Presented by Pax Christi USA

Conference Description

Kairos is a day of reflection aimed at deepening Christian discipleship, discerning the signs of the times, and building a united Catholic student-young adult movement for peace and justice. From the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the global war on terror, global climate change to corporate globalization, immigration to the collapse of our economy – these challenges have highlighted the need for a unified, visible response from Catholic student/young adult activists rooted in their faith, their deep discipleship to Jesus and the teachings of the Church.

Kairos is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment. The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. While the former refers to chronological or sequential time, the latter signifies a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens. This day of reflection is associated with “kairos” in two capacities: 1) our faith and the signs of the times point to the possibility of something special happening at this moment in history; and 2) that the time of life between our late-teens on through our late-twenties is an “opportune” time for us to make decisions about who we are going to be, what we are going to do in this world, and what values and practices we are going to begin cultivating for our lives.

This day of reflection is open to Pax Christi regions and local groups, colleges and universities, campus Pax Christi or peace and justice groups, Pax Christi high school chapters, young adult groups, parishes and others.

Speakers and Content

Each day of reflection will include a keynote speaker or facilitator who will provide some context – theologically and politically – for the group to reflect on and discern courses of action for themselves individually and as communities. Speakers are available through Pax Christi USA, including members of the Pax Christi USA national council, national staff, Ambassadors of Peace, and others, as well as speakers from Pax Christi USA partner organizations locally, nationally and internationally.

During the conference, participants will also have time to network and share their experiences in campus and faith-based organizing and their work on specific issues. There will be opportunities for participants to hold caucuses or “roundtables” around specific themes, issues, concerns, etc. Individuals and groups are encouraged to bring any resources or information they would like to share with others.

The day of reflection weaves together time for prayer and reflection, study and discussion, organizing and action.

Typical schedule

9-9:30am:        Gathering

9:30-10:30am:             Opening prayer, welcome and introduction to the day

10:30am-12pm:           Keynote presentation and discussion

12-1pm:           Lunch

1-2:30pm:        Afternoon discussion and activity

2:30-4pm:        Roundtables and action steps discernment

4-5pm:             Closing reflection, prayer and action plan