WUCT-UMEC Briefing - December 2011

WUCT-UMEC Briefing - December 2011

World Union of Catholic Teachers - Union Mondiale des Enseignants Catholiques - Union Mundial de Educadores Catolicos

Christmas 2011 And the New Year 2012

May the gift of the Incarnation bring peace and happiness to you, your family, and all with whom and for whom you work. On behalf of all who are involved in the World Union of Catholic Teachers, I wish you a very happy and holy Christmas. May the Peace and Joy of Christ continue with you through the New Year and throughout 2012.

Mark Philpot President, WUCT

What is WUCT?

WUCT is a Non Governmental Organisation of Catholic Inspiration, (CINGO), having approved Pontifical Status by juridical right, and Consultative Status at the United Nations through UNESCO, UNICEF, and ECOSOC.

The WUCT Administrative Office is based in the Vatican, in Palazzo San Calisto.

Founded in 1951, WUCT is the only organisation which represents Catholic Teachers throughout the world. It is supported by the subscriptions of member organisations and by grants to support its office base.

Membership is open to organisations of Catholic teachers, and teachers in Catholic schools. They may be one of several organisations within a country. WUCT does not expect a member organisation to represent the whole country.

The Council of Presidents

Congress and General Assembly 2012

The 2012 Congress and General Assembly will be held in Rome, from Friday October 26^th (arrival) until Tuesday October 30^th . These dates have been chosen to coincide with the closure of the Synod of New Evangelisation, in Rome from 7^th October. The Papal Mass of closure of the Synod will be included in the Congress programme. For that reason it is recommended that EARLY bookings are made. However, at this time, it cannot be guaranteed that attendance will be included. Places have been requested for attendees. The Congress will meet on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and the General Assembly will take place during the Congress.

Congress Theme: The theme for the Congress will include consideration of the role of the teacher with the family, and the school, in the formation of pupils.

In July 2012, there will be a Congress on the Family, organised by the Pontifical Council for the Family, in Milan. WUCT hopes to benefit from those attending to inform our own Congress.

Education and the Family are closely linked, and it is where future teachers, as well as the future of the Church is to be found.

News in Brief

Meeting in Ghent, (october 2011 ) there were representatives from Germany, Holland, UK, Belgium, Italy, Argentina. The Mexicans, and Philippines sent apologies. Bishop Luc Van Looy spent the whole weekend at the meeting. Once again, the Ghislaine Centre, organised by the Brothers of Charity were our hosts.

The meeting began with Prayer, and the usual ‘business’. The rest of session 1 was taken with reports from each country. “What are the important issues facing Catholic Education in your country?” What emerged was great unanimity – concerns for political interference, the role of parents as ‘first educators’, and formation of Catholic Teachers.

The Council of Presidents met in Ghent at the end of October. The minutes, and report, have now been circulated. Please inform Beatrix in the Rome Office if you have not received them, at umec@org.va

Executive Roles: There are three sources of information for members:

WUCT-UMEC News prepared by the President;

WUCT-UMEC Articles and speeches, prepared by John Lydon:

WUCT-UMEC BLOG, prepared by Giovanni Perrone.

Log on at http://wuct-umec.blogspot.com

CNVO, in Holland, has a new ‘lead’ member of the Catholic line. CNVO is a joint Christian teachers’ organisation, with the Catholic and other Christians forming two parts of the same organisation.

There are several examples of this structure, which is often a valuable solution to ensuring that the strength of the teacher’s voice is heard with Governments.

CATSC in England and Wales, has a new group of officers. Andrew Sowerby remains President until June 2012. Dawn Casserley is Vice President, and Jo Wood is Secretary.

UMxEC, in Mexico has been fully inaugurated with a wonderful celebration Mass. Find out more on the website: educacioncatolica.trmilenio.net

FORUM The Forum of Catholic Inspired NGOs (CINGO) has invited submissions for the preparation of the Synod of New Evangelisation in Rome next year. WUCT-UMEC is contributing responses.