To: Deacons
From: Penny Simmons, co-director of diaconate formation, Office of the Permanent Diaconate
You are invited to a Day of Reflection for Deacons and Wives on: Mary, Seat of Wisdom.
This workshop will focus on the Blessed Mother. We will explore the four Marian Dogmas as the core teachings on Mary and Marian devotionals in the Catholic Faith and what they mean for us in our daily lives.
By joining us at this workshop, you will be given the opportunity to learn more about the life of Mary and her place in our salvation history. You will also be equipped to answer questions on Mary in your diaconal ministry and come to a better understanding of different Marian devotions.
Join us on Saturday, May 11, beginning with morning prayer at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. for a workshop on Mary, Mother of God, our Mother, offered by Dr. Andrew McGovern.
Time will be allocated for reflections, discussion and to answer questions that arise from the presentations.
The event will take place in Grand Hall B & C at the Chancery, 2401 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. You and your wife are invited to join us for morning prayer at 9 a.m.
The National Directory provides that a post-ordination formation program be established for the first five years after ordination. This workshop, however, is for all who have been ordained and their wives.
You may claim six continuing education hours on your annual report by attending the session. Be sure to note your wife’s attendance on the registration form. Lunch and drinks will be provided.
Register at: 5-11-2024 Post Ordination Formation Registration before Wednesday, May 1. Follow up emails will be sent to the email you enter so please be sure that it is correct.
I am looking forward to seeing each of you once again.
Mary, Seat of Wisdom
Session 1: Mary, Mother of God and Co-Redemptrix
In this session, we will look at the first Marian Dogma of the Divine Maternity. We will look at how Mary’s role in salvation history is an active participant and not a passive onlooker. We will consider her role then as our mother and what that means for our spiritual lives.
Session 2: Mary, Full of Grace
In this session, we will look at the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception and how it is a fitting gift to Mary. We will look at the scriptural foundations for this dogma and how as the most graced creature, Mary then becomes the mediatrix of those graces to us. We will consider her role as the perfect disciple and example for us to imitate in our spiritual lives.
Session 3: Mary, Perpetual Virgin and Assumed into Heaven
In this session, we will look at the final two Dogmas of Mary’s Perpetual Virginity and her Glorious Assumption. We will look at historical questions pertaining to each as well as their foundations in Scripture. We will also consider the Assumption as the fulfillment of Christ’s promise to mankind and great sign of spiritual hope for us.
Session 4: Marian Devotional Practices
In this session, we will dive into different Marian devotions. Devotions are rarely a ‘one size fits all’ idea. With this in mind, we will look at multiple devotions that have been passed down through the traditions of the church to us and explore the spirituality behind them. We will look at practical ways to implement them in our prayer lives and look at the benefits of each.