New year… new energy for adult formation!
I’m remembering all too vividly this time last year and the spectacularly excited lead-up to the beginning of the Catholicism course we ran at the Centre for Catholic Formation in Tooting. The phone was ringing off the hook, I was desperately searching for more small group leaders, it became much bigger than I anticipated – but it was definitely what God had in mind! This year, for the Year of Faith, we wanted to run a series on the Catechism – looking back at my very first thoughts on the Year of Faith this time last year, this is exactly what has come about!
We are delighted to be holding a School of Faith for twelve weeks from Wednesday 9th January to right before Holy Week. Read more about the course here. The course is based on the first module of Maryvale Institute’s Certificate in Studies in the Catechism. Each week, an acclaimed speaker will teach on the topics as we take an in-depth journey through the first sections of the Catechism (up to the Fall). This is an opportunity for adults to dive deeper into the riches of our Faith in an intelligent and attractive way. We have invited some of the best teachers of the Catholic Faith to deliver this teaching, in what promises to be a rich and nourishing series of adult formation.
Each evening includes a delicious hot buffet supper, times of prayer, teaching from speakers such as Dr Petroc Willey, Dr Caroline Farey, Bishop Philip Egan, Fr Tim Finigan and Fr Stephen Wang, to name only a few. Each week also gives the opportunity to meet in small groups led by experienced catechists to deepen understanding of the teaching and discover how it applies to our everyday life of faith. The School of Faith is not a series of lectures, but a series of growing deeper in our faith and closer to Christ in the community of the Church. Every week will be geared towards this goal. Last year, we found that many of the small groups became true communities, and some even still meet now, a year on. Deepening our faith in Jesus can only result in communion with each other.
If you would like to join this course, there are only a few spaces left. We are expecting a surge of bookings when the Centre re-opens on Monday so do book yourself a place quickly: 020 8672 7684 or office@ccftootingbec.org.uk.
Finally – I am looking for our last few small group leaders. Most of them come from our wonderful parish, but with many people already giving weekly catechesis we are stretched! You do not necessarily need experience of this; we are looking for two things: that you know and understand the Faith well (although any unanswered questions can be put to the speakers at the end), and that you are a ‘people person’, someone who would be able to guide discussion. (Training will be provided for leaders too!) Last year, a couple of leaders came through this blog, so please do get in touch if you feel you can help in this way (please leave your email in the comments) and I will get in touch (and quiz you on the Catechism 😉 – joking!)
Please keep this course and everyone on it in your prayers.
Hoping to come. but need to arrange transport through Dial-a-Ride, which can be tricky, but God willing …. I’d really love to come as I’ve been on a soapbox about Catholic Adult Education for decades!
I spent some years teaching in Adult Education, including leading discussion groups, and my sister recently surprised me by describing me as a people person, so if you are really desperate maybe I could help you out. Knowledge of the Faith ….. hmmmm ….. convert from Evangelical Anglicanism (which means that if it was in dispute at the Reformation I might just know something – still working on the rest).
I cannot for the life of me find my copy of the Catechism! Will you have copies of the second edition available on Wednesday?
I am around today, and will check my emails; may contact you by phone after I’ve had lunch.
Hoping to come. but need to arrange transport through Dial-a-Ride, which can be tricky, but God willing …. I’d really love to come as I’ve been on a soapbox about Catholic Adult Education for decades!
I spent some years teaching in Adult Education, including leading discussion groups, and my sister recently surprised me by describing me as a people person, so if you are really desperate maybe I could help you out. Knowledge of the Faith ….. hmmmm ….. convert from Evangelical Anglicanism (which means that if it was in dispute at the Reformation I might just know something – still working on the rest).
I cannot for the life of me find my copy of the Catechism! Will you have copies of the second edition available on Wednesday?
I am around today, and will check my emails; may contact you by phone after I’ve had lunch.
Hoping to come. but need to arrange transport through Dial-a-Ride, which can be tricky, but God willing …. I’d really love to come as I’ve been on a soapbox about Catholic Adult Education for decades!
I spent some years teaching in Adult Education, including leading discussion groups, and my sister recently surprised me by describing me as a people person, so if you are really desperate maybe I could help you out. Knowledge of the Faith ….. hmmmm ….. convert from Evangelical Anglicanism (which means that if it was in dispute at the Reformation I might just know something – still working on the rest).
I cannot for the life of me find my copy of the Catechism! Will you have copies of the second edition available on Wednesday?
I am around today, and will check my emails; may contact you by phone after I’ve had lunch.
Sounds wonderful. I wish I lived in England. You are so fortunate to have Caroline Farey and Petroc Willey presenting. I could lister to them forever. Mary Rusek, USA
Sounds wonderful. I wish I lived in England. You are so fortunate to have Caroline Farey and Petroc Willey presenting. I could lister to them forever. Mary Rusek, USA
Sounds wonderful. I wish I lived in England. You are so fortunate to have Caroline Farey and Petroc Willey presenting. I could lister to them forever. Mary Rusek, USA
Pray the course goes well. I am not sure how many talks I will get to but I am sure they will be well received.