PRAY 2010, Archbishop John Bathersby’s vision to reinvigorate the prayer life of Catholics gains traction today (November 1) with the acceptance of the first online registrations for the comprehensive program of renowned local and international speakers.
The three-day event, to be hosted in Brisbane from July 7-10, 2010, will provide practical teaching and experiences of different prayer forms and encourage Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus through prayer.
Archbishop Bathersby has long been a proponent of prayer as the powerhouse for our life and mission.
He said he hoped Pray 2010 would prove a wellspring for renewing the prayer life of Catholics throughout the archdiocese and beyond.
“I have often stressed the importance of worship as being the anchor point of our relationship with God amidst turbulent and often busy lives,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“If we are to change our own lives and make an impact for the better in the world, then it is essential that we cultivate a spiritual heart that gives us an awareness and willingness to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”
Pray 2010 will feature more than 300 workshops, 40 keynote speeches and 130 presenters.
Presenters of international standing and reputation, such as Dr Donna Orsuto, Monsignor Paul McPartlan and Benedictine Father Lawrence Freeman, will appear alongside Australians like Benedictine Sister Hilda Scott (seen on ABC TV series The Abbey), Jesuit Father Frank Brennan, and Byron and Francine Pirola.
Franciscan Father Stan Fortuna, whose rap music and preaching proved a hit with young people at World Youth Day in Sydney last year, will also be returning.
Super Early bird prices apply to those who register before December 31.
A lesser discount will apply to those who register by March 31.
Group tickets are also available for parishes, schools, families and religious communities or renewal groups.
These allow for the sharing of tickets between individuals if they are unable to attend a full day’s program but conditions apply and registration and booking of sessions is essential for all who plan to make use of the group ticket.
For more information on Pray 2010 visit the website at www.pray2010.org.au
To register visit www.pray2010.org.au/register
Archbishop Bathersby said there was a place for everyone at Pray 2010 and encouraged them to come and play their part.
“Whether you struggle with how to pray, desire to understand the Eucharist more, learn about new forms of prayer or go deeper into a style you are familiar with, the different streams of workshops will draw us closer into God’s presence,” he said.
“It will immerse us in a rhythm of prayer that gathers us together as a praying communion, opens us to God’s loving Word and Presence, transforms us through our encounters with God’s love, grace and healing and sends us forth in mission to share God’s love with others.”
