SJTI SABBATICAL PROGRAMME

I. INTRODUCTION

The Enkanyisweni Renewal Centre is part of the larger complex that is St. Joseph's Theological Institute in Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal, Republic of South Africa. It is situated in the lush and picturesque countryside of the Natal Midlands, 18kms north of Pietermaritzburg, the Provincial Capital of KwaZulu-Natal. St. Joseph's Theological Institute is an international centre with a long-established Catholic tradition for the training of ordained and non-ordained ministers in church and society.

II. THE AIM OF THE PROGRAMME

The Enkanyisweni Renewal Programme is a residential programme that aims to provide for Religious and/or Lay women engaged in ministry an atmosphere of restful reflection and prayer, renewal, and personal growth and enrichment. This is done, among other ways, through spiritual, pastoral, and contextual theological reflection, individual direction, and shared group dynamics. Though the renewal programme is offered in the broader context of St. Joseph's Theological Institute, it is not an academic programme.

III. OUTCOMES

It is hoped that by the end of the sabbatical programme participants will be rested in body and in mind, discover their inner strength, and that they will experience a renewed sense of purpose in their ministry and in their mission as women serving church and society.

IV. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

The renewal programme is flexible and allows the participants to assess their own individual progress. The Institute will provide a choice of trained spiritual directors and counsellors to help participants on their personal journey. In addition to the possibilities offered by the renewal programme itself, participants are free to audit lectures of their own choice (no assignments, no examinations) at the Institute.

V. DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The Enkanyisweni Renewal Programme is a one-year programme that runs concurrently with the Academic Year of St. Joseph's Theological Institute, namely from the first week of February of each year to the end of November. Shorter programmes of 4-5 months, in the first and second semesters of the year are also possible upon negotiation.

VII. TOPICS COVERED DURING THE PROGRAMME MAY INCLUDE

Spirituality, Spiritual Direction & Counselling, Journeying with the Scriptures, Lexio Divina, Human Development & Relationships, Mission & Ministry, Contextual Theologies, Community & Communication, Multi-Cultural Dynamics, Forms of Prayer & Forms of Meditation, Images of Christ in a World of HIV/AIDS, Liturgy & Para-Liturgies, the Church: Forty Years After Vatican II, African Traditional Religions & Theologies, Religious Formation.

VII. INCLUDING

As well as auditing lectures at SJTI there will be occasional excursions to places of interest (Midlands Meander, Valley of a Thousand Hills, Mariannhill, Bergville, etc.), cultural days/evenings.

VIII. WHO MAY APPLY

The renewal programme is open to mature women with some years of experience in religious life and/or in ministry, (but not, we regret, to religious undergoing psychological or psychiatric therapy or those in a crisis of vocation). It is recommended that applications be sent in early as space is limited.

IX. FEES & FINANCE

Bursaries to cover a proportion of students' costs are available from the Institute.

sabbatical@sjti.ac.za

St Joseph's Theological Institute
Private Bag 6004
Hilton 3245
South Africa
Phone +27 (0)33 343 3293
Fax     +27 (0)33 343 5948