SPIRITUALITY and EDUCATION

1) In the realm of spirituality, the CACR will seek to identify groups and individual leaders across the dioceses of Canada, working in the field of Catholic Aboriginal spirituality and leadership. Once such individuals and groups have been identified the CACR will seek to build partnerships that promote and create awareness regarding Catholic Aboriginal spirituality.

2) In the realm of education, the CACR will primarily work to promote the National Aboriginal Day of Prayer, 12 December. In 2007 and 2008, the CACR will create a message for publication inviting Catholics at large to participate in this special day. The message will be sent to Living with Christ, in hopes of being published, and will be added to the CACR’s page on the CCCB’s website.

3) The CACR will undertake a study and analysis regarding the relationship between Catholic spirituality and Aboriginal spirituality. This study seeks to better identify which aspects of Aboriginal spirituality can be integrated with the Catholic faith, as well as to inform non-Aboriginal Catholics of the Aboriginal culture. In 2007 and 2008, it will examine and study the Pilgrimage of St. Anne de Beaupré and the Kateri Annual Healing and Prayer Conference.

LEADERSHIP

1) The CACR will compile information from existing Catholic Aboriginal diocesan and pastoral councils. Once the material has been compiled it is to be studied and analyzed. The CACR will develop guidelines that can be used as a reference tool for dioceses and parishes seeking to further integrate the Catholic Aboriginal reality into their pastoral programs.