SVD - Celebrating 100 Years

26 Missionaries AUS Province to constantly work towards building a culture of well-being and safety for all. In approaching the implementation of these activities, the SVD is working with peak bodies such as the Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited (ACSL) redress scheme, Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) and the local dioceses and archdioceses where the SVD has pastoral ministries. An appraisal process for confreres, which was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, has also been implemented in the Province and is aimed at ensuring the well-being of missionaries in their ministry, to help create a better and safer Church. W orkshops, retreats, seminars and ongoing formation programs are organised for members of the Province, confreres who have been in the Province for less than five years or who have been ordained for less than 10 years. The workshops explore different aspects of interculturality, both in the community life of a missionary and in ministry. Acculturation programs for newly arrived confreres and students are arranged to inform and familiarise them with Australian culture. Presentations from experienced missionaries and others touch on Australian history, culture and religious values and participants are invited to reflect on their own migrant experience and the impact it has on their faith life and their ministerial activities. Professional standards training courses are also conducted by the SVD Professional Standards Officer, Fr Michael Hardie, to update and/or refresh confreres and seminarians on professional standard guidelines and their implementation. This reflects the commitment of the Divine Word Workshops, Retreats and Ongoing Formation Reflection given by Fr Nick de Groot, 2015 Provincial Chapter. Leadership workshop, May 2014, facilitated by Fr Michael Mullins SM (4th from left)