By Fr.M.Winner cmf Mission Procura, Province of Chennai Social Work Formation By Fr.M.Winner cmf Mission Procura, Province of Chennai

A Question to Ponder Is Social Formation an addition to the existing Formation Plan or a necessary part of the Missionary Formation which has not received sufficient attention so far ? A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented. Dues Caritas Est , No. 14

Some concerns that make us think on this issue After Philosophical and Theological Formation the new priests in their missions come into direct contact with poverty and feel they don’t have the tools to tackle it. Many young priests feel that they don’t have the know how to deal with today’s social issues and so withdraw themselves into some forms of security blankets. With lots of religious training , some priests feel themselves unproductive in non Christian missionary fields. Lack of self confidence among young priests and even elder ones to think that they can change the social situations of poverty and oppression. Many priests find a support system in the rubrics and hesitate to open up to existing world realities.

Challenges the Indian Society pose for Missionaries Evangelization is understood as Human Development since we live in a situation where majority are poor. Increasing role of Government in the development sector Project mode of development quite common with NGOs and increasing professionalism in the field. Human Rights based approach which is quite different from Charity based approach familiar within the church. The rise of India as a global economic player leading many International Aid Agencies to remove India from their priority list for project funding. Revamping of Diocesan Social Service Centre through continuous training programs by the intervention of Caritas India supported by International Aid Agencies.

How can we address the situation? Integrating the Social development knowledge in our Formation Plan The students need to be given guided initiation into the social realities A Plan to introduce the Social know how into different stages of Formation by giving the outline of what area has to be covered in which stage of Formation. Sending students to NGOs for experience for short durations. Students in Formation be trained in social skills corresponding to their level of Formation.

Integration in Minor Seminary Level Objectives Clarifying and Stabilizing the person’s world view rather than imposing the Formators own world view Not maintaining mental distance from the social realities outside the Seminary Training in basic social skills

Activities Proposed Regular talks by missionaries , Claretian as well as other religious on how their ministry is offering hope to the poor Visit to NGOs and guided tours to project sites Training in Disaster Management techniques as well as First Aid. Sunday Ministry being planned with the help of a social worker and evaluated periodically

Integration in Philosophy Level Objectives Philosophy not seen as an academic abstract , rather a tool to interpret social situations Helping young men to have a balanced world view Increasing the knowledge base with regard to different social realities Stress not on being critical but to explore ways and means to change oppressive structures Training in skills needed for social work

Activities Proposed Social Analysis courses given by committed and balanced social workers Visits arranged to NGOs working on specific issues such as HIV, Child Abuse, Child trafficking, Environmental Protection, Human Rights etc Short Courses on skill development such as Group Dynamics, Photography, Communication etc Initiation into Social Research Methodologies such as PRA ( Participatory Rural Appraisal ), Interview techniques and Statistics. Courses on Basic Legal Education and Indian Administrative Set up.

Integration in Theology Level Objectives Considering Human Development work as an integral part of Missionary Activity Developing self confidence in the students to deal with situations of Proverty and Oppression Having sound knowledege of the Social Teaching of the Church. Creating possibilities for Networking with NGOs , CBOs ( Community Based Organizations) and FBOs ( Faith Based Organizations ). Being exposed to the Social realities adequately so that there are not many surprises when the persons begins his ministry. Having the correct knowledge of Projects and how they are tools to bring social change

Activities Proposed Training in Project Management and Linkage with the Province Mission Procura Office. Work Experience in NGOs during holidays Theoretical knowledge of different approaches in Social Work Courses on Social issues Millennium Development Goals, Globalization and its effects etc. Knowledge of Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR) and its implications in Fund Raising.

Concluding Remarks Integration of Social Work Formation is the need of the hour. Self Confidence to enter into different social realities during ministry can be the result of sound social knowledge and skills. Social transformation through development work will give ample opportunities for work in any given mission.

A Theology for Social Work Working for humanity in any form is an integral part of our worship of the Trinitarian God. The more we connect to him in prayer, better we see his plan for the world and enjoin ourselves in the noble work of creating his kingdom on earth.