The
Catholic Weekly
Online
Sydney
22 February 2004
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A melting pot of faith
Jobs plan may hurt disabled
Theology of Body
First PNG Michaelites
Census data
‘Quiet revolution in our school buildings’
‘Outstanding’ approach to teaching
Cardinal will launch Project Compassion
Pregnant pause: First all-night ‘wake up’ call of baby acrobatics
Human rights
Alternative to IVF
Young take steps on interfaith road
Questions to shape choice of next Pope
Editorial: Value for money
Letters: Confession
Conversation: Fr Con Keogh, honoured for helping people rehabilitate themselves - ‘Insane’ priest who draws others to God
Easter – a renewal of life
Pancakes for peace
Catholic schools build for the future
St Joseph’s – a happy partnership where ‘everyone is bubbling over’
‘Getting value for their money’
Shot fanned flames of fear
Knocked out by Marists
Obituary: Capuchin Fr Ted gave up farming and shearing for a ‘late’ vocation
Obituary: Fr Colin, Renaissance man
... mud, sweat and gears? Crazy!
Riverview’s ‘Big Bird’
Theology of Body
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Professor Christopher West
Christopher West, perhaps the foremost commentator on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, will be a keynote speaker at the 2nd National Catholic Family Gathering in April.
Professor West, whose visit here last year attracted immense interest, says the Pope’s thesis – “if we let it sink in” – is sure to revolutionise the way we understand the human body and sexuality.
The Pope’s teaching is a scriptural reflection on the human experience of embodiment connected as it is with erotic desire and our longing for union, he said.
Theology of the Body, the first major catechetical project of John Paul II’s pontificate, is outlined in a collection of 129 audience addresses delivered between September 1979 and November 1984.
Professor West, who is married with three children, is said to have a gift for presenting the Pope’s teaching on the subject.
He teaches the Theology of the Body at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado, and at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Melbourne.
His books, extensive lecturing, numerous tapes, and his radio and TV appearances have sparked an international groundswell of interest in the issue.
“John Paul developed what promises to be one of his most enduring and important contributions to the Church and the world,” Prof West says.
He describes the Theology of the Body as a “gift to the Church” and emphasises that the Catholic Church does not think that sex is bad or evil, but holds it in high esteem.
“No one would exist without sexual union,” he says. “Our choices carry a far greater weight than we realise.”
The 2nd National Catholic Family Gathering – Living the Dream – will be held at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, from April 16 to 18.
Other speakers include Cardinal George Pell, Bishop Anthony Fisher, psychologist Wade Horn and Byron and Francine Pirola, co-authors and Australian founders of Celebrate Love, a marriage enrichment program exploring sexuality and spirituality in marriage.
Cardinal Pell is encouraging Catholic families to take part.
“The speakers and workshops offered in this gathering cover a wide range of issues of importance to families,” he said.
“My hope is that through this gathering families and young people will be renewed in their faith and encouraged in their commitment to family, life and love.”
For more information phone 02 9349 1834, visit www.familygathering.com.au or email info@familygathering.com.au