The purpose of this conference sponsored by the Notre Dame Center for Ethics & Culture was to identify and explore significant sources of moral and spiritual renewal, reform, and formation available to individuals and institutions in a culture marked by the loss of meaning and direction. The goals of the conference resonate with John Paul II's recurrent call for awakening and renewal in our communities and society. One starting point for this conference was to examine historical examples or studies of reform, taking into consideration such historical models of spiritual renewal as the Oxford Movement of the mid-19th century. Furthermore, we invited reflection on practical ways of renewing and cultivating meaningful practices within medicine, education, politics, commerce, the family, the arts, popular culture, and the natural sciences.
