Province of « Mediterránea »
TheIII Meeting of Local Animators of Vocations of our Province « Mediterránea »was held on a 22 and 23 October 2011, in Castilleja de la Cuesta(Séville),under the title of « The Dragon Warrior».
The intended objectives were: strengthen the image of the local animator; advance together in the Marist vocations ministry which we wish to stimulate; become familiar with the tools necessary for stimulating local and provincial Marist vocations ministry; motivate and make clear the role of the local animator.
We worked towards obtaining these objectives, spelled out in advance. The participants saw that the service of local animation of vocations is truly an indispensable service for the work of vocations continuing to be a reality. Moreover, they are aware that it is necessary to go forward to reinforce the activities already realized in the « Culture of vocations » and to advance towards a growth in the vocations ministry of groups. In this way, a specific vocations ministry is consolidated. It was emphasized that the image of the animator of vocations must become the guarantor of the local ministry with the guidance counsellors and delegates of their respective teams. They also play an important role in the vocations work of each Marist work, following the « new Marist vocations ministry » proposed by the last General Chapter.
The participants reached the conclusion that it is indispensable to clarify the functions of the animator of vocations in theFunctions Handbook, and to give him the time to better fulfill this service. They also reviewed all the activities conducted in the culture and ministry of vocations in the Education in Faith Programme of the Christian Life Groups and the specific vocations ministry.
An atmosphere of work, joy and good humour reigned throughout, very manifest in the times of prayer. At the last prayer meeting of Sunday, those taking part received a Kung Fu belt as a sign of preparation for this passionate work to be undertaken in the animation of vocations. We have received a call to be the « AWAKENERS » of the Christian and Marist vocation, strong in the peace given us by the fact of knowing ourselves « The Dragon Warrior », as we have just indicated in the animation of vocations.
Vocations animation: A WHOLE VOYAGE, A WHOLE ADVENTURE.
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The Provincial Vocations Animation Team.