Australian Catholics Professional Learning Sessions are for religious education practitioners to deepen their knowledge about key topics related to faith education and formation. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to our guest speakers, as well as pose questions and share their own experiences in a collaborative environment.
Don't Be Afraid of Mysticism – Why it belongs in the RE classroom
This professional learning session invites educators to rediscover a deeper dimension of Catholic belief too often sidelined in the Religious Education classroom. While the historical-critical method has provided invaluable tools for understanding Scripture, an over-reliance on it can risk reducing the rich, lived experience of faith to mere analysis. Catholicism is not just a system of thought. It is a sacramental, mystical tradition that speaks to the heart as well as the head.
Dr Rachel Davies, a leading researcher at ACU, will explore how academic rigour and mystical insight can go hand in hand. Dr Peter Saunders, a psychotherapist and founder of 'Being with God in Nature,' will reflect on nature-based spiritual practice and our call to care for our common home. Michael McVeigh, director of publishing at Australian Catholics, will share what he’s learned about communicating mysticism to young people through stories and accessible media. Laura Kings will conclude the session with practical tips on bringing mysticism into the classroom.
This session is not to be missed for teachers wanting to inspire wonder, nurture encounter, and open up the fullness of faith for their students.
Join us Tuesday 20 May, 4.30–5.30pm AEST.
Speakers
Dr Rachel Davies, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry at Australian Catholic University.
Dr Peter Saunders was a psychotherapist, spiritual director who was on the spirituality team at the Campion Centre of Ignitian Spirituality, Melbourne, for 20 years. He is a keen bushwalker and was the founder of the “Being with God in Nature” ministry for the Society of Jesus in Australia. He has a great commitment to embracing the sacredness of all Nature and caring for our common home.
Join us Tuesday 20 May, 4.30–5.30pm AEST.
Accreditation
Accreditation is available in the dioceses of Melbourne, Sale, Sandhurst, Ballarat, and in Armidale and Lismore.
Teachers in Victorian dioceses wishing to receive accreditation for this event must supply your VIT Registration Number and School as part of your booking. Attendance will be checked on the day, so only those attending the live session will receive accreditation.
If you are in a Diocese that is not listed above (but have an AC+ subscription), please check with your Catholic Education Office to see if it can be accredited with them also.
Upcoming professional learning sessions in 2025
This list provides an overview of what to expect in our professional learning program for 2025, but may change, subject to the availability of the speakers.
TERM 2
Measuring the effectiveness of faith formation activities
Date: 3 June, 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Speakers: TBA.
TERM 3
Improving reading comprehension in the RE classroom
Date: 29 July, 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Speakers: TBA.
Film in the RE classroom
Date: 19 Aug, 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Speakers: TBA.
Session TBC inspired by our upcoming issues
Date: 23 September, 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Speakers: TBA.
TERM 4
More fresh ideas for the RE classroom
Date: 21 October, 4.30-5.30pm AEDT (3.30-4.30pm AEST)
Speakers: TBA.
If you have feedback or ideas around these sesisons then please drop us a line
If you are not an AC+ subscriber send us an email to [email protected] and we can tell you more about how it works.