaims his approach to naturalism. All science against the sort of attacks that the handiwork” (Psalm 19), and also for engages in ‘methodological new atheists mounted on it. One of the the capacity of human reason to naturalism’, which describes the book’s great strengths is that it offers a understand that handiwork. On the foundations of the scientific method: critique not only of their views on faith, other hand, Christianity gives a moral namely, scientific questions can but also of their views on science. It’s and existential framework for science, be addressed by investigating the often been said that the new atheists which otherwise would show a universe “properties of measurable material are not sufficiently familiar with what that has, as Dawkins admits,“precisely phenomena” without reference to

8 | Tolle Lege any possible spiritual dimension. With commendable even-handedness, Australia in 1697, thus disproving the This presumes that the world as it Chris also describes the religious hypothesis held universally until then is naturally given is ordered, that parallel to Naturalism, in the equally that all swans were white experiment and observation are a valid fundamentalist approach of those who • the epistemological and ontological and reliable basis for theories, and absolutise a literalist reading of the presuppositions that provide a that human reason has the capacity Bible. This leads to a worldview evident foundation for the scientific method to assess observation and arrive in the various forms of creationism, • even the different literary genres that at understanding and predictions which insist that the Bible is the only are to be found in the Bible. about the world. Chris argues that basis for truth and validity in every naturalism becomes a problem when question, not just in religious or moral It is clear that Chris is a fine teacher this methodological naturalism slides questions. In this context, Chris quotes and communicator: he writes clearly, across into Naturalism as a worldview Galileo’s pithy observation that “The directly and with great accessibility. He or, if you like, ‘ontological naturalism’ Bible teaches how to go to heaven, not also includes exemplary sign-posting (though I hasten to add that Chris how the heavens go.” at every point, and helpful questions avoids technical philosophical for discussion at the end of each This is a relatively short text, but it is language like that). Naturalism as chapter. The text is complemented by informed by a thorough knowledge a worldview1 asserts that scientific stunning photos, and a consistently of science, philosophy and religion. experiment and confirmation are attractive layout, of which the publisher Chris carries this knowledge lightly the only basis for truth and validity in should be proud. It also has seventeen and avoids labouring his points, but he every question, not just in scientific enlightening articles that could stand gives very careful and clear attention questions. However, Naturalism is alone on aspects of science such as to nuances such as: inherently self-contradictory, as this quantum mechanics and DNA, and on very assertion cannot be proven by • the different meanings of science historical figures with insights into the scientific experiment or observation. through history and between relation between science and religion, It is a worldview that has been merely different branches of science ranging from Augustine and Galileo to asserted, and cannot be proved • the limitations of scientific enquiry, Darwin and Polkinghorne. both in practice and in principle scientifically. Chris describes this I failed to locate a single typo, which worldview as ‘scientism’. While there • the ‘truth’ status of scientific reflects the care with which the book is clearly intrinsic conflict between hypotheses, which are always has been produced. It is very much a scientism and Christianity, Chris argues subject to the problem of induction, book for the twenty-first century, with convincingly that there is no intrinsic because we can never be the images, stand-alone articles and conflict between science itself and certain that the next observation discussion questions indulging all the Christianity, as science relies only might not prove them wrong, as demands for stimulus of a generation on methodological naturalism and happened when black swans accustomed to a limited attention not on the worldview of ontological were incoveniently discovered in span. Yet, despite so many moving Naturalism. parts, Chris maintains an absolutely clear purpose and a direct line of argument that runs from the beginning of the book to its end. I am very pleased to launch Chris Mulherin’s Science and Christianity, and I warmly commend it to you.

Science and Christianity: Understanding the conflict myth is published by Garratt Publishing (RRP $29.95) and can be ordered directly from the publisher.

Left: Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst. Right: Rev. Dr Chris Muherin

Tolle Lege | 9 Staff news

Farewell Margaret-Mary Brown OP

After eight years of generous and dedicated service to the College, and after a few unsuccessful attempts, Sr Margaret Mary Brown OP recently succeeded in retiring from her role of Academic Tutor at CTC. Learning Support Coordinator Jude Caspersz reflects here on the calling and contribution of a much-loved colleague. Sr Margaret-Mary Brown grew up in Coleraine in Victoria’s Western District. She commenced her teaching in primary schools soon after joining the Dominican Sisters. While she enjoyed these years, she moved onto teaching secondary school English and other subjects at the Dominican college in Tasmania. Her teaching took her on to lecturing student teachers at the Teacher Training College for Dominican Sisters in . When the college was moved to Canberra and opened up to other orders and prospective lay teachers, researching education around the world for nine months Margaret-Mary became the first principal of the a very rewarding and enriching experience. Signadou Dominican College of Education. Responsibility for the college and its operations was formally handed After her long and illustrious ministry in teaching, she to ACU in 1990. As a tribute to her contribution, ACU commenced as an academic tutor here at CTC in 2011. granted her an honorary doctorate—and she has Since then she has been assisting many CTC students enjoyed processing at CTC formal occasions with her with their essay drafts and research papers, giving academic gown. them encouragement and support—always with her contagious laugh and much appreciated sense of Margaret-Mary was also a pastoral associate of two humour. I know she will be missed by staff and students parishes for a time—in one instance as administrator alike—she says she is already missing us, but keeping as there was no priest appointed. A career highlight herself busy. We are grateful that we will continue to be was receiving the Churchill Fellowship at a key point in graced by her contributions from time to time through her education career, allowing her to travel overseas to another passion: her love of literature. At the recent Staff conduct research in her chosen field. The fellowship also Dinner, she received a special presentation from Very Rev. aims to reward “proven achievement of talented and Dr Kevin Lenehan, Master of CTC, as a token of gratitude deserving Australians with further opportunity in their for her contributions to the College. pursuit of excellence for the enrichment of Australian society”. Margaret-Mary found travelling overseas and Thankyou Margaret-Mary, and God bless for the future.

A new face in the library

Annalise Day Library Assistant Mannix Library has recently welcomed a With her BA (LibArts) completed, and new staff member to its team, after Nick after a brief time working with the Gellatly left in October to take up a new Diocese of Parramatta, Annalise returned position at St Paschal Library in Box Hill. to Melbourne to begin her Masters of Information Studies (Librarianship). Her Annalise grew up on a farm in north-east studies require her to complete a three- Victoria before making the move to Sydney week placement, which she is doing with to commence her Bachelor of Arts in the Mannix Library. Once her placement has Liberal Arts at Campion College. While finished, you will see Annalise’s face around completing her course, she worked at the the library three days a week. Campion College Library, which inspired her to pursue a career in librarianship.

10 | Tolle Lege Student news

Ordinations

In recent months, we have celebrated the ordination to the Diaconate of six CTC students. • On 5 October 2019, Colin Nunis was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Robert Rabbat, Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand, at St Joseph’s Melkite Catholic Church, Fairfield (see box on right). • On Saturday 30 November 2019, Daniel Rafanomezantsoa SDB (THA), Dominic Aung Ko Myint SDB (MYM), Michael En Lam Pau SDB (MYM) and Thomas Nattawut Kitsawad SDB (THA) were ordained to the Diaconate by Most Rev. Timothy Costello SDB, DD, Archbishop of Perth, at St Joseph’s Church, Collingwood. • On Friday 6 December 2019, Cameron Smith MGL was ordained to the Diaconate at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra. Warmest congratulations to each of the newly ordained. The following solemn profession and ordination will take place in coming months: A deacon in the Melkite • On Sunday 22 December, Br Reginald Mary Chua will Catholic Church make his solemn profession of vows during the 11.00am Congratulations to Collin Nunis (second from left Mass at St Dominic’s Chuch, Camberwell. above), who was ordained to the diaconate on • On Saturday 11 January 2020 at 10.00am, Matthew 5 October 2019 at St Joseph’s Melkite Catholic Kitichai Saisawang SDB will be ordained to the Church, Fairfield. priesthood by Most Rev. Josesph Prathan Sridarunsil SDB DD, Bishop of Surat Thani Diocese at St Theresa of The Melkite Catholic Church is one of the twenty- the Child Jesus Church, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan, three Eastern Churches in communion with the Thailand. Catholic Church. Collin is currently ministering at St Joseph’s Melkite Catholic Church in Fairfield, All members of the College are warmly invited to attend. and is currently in his final semester of his Our prayers and good wishes accompany the newly Bachelor of Theology at CTC, with a view to ordained, and those preparing for ordination. further study. Collin is a software developer by profession and is married to Agnieszka, an audiologist. Collin’s theological interests include the theology and morality of sacramental marriage, and trinitarian dimensions of diaconal ministry.

Congratulations Moira

Congratuations to past CTC student Moira Tauiliili (left), who in addition to her Bachelor of Theology (2018) has recently graduated with a Masters in Journalism from Monash University. Moira is working full time at Walker Real Estate International as a content creator, putting her skills towards marketing campaigns and internal communications. Outside of work, Moira still explores and writes about topics in church history—a passion carried on from her studies at CTC.

Tolle Lege | 11 Community news

Theological education: a journey of discovery

At the beginning of this year— often accepted reduced or nominal In comparison to the institutions he before his appointment as Bishop payments for the services of religious visited, he rates CTC favourably on a of Sandhurst was announced—Most and clergy, that is becoming less number of measures, including overall Rev. Shane Mackinlay embarked on common, and the increasing enrolment, the spread of students a four-month journey of discovery, employment of lay people also across coursework and research, the visiting twenty-three Catholic increases costs. Meanwhile, the age of academic staff, the inclusion theological institutions and meeting dioceses and religious institutes of laypeople among academic with thirty-eight individuals in that sponsor these institutions staff, a lack of reliance on overseas senior leadership positions across have many other demands on their students for HDR enrolments, and six countries in North America and resources, and their commitment to the development of courses to meet Europe. He also met with officials from the institutions has often reduced in particular needs and interests beyond three transnational or international proportion to the declining number of the standard BTheol or ordination accreditation and quality-assurance seminarians. Many of the institutions requirements. agencies. In October, he returned he visited have responded to this On his travels, Bishop Shane observed to CTC to present an enlightening challenge by entering or considering a number of ways in which theological staff seminar in which he shared new partnerships for financial and institutions have entered into his reflections on current trends in academic support. relationships with larger institutions, theological education and snapshots Through visiting other institutions, including through merger (such as of some particular initiatives. Bishop Shane came to a greater the merger of Weston Jesuit School As Bishop Shane observed, theological appreciation of some of the of Theology with Boston College, or education is in transition, with most of distinctive features and strenths of of Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, the institutions he visited now having a CTC, commenting that he was not with Santa Clara University); through significant number of lay students and aware of any other institution that teaching staff, alongside seminarians, is jointly sponsored and operated religious and clergy. Many institutions by dioceses and religious institutes are also diversifying the courses formally cooperating together. they offer, beyond those traditionally Furthermore, the University of Divinity required for ordination. He regarded also differs in significant ways these as positive developments, from the “ecumenical consortia” enriching the teaching and research of institutions that he encountered activities of institutions, and enhancing on his travels. While the consortia the experiences of students. often offered shared or reciprocal His visits to a broad range of library access and recognised the international theological institutions exchange of enrolments or teaching confirmed that “theology doesn’t by students and staff, each institution pay its way”, with most institutions still offered its own academic awards, experiencing declining enrolments. and the consortia played no role in Even at the most successful of the quality assurance or accreditation. institutions he visited, theological In this context, he argued, the education required significant University of Divinity is a theological financial support. While in the past, institution in its own right, rather than dioceses and religious institutes a consortium.

12 | Tolle Lege formal accreditation arrangements and staff, even to the point of accreditation that applies to all and ‘conjoint’ degrees (such as are compromising the core mission of institutions; institutions engage in required in Canada as a condition the theological institution. He felt this very little benchmarking, even within of government funding); through risk was most effectively mitigated by consortia, relying instead on indirect partnerships involving shared courses those institutions that had established benchmarking via accreditation and property (such as between formal agreements that included agencies; and institutions can be St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, access to property or ongoing financial subject to as many as three different and the National University of contributions. accreditation authorities, with the Ireland, Maynooth); and through associated demands for reporting and the establishment of successor Bishop Shane found that accreditation inspection. institutions within other institutions arrangements varied widely, with few Bishop Shane also found that (as when Milltown Institute was places having the well-established, intitutions varied greatly in their succeeded by Loyola Institute, Trinity mandatory and national framework response to the sexual abuse crisis. College Dublin, or when the Centre for that operates in Australia. In North Most institutions have clear complaints Catholic Studies, Durham University, America, accreditation is optional procedures for their students and was established in anticipation of the and has no direct government deliver at least one unit that focuses closure of Ushaw College). involvement. Civil accreditation in Canada and Europe operates through on content relevant to safeguarding These arrangements can bring public universities, and in the United and responding to sexual abuse. These a range of advantages: financial States through regionally based units generally include the psychology support; enhanced visibility, reputation private associations. Most theological of abuse, effects on victims and and promotion; accreditation through institutions in North America choose survivors, preventing abuse, and the larger institution; access to to seek accreditation also from the responding to complaints. Some ancillary services for student support Association of Theological Schools institutions are taking specific one-off and infrastructure (such as counselling, in the United States and Canada initiatives or establishing more ongoing IT support and library services); and (ATS), and many institutions are also strategies to enhance safeguarding. access to a wider pool of students recognised by the for a range No institutions that he visited, however, and staff for enrolments and of ecclesiastical degrees. had yet reflected on the implications interdisciplinary activities. However, he of sexual abuse in the Church for the observed that among the institutions While each of the different culture and ecclesiology of authority he visited, many were not taking full accreditation authorities has a similar and leadership that they embody and advantage of the potential benefits focus on quality assurance and teach. All institutions agreed that this and synergies, and that often these continuous improvement, the variety was an area that needed attention arrangements posed siginificant risks and multiplicity of regimes has at least but felt it would be difficult to identify to the theological institutions, such three unfortunate consequences: specific standards or measures to as reduced control over curriculum there is no single standard for guide this.

Tolle Lege | 13 Community news

Theological education: A journey of discovery (continued)

While, overall, strategic planning Bishop Shane also highlighted a to texts and documentation for appeared not to be a central element number of other interesting initiatives religious education. in shaping the institutions Bishop he came across in his travels: • St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Shane visited, there were nevertheless • The Dominican Pastoral Institute, collaborates with the National a few institutions that had undertaken Montreal, has established twelve University of Ireland to offer a noteworthy strategic initiatives. formal partnerships with dioceses Bachelor of Arts and Theology Among these were Boston College’s and church agencies to deliver degree with a dual major as a joint Institute for Administrators in Catholic academic formation. award. The college also offers a Higher Education and its Church in the • The Irish partnership model Certificate in Catholic Education to 21st Century Center, which focuses on established by the Institute for provide Catholic certification to BEd roles and relationships in the Church, Pastoral Studies, Thurles, allows for students at the National University sexuality in the Catholic tradition, local delivery in dioceses, with each of Ireland, and has established a handing on the faith, and the Catholic diocese responsible for promotion, partnership with the university that intellectual tradition. recruitment, venue, mentors etc. allows it to use excess buildings and to access IT, student support • The Ludwig-Maximilian University, He was also impressed by the and library services. commitment by religious institutes Munich, has established a career to funding and overseeing teaching network (with four staff), jointly At the end of the seminar, the positions, research projects and funded by the archdiocese and range and depth of questions were scholarships at the Centre for theology faculty, which brings testament to the level of engagement Catholic Studies, Durham University. together students, faculty, alumni among participants. Bishop Shane This centre sponsors the “Boundary and potential employers. The had clearly returned from his round- Breaking” research project, which university also partners with the the-world journey with a deep and looks at the culture and ecclesiology archdiocese to allow students nuanced understanding of the current that allowed sexual abuse by clergy. to engage in formal, supervised state of Catholic theological education pastoral placements. internationally, as well as a more Similarly, the Center for Safeguarding • The Mater Ecclesiae Institute at informed appreciation of CTC’s own Minors and Vulnerable Persons at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, strengths and opportunities. It is hoped St Paul’s Univerity in Ottawa offers offers ecclesiastical degrees, the insights he shared will spark and a range of awards in the Protection including for seminarians. The inform many more conversations in of Minors and Vulnerable Persons, university has also established the years to come. as well as academic formation and canonical advisory services with a a relationship with the Catholic worldwide focus. Education Service to contribute

Institutions visited • Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley • Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin • Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley • Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education, Dublin City • Catholic Theological Union, Chicago University • University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein • Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies, Thurles • Regis College, Toronto • Faculté de théologie de l’Ecole Cathédrale, Collège des • University of St Michael’s College, Toronto Bernardins, Paris • St Paul University, Ottawa • Le Séminaire de Paris • Dominican University College, Ottawa • Faculté de Théologie et de Sciences Religieuses, Institut • Grand Séminaire / Institut de formation théologique de Catholique de Paris Montréal • St Mary’s University, Twickenham • Institute de Pastorale des Dominicains, Montréal • Centre for Catholic Studies, University of Durham • Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, Fordham • Katholisch-Theologischen Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians- University, New York Universität, München • Boston College • Herzogliches Georgianum Priesterseminar, München • Commission on Accrediting, Association of Theological • Pontifical Foundation Gravissimum Educationis, Rome Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) • AVEPRO (Accreditation and Quality Assurance for • St Patrick’s College, Maynooth Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties) Library news

Mannix Library contributes to Atla Digital Library—a first for an Australian library

The University of Divinity is an Library. These items were discovered institutional member of Atla (formerly as part of an Australian Research the American Theological Library Council–funded project that explored Association) and, as Kerrie Burn three aspects of the legacy of Goold reports, recently became the first through his personal collection institution outside North America to of paintings, his architectural contribute a digital library collection. commissions and his library. Atla created its Digital Library to Approximately 3,000 images to provide access to digital collections date have been taken of items of interest to religion and theology from Goold’s library collection. They researchers. Atla Digital Library is a focus on provenance, letterpress, standards-compliant, sustainable, woodcuts, engravings and and inter-operable hub that lithographs connected to Goold’s promotes visibility and access to interests in baroque art, prints and valuable digital collections. gothic revival architecture, as well as other images of historical interest. The digital images that have been added to Atla Digital Library come Further information about the from Mannix Library’s Archbishop collection (including some Goold Special Collection. More than a highlights) is available on the Atla thousand items that still survive from Blog post (www.atla.com/blog/ the personal library of Melbourne’s atladigitallibrary-university-of- first Catholic Archbishop, James divinity). Alipius Goold, are housed at Mannix

An illustration from An history of the origin and establishment of Gothic architecture: comprehending also an account from his own writings, of Caesar Caesarianus, the first professed translator of Vitruvius by John Sidney Hawkins (London: Printed by S. Gosnell, 1813), originally in the personal library of Archbishop Goold, and now held by Mannix Library’s Goold Special Collection. This illustration is one of approximately 3,000 that Mannix Library has recently contributed to Atla Digital Library.

Tolle Lege | 15 Peace and joy to all this Christmas

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” —Matthew 1.23

Front cover image From left to right: Dr Rosemary Canavan, Jill Doncovio, Sr Margaret-Mary Brown OP, Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst, Rose Sutana and Vi Panganiban, on the occasion of Bishop Shane’s episcopal ordination.

Back cover image Entrance of concelebrating priests at the episcopal ordination of Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay as Eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, Sacred Heart Cathedtal, Bendigo (reproduced with the permission of the Diocese of Sandhurst). 16 | Tolle Lege Tolle Lege | 16