Daring a new beginning

"Daring a new beginning". It is the slogan of the Katholikentag 2012, the Day of German Catholics, that will be celebrated in Mannheim next May 16 to 20. The program of the Day, that includes over 1200 events, was presented on February 8 in the Rhineland city by Msgr. Robert Zollitsch, President of the Bishops’ Conference (DBK), and by Alois Glück, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK). Follow some of the details illustrated during the press conference for the presentation of the event.A multifaceted feast of the faith. Over 1.200 events, including round tables with political personalities, academics and Church dignitaries; the participation of German president Christian Wulff, of the president of the Bundestag Norbert Lammert, Chancellor Angela Merkel, federal ministers, high prelates, including cardinal Karl Lehmann, Walter Kasper and Reinhard Marx, the bishops Msgr. Rainer Maria Woelki, Heinz Josef Algermissen, Ludwig Schick and many more. At least 25000 visitors from all over the country and other 30 000 from local areas are expected to attend. These figures describe the Katholikentag, the meeting of German Catholics organized by the ZDK, which this year reached its 98th edition, and which is held every two years in a different location. The spiritual aspect plays a special role in the Katholikentag 2012 which will be marked, pointed out Msgr. Zolltisch, by Eucharistic celebrations, prayer and meetings on faith, to provide momentum, guidance and force within the Church thus prompting "a new beginning inside the Church and across society". "Also in society and politics it is a question of changing mentalities and devoting greater reflections to our responsibility towards God and mankind", continued Msgr. Zollitsch. "As Christians we have something to say to this world. We too proclaim the good news". And in order to bring about change we need prayer. In order to avoid being caught up in discussions we must find the time for silence and reflection". For this purpose, in the "spiritual centre" set up for the Day "there will be an invitation to prayer and spiritual encounter at individual or group level". Msgr. Zollitsch thus called upon all Christians "to accompany with their prayers the preparations and projects of the Katholikentag, invoking God’s blessing for a new beginning". The dedicated prayer for the event will be released in German parishes and online on the website www.ebfr.de.Creating a sustainable culture. Alois Glück expressed his wish that the event "may provide guidance within the manifold crises that affect our present times". For the ZDK president, the Katholikentag should also "provide a forum to address contemporary challenges with the faithfulness of believers and a lively intellect". The event "must be an occasion to analyze challenges and problems, perspectives and opportunities while also identifying fears and concerns, and perhaps overcome them, thus encouraging change. The answer to the challenges facing Germany and the Church cannot be confined to a mere ‘let’s continue’, he remarked. "A development that gives priority to growth at all costs will progressively ruin the world. We need renewed awareness, sustainability and solidarity", underlined the president of the Committee of Lay German Catholics, confiding in "the availability to change personal lifestyles, expectations and demands". Glück said he believes in the "dialogue of cultures to safeguard inner and outer peace". In this sense, "our historical mission is to develop a culture that is capable of creating a future".Uncomfortable themes and ecumenism. During the press conference Msgr. Zollitsch and Msgr. Glück announced that the Katholikentag will promote dialogue also on "uncomfortable and hot issues". "There are neither taboos nor censorships, but a culture of constructive dialogue is important. Thus also differing stands should be seriously taken into account", the archbishop pointed out. "Creating bridges, not opposite poles", Glück said. The prelate mentioned the questions regarding the future of pastoral care in parishes, Catholic sexual morals, and the greater participation of women in the life of the Church. Also ZDK Secretary general Stefan Vesper said he hopes the first Katholikentag that follows the ecumenical Kirchentag in Munich (2010) will deliver "strong ecumenical signs". The event in Mannheim will be also attended by Katrin Göring-Eckardt, president of the Synod of the German Evangelical Church (EKD), and by card. Walter Kasper. There will be initiatives for dialogue with Islam and the Jewish world.