June 2014 Letter from President of INSeCT
Dear Colleague
It is now exactly one month to our gathering in Belo Horizonte.
We very much look forward to your participation in the forthcoming Network Council Meeting of the International Network of Societies for Catholic Theology. Please find attached the latest draft programme for the event, as well as a list of participants. We are most grateful to our colleagues in SOTER for making all the local arrangements for us, as well as for the support of the archbishop and the faculty of PUC –Minas University.
Attached you will find the latest version of the programme.
We have two keynote speakers. Father Friedrich Bechina is Undersecretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, and he will address us on International Catholic Higher Education, and especially the place of Catholic theology, in the context of Pope Francis reform agenda for the Church.
The Executive Secretary of CELAM’s Justice and Solidarity Department, Father Peter Hughes SSC will speak on an exciting new paradigm for mission emerging in the context of challenging the impact of extractive industries in the Amazon region. He will report on the co-operative initiatives of the US, Canadian and CELAM bishops through the work of the Comisión Interamericana for Human Rights.
In addition, we will join the SOTER Congress for some of their activities and also visit projects in the Belo Horizonte local Church. Of course, we will also have to attend to the ordinary work of the Network Council as well. In this regard we intend to bring forward new proposals for the structure of the Network.
In preparation for the meeting we would remind you of the following:
1. TRAVEL:
Please ensure that you have forwarded your exact arrival and departure details to Father Godfrey Katumba (godfrey.katumba@mic.ul.ie) and if possible also a cell/mobile ‘phone number that you will have with you if we need to reach you.
Please note that Br Joseph Hill SJ will make every effort to arrange for you to be met at the airport. His cell phone number is (00 55) 31 9416 5305.
2. CONFERENCE VENUE:
This is the website of the Conference venue: http://www.sacramentinasdebergamo.org.br/coqueirodagua/
The contact details are as follows:
Rua Madre Gertrudes Comensoli, 225Distrito Industrial Simão da CunhaInformações e Central de Reservas
Telefones: (31)3691.1166 / (31)3641.3444
Please ensure that Fr Godfrey Katumba knows exactly the nights you need in terms of accommodation. SOTER is very kindly providing accommodation and subsistence for the duration of the Council Meeting, that is, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights 16th to 19th July inclusive. If you need accommodation for additional nights, please make sure that we have been informed so we can reserve these for you. These additional nights will be at your own expense but rates are very reasonable.
3. VISA ARRANGEMENTS
Delegates are responsible for their own VISA arrangements. However, a letter of invitation will be provided by the Pontifical University in Belo Horizonte by contacting Prof Paulo Agostino N. Baptista (pagostin@gmail.com). Before applying, please check that you require one.
4. REFUND OF TRAVEL EXPENSES
If you have been awarded a travel grant (max $2000) you will need to attend to the following:
a. Refunds will only be made up to the pre-authorized amount for expenses incurred in direct travel to and from the Council Meeting.
b. Payment will only be made through international electronic bank transfer in Euro or US Dollar. Participants should bring with them to the Meeting full details of their bank accounts, including IBAN / SWIFT / BIC codes or equivalent to ensure accurate and timely refund.
c. You are required to submit an original invoice / receipt for the ticket(s) as well as all boarding passes, so all boarding passes and tickets must be retained.
5. NETWORK COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP FEES
Please ensure that your society has paid membership fees for the 2012/2013. Fees for 2014 are now due. In accordance with the revised payment structure, Societies are asked to pay just €1 (one Euro) per subscribed theologian-member per annum up to a maximum of €500 per Society p.a. (or the equivalent in your currency). You are asked to make the payment in Euro in order to avoid the Network incurring currency conversion fees. If any fees are outstanding for 2011, 2012, or 2013 then we would ask that you take that into account in making your payment as well. Please note that the Society is entirely dependent upon these contributions for its day to day operations. However, if a particular Society finds that even this payment requirement is burdensome then we would ask that they inform the Executive.
Please send your payment to:
Volksbank Ammerbuch eG, D-72119 Ammerbuch, Germany.
Bankletzahl (bank number) 641 613 97
Kontonr (account number) 65 683 005
BIC/Swift Code: GENO DES1 AMM
Alternatively, fees may be paid at the Council Meeting in Belo Horizonte.
Many thanks and best wishes as you prepare for the Council Meeting. A most sincere thanks on my part also to all our collaborators who look forward to meeting you on arrival.
Prof Eamonn Conway
President, International Network of Societies for Catholic Theology.
Tel: +353 87 2422127, email: eamonn.conway@mic.ul.ie, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick
