My Epiphany

This afternoon we attended the second of two meetings that were designed to prepare us for our pilgrimage. After a bit of homework, we were asked to share amongst ourselves, a few things we had found out or already knew about St Paul. I found out that he was formally known as Saul and was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus, following a history of Christian related violence, including being responsible for the death of St Stephen. He was a learned and intelligent man, who post his coversion, worked tirelessly to spread the Good News throughout Turkey, Greece, Italy and Malta. What struck a chord with me the most though was when a fellow pilgrim spoke of his ability to be in touch with the cultural differences and needs of those he met, form relationships with people and make the word relevant to their lives. As a Family Educator, this is a significant part of what we have been called to do. It was one of those 'Ah ha moments' that I think will make this journey even richer for me, for I now feel like I have a special connection with St Paul, before I even start - and yet I didn't realise before I requested to be a part of this group. If the context of a little reading and discussion can do this - imagine what a four week experience might bring.

A Shared Experience

Last year, the CEO offered 30 teachers the opportunity to accompany a group of peers, our Director Dan White and Cardinal George Pell, on a pilgrimage that would see us following in the 'Footsteps of St Paul.' We had to send in an application form (rather much like applying for a job), cross our fingers, pray a little and hope to be selected. Luckily for me I will be one of the 30 that will embark on this journey, starting on April 12. As part of my application, as well as my role as Family Educator (and considering I had just completed my Web 2.0 Course), I thought it would be a good idea to blog my trip so that I could share my experience with the community within I work. So, true to my promise - here it starts........