Two day workshop on Leadership and Intercultural Living for SVDs under 50 years of age followed the National Mission Conference “One Heart Many Voices” in Sydney in the first week of May 2013.  

In his opening address the AUS provincial Fr. Tim Norton emphasised the importance of developing leadership skills in the light of the upcoming elections for a new AUS provincial and a new provincial council. He stressed the importance of genuine discernment in this important time as we move towards the election of a new leadership team.

In the first session the participants had an opportunity to talk about the Mission Conference they attended earlier in the week.  They were given the opportunity to share and discuss the various topics of the conference, with the focus on “What did we hear at the conference” “What was the message for us?” How do we feel about it?” “Are we energised and rejuvenated after the conference and what are we really being called to do?” The young SVDs were happy with the high calibre of presenters, including their own key-note speaker Steve Bevans, SVD, as well as the great spirit of being part of God’s mission.

The conversation on Leadership for Mission began with three short reflections on Biblical leadership presented by Dom Flores, Bernard Espiritu and Michael Nguyen.

The facilitator of the workshop Sr Geraldine Kearney, sgs, who is a consultant in areas of cross-cultural communication, counselling, education and facilitation helped the participants to identify their part in the mission of the SVD in the Australia province. Through her creative facilitation Geraldine invited the participants to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our various ministries and not to get caught up too much in heavy structures that might curtail the movement of the Spirit in us, in our work and in the society. She invited the participants to reflect on their talents and skills that which are part of God’s Mission.  

It was stressed that living in intercultural communities for mission demands openness and commitment on the part of all members.  The participants were challenged to move beyond their own ethnic comfort zones and encouraged to make effort and develop interpersonal relationships, especially with each other as SVDs.  

The seminar ended with a ritual symbolising the energy and enthusiasm that was obviously present among all participants.