Joint Catholic Doctors and Catholic Lawyers Seminar

A group of approximately 50 participants comprising students, staff and professionals enjoyed a stimulating seminar in the Narthex of the Monash Religious Centre on 14th September 2007. The event was organised by Catholics on Campus and the Catholic Doctors and Catholic Lawyers Associations. The purpose of the evening was to provide a forum for the those present to learn more of the ethical issues which can confront us in our professional lives. Guest speaker Marcia Riordan, from the Respect Life Office, described the works undertaken by her secretariat. Her talk helped us to realise how much we can be influenced by popular culture and the media and that the Respect Life Office can be the means of helping us to find ready information on the Church's teachings and how the Church can offer assistance to people who can be, at times, placed in very difficult and sensitive situations.

Anna Krohn from the John Paul 11 Institute chose as her topic "Living a Virtuous Life". Anna's philosophical talk was coloured by ample examples of everyday life and incidents which challenge us to live virtuously. Examples included the action and example of the father of three who chose to go to the assistance of a woman being mistreated and thereby lost his own life. Similarly, we saw the courage of the young mother and doctor who courageously chose the life of her baby by delaying what might have been lifesaving chemotherapy for herself.

The social interaction which followed the talks was very much appreciated by all present and we look forward to our next opportunity to join together for such a spirited occasion.