Catechist Update Westminster Diocese

Transcription

1 Catechist Update Westminster Diocese Autumn & Winter 2014/2015 RCIA Seminars p.2 Parish Training Dates p.3 Mornings for Catechists & Study Days p.5 Advice to Catechists p.6 Archbishop s Certificate p.7 Maryvale Course p.8 The Priest as Catechist p.9 Online Learning p.10 Office for Catechesis p.11 The role of the catechist is to pass on the faith from one generation to the next. Jesus Christ proclaimed that the truth will set you free (John 8:32). The search for truth requires courage, patience and openness to overcoming our own prejudices and pre-conceived notions, so you can embrace the truth fully, whenever and wherever it is found. The late popular TV personality Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, It is easy to find truth; it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it. Where the Catholic Church Comes in Because God designed us to desire and seek the truth, He provided a special way to help us find it. The Catholic Church, comprised of saints and sinners and everyone in between, has been established by God to show us the way to truth and help us get to heaven. This mission of receiving the truth and then faithfully handing it on to future generations was entrusted to the Church by Jesus Christ. He declared: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:18-20). The vocation of the catechist is to help bring the truth of the Gospel and the tradition of the Church to life in peoples lives. In order to do this we need to be committed to our own personal training and formation in the faith. The following pages are offered to you to help you deepen your love of Christ and the truth he came to proclaim. 1

2 A thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life, aided by approved catechetical texts, is to be provided during the period of the catechumenate. RCIA Seminars for RCIA Parish Teams 2015 These sessions are open to all RCIA catechists, clergy and helpers 17th January am-12 noon 28 th January pm 31st January am-12 noon 5th February pm 7th February 10.30am-12.30pm St Mary & St Michael (Commercial Road parish) 2 Lukin Street E1 0AA SS Peter & Paul 38 Camborne Avenue, Northfields W13 9QZ Vaughan House 46 Francis Street SW1P 1QN St Anthony of Padua 5 Garratt Road, Edgware, HA8 9AN St Alban & St Stephen 14 Beaconsfield Road, St Albans AL1 3RB Please book for these sessions via website: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk OR tel: Without a doubt the best tools for Evangelsation that the parish has is the RCIA - it is a process deeply rooted in the liturgy and tradition of the Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the normal way in which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. RCIA is not just a "convert class" with a new name. It looks different, too. Special rites are celebrated during the Sunday liturgies at various times throughout the year. RCIA involves the whole community - in prayer as the rites are celebrated, in hospitality as new members are welcomed and in ministries like sponsor or team member. The most important thing to keep in mind about RCIA is this: it is not merely a new way to prepare adults for baptism; baptism is only one step. The goal of the process is full communion which means "full, conscious and active participation" in the Eucharist and in the whole life of the Catholic faith community. RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with people in the community and get involved in service within the community. Regular training and formation for teams is an essential part of good evangelisation and catechesis in the parish. Choosing God means choosing according to his Word, living according to the Word. Pope Benedict XVI 2

3 The instruments provided for catechesis cannot be truly effective unless well used by trained catechists. Thus the adequate formation of catechists cannot be overlooked by concerns such as the updating of texts and the re-organisation of catechesis. (General Catechetical Directory 108a) Training for volunteer parish catechists is not a luxury it s an absolute necessity. Diocesan Catechetical Training for Parish Catechists 2014 September-December updated 14th July (Booking required details below all these sessions are FREE!) Course descriptions on next page DEANERY Session & Date Location Barnet Brent Enfield Hammersmith & Fulham Hillingdon Hounslow Islington N.Kensington Preparing children for First Reconciliation 6th September 10am-1pm Preparing Children for First Communion 13 th September - 10am-1pm Preparing Teenagers for Confirmation 20 th September 10am-1pm First Communion Catechists The Eucharist 8 th September pm Preparing Children for First Reconciliation 15 th & 22nd September pm Helping Children to Pray 2 nd December pm Introduction to Catechetics 16 th & 23 rd September pm Using Scripture with Children 4 th & 11 th November pm Preparing Teenagers for Confirmation 13 th & 20 th October Preparing Children for First Communion 7 th & 14 th October pm Preparing Teenagers for Confirmation 5 th October 10am-1pm Preparing children for First Reconciliation 15 th & 22 nd October pm Preparing Children for First Communion 15 th November 10am-1pm Liturgy of the Word with Children 12 th & 19 th November pm Preparing Children for First Communion 2 nd & 9 th September pm Preparing Children for First Communion 10 th & 17 th September pm Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great, 82 Union Street, Barnet EN5 4HZ Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great, 82 Union Street, Barnet EN5 4HZ Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great, 82 Union Street, Barnet EN5 4HZ St Mary & St Andrew, 216 Dollis Lane, NW2 6HE St George, 970 Harrow Road, Sudbury, HA0 2QE St George, 970 Harrow Road, Sudbury, HA0 2QE St Monica, 1 Stonard Road, Palmers Green, N13 4DJ St Monica, 1 Stonard Road, Palmers Green, N13 4DJ Holy Trinity 41 Brook Green, Hammersmith, W6 7BL Holy Trinity 41 Brook Green, Hammersmith, W6 7BL Our Lady of Lourdes & St Michael, Osborn Road, Uxbridge UB8 3PW St Raphael, Parish Centre, Ayles Road, Yeading UB4 9JP (to left of church) St Raphael, Parish Centre, Ayles Road, Yeading UB4 9JP (to left of church) Our Lady of Grace & St Edward 247 High Road, Chiswick, W4 4PU Sacred Heart of Jesus, 62 Eden Grove, Holloway, N7 8EN Our Lady of the Holy Souls, 68 Hazlewood Crescent, Kensal New Town, W10 5DJ Upper Thames A Look at Liturgy 11 th October 10am-1pm Our Lady of the Rosary, 59 Gresham Road, Staines, TW18 2BD The above sessions were organised at the request of the named parishes but are open to all catechists of the Diocese. FOR ALL EVENTS Please book via the website: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk OR Tel:

4 Even if at times it (catechetical teaching) can be difficult, if it is so much work, if it presses upon us and we do not see the results we wish, still to educate in the faith is beautiful! The faith is perhaps the most beautiful heritage that we can give because it makes you grow. To help children, boys and girls, young men, women, and adults to know and to love the Lord ever more is one of the most beautiful educational adventures, for it comprises the Church! Pope Francis, Address to International Catechetical Congress, September 27, Forming the next generation of catechists is a key priority To have any of these sessions offered in your deanery please contact: Mary Crowley - Tel: An Introduction to Catechesis A simple introduction to the main principles of catechesis: What is catechesis and how do you do it? What are the key skills needed and what skills are transferable? What is the role of the catechist? How does the Church see the role of the lay catechist? The person of the catechist How do we grow in the vocation of being a catechist? Preparing Children for First Reconciliation an Introduction This course helps the catechist to consider methods and resources available. it includes a brief history of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; it aims to help the catechist understand the sacrament at their level and it helps them know how to share that understanding with the children. Preparing Children for First Communion an Introduction This course helps the catechist to consider methods and resources, it helps the catechist to have an understanding of the themes of the First Communion programmes which teach us about the Mass and about the real presence of Jesus in the assembly, in the Word, in the priest who presides and in the bread and wine and it helps them know how to share that understanding with the children. This course can be tailored to particular programmes. Preparing Teenagers for Confirmation an Introduction How do catechists work with teenagers to prepare them to be confirmed? What guidelines does the Church give us? What should be included in the programme? Considering methods and resources Consider how the Confirmation preparation can follow the RCIA process. Using Scripture with Children These sessions will offer to catechists the opportunity to look at the cycle of the Church s year and the Lectionary consider how best to use scripture in our catechetical programmes look at some practical ideas on opening scripture to children Helping Children to Pray In the catechesis of children the deepening of their relationship with God is central. These sessions aim to help catechists to reflect on their own understanding of prayer look at what the Church teaches about prayer consider how we might help children to grow in prayer A Look at Liturgy This course aims to help participants to gain an understanding of liturgical principles using the liturgical documents of the Church, to know and understand the cycle of the liturgical year, and to consider issues of liturgical catechesis. First Communion Catechists the Eucharist This session offers First Communion catechists the opportunity to develop their own understanding of the Eucharist as source and summit of the Christian life, thus enhancing their catechesis of children. 4

5 All catechists in the parishes of the diocese are invited to begin each academic term with a morning of prayer and reflection. These events allow catechists from across the diocese to meet each other, pray, receive catechesis and discuss resources and ideas. FOR ALL EVENTS Please book via the website: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk OR Tel: (These sessions are FREE) 13 th September 2014 Bishop John Arnold (9.00am Mass is available in the cathedral) 9.30am 12.30pm. Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN (Concludes with Mid-day Prayer of the Church) 24 th January 2015 Fr. Simon Penhalagan (9.00am Mass is available in the cathedral) 9.30am 12.30pm. Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN (Concludes with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and opportunity for Confession) 9 th May 2015 Bishop Nicholas Hudson 9.30am 12.30pm. Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN (Concludes with Mass and the blessing of Catechists) (Attendance at a study day counts as 1 credit towards the Archbishop s Certificate in Catechesis) 29 th November 2014 Effective Preparation for Catechesis Vaughan House, SW1P 1QN. 10am 3pm 20 th June 2015 The Role of Parents in the sacramental preparation of their children Vaughan House, SW1P 1QN. 10am 3pm 21 st November 2015 RCIA The Model for All Catechesis Vaughan House, SW1P 1QN. 10am 3pm FOR ALL EVENTS Please book via the website: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk OR Tel:

6 At the closing Mass of World Youth Day, Pope Francis challenged the more than three million young people and their chaperones to "Go and make disciples of all nations." He urged them to share the good news of their relationship with Jesus and His Gospel with everyone. He challenged them to bring Jesus everywhere and into every area of their life. Jesus charged all of us to share His very person and the meaning of His actions and words with others. Who has taken this challenge more seriously than our catechists? I am confident that even as you seek to make our faith living, conscious, and active in those you catechize, your experience of Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit becomes an even greater source of comfort and joy for you. I pray that the Year of Faith has been a time of special grace for you and those whose lives you touch. You may recall that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI articulated two purposes for this year of grace. Both purposes speak to the aim of catechesis. First, Pope Emeritus Benedict wished for this Year of Faith to help us grow into a deeper and more mature communion and intimacy with Jesus and through Him, with the Holy Spirit and the Father. Secondly, he invited us to use this time to come to a richer understanding of what it is we profess when we recite the Creed together at Mass every Sunday. We were invited to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Documents of the Second Vatican Council to understand our faith more fully and to be able to articulate it more clearly and faithfully. Now that the Year of Faith has ended, its objectives remain a lifetime challenge. In my own Diocese, I have challenged parish leadership to examine all goals and objectives, as well as parish activities through the lens of the New Evangelization. With renewed ardor, how can our worship, our catechetical efforts, and our service outreach help lead us deeper in our own faith, touch those who once practiced the faith but no longer walk with us as active members of the Church, have some impact on those who have never heard the Gospel before, and shed the light of the Gospel upon our highly secularized culture? With particular reference to our catechists and directors of religious education, I challenge our complacency with regard to those families with students who have not registered at all or who attend our formation opportunities only sporadically. We want to engage as many parishioners as possible in the various ministries in our parishes. Should we not recruit a number of dedicated faithful whose sole challenge is to visit the families whose children are not registered in our formation programs and call each week those who are registered but absent? Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep often haunts me (Mt 18:10-14). Jesus really wants us to go in search of the stray. He concludes the Parable: "It is not the will of your Heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost" (Mt 14). While every baptized person shares our common vocation to grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord Jesus and to live His Gospel values joyfully, the Church owes special recognition and gratitude to those who have responded to the Lord's invitation to serve in the parish community as director of religious education or catechist. It is clearly a daunting challenge, but one with truly rich rewards. When tempted to discouragement, remember the Lord's consoling words found 350 times in the Scriptures: "Be not afraid." With the Lord's presence and guidance, all things are possible. 6

7 The Archbishop s Certificate in Catechesis 2014/2015 (2 years part-time) The Archbishop s Certificate takes two academic years to complete and aims to provide a good solid basis on which our catechists can build over the coming months and years. This on-going learning will be essential since it would not be possible to cover every aspect of the faith, scripture, doctrine and liturgy in two academic years. The Certificate is awarded in recognition that a person has successfully engaged with the task of a systematic study of the faith in line with the mind of the Church, with the purpose of passing on the faith with skill and confidence in cooperation with the clergy of the diocese and in response to their baptismal vocation. The certificate is valid for 3 years at which time it should be updated and renewed by attending renewal sessions. Participants are of course encouraged to attend relevant courses, training and diocesan catechists meetings when they are offered through the course of each year. The first year of the course is based in theory - focusing on Scripture, Doctrine, Prayer and Catechetical methodology. (Three on-line computer based modules and two full study days at a location in London) The second year focuses on the practical application of the theory and the purpose of catechetical methodology relating to sacramental preparation. (Three full study days over three terms and a short practical parish based portfolio exercise) The cost of the course is 600 and the diocese is offering a bursary/grant of 400 for applicants for the course beginning in Cost of course with bursary 200. A taster session for those considering the course (the taster session will cover the full details of the course and methods of study) please select one of the sessions below to attend: at Vaughan House, 46, Francis Street, London SW1P 1QN. 9 th September, 7pm 8pm 13 th September, 1.30pm -2.30pm 15 th September,7pm 8pm 20 th September 10.30am 11.30am All participants must have the approval of the Parish Priest to attend. (Please to confirm attendance: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk ) 7

8 Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis (MCC). Information sessions are available on the following dates for those interested in the course at Vaughan House, 46, Francis Street, London SW1P 1QN. 4 th Sep - meeting room 6pm to 7pm 12 th Sep - meeting room 6.30pm 7.30pm 13 th Sep - conference room 1.30pm -2.30pm All participants must have the approval of the Parish Priest to attend. (Please to confirm attendance: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk ) The course is for anyone interested in developing his or her own faith for the sake of explaining it to others. The course includes practical aspects of catechesis as well as a solid foundation in key areas of theology and spirituality, so theory is put into practice all the way through the course. The Certificate in Catechesis, which is validated by Maryvale Institute and approved by the Congregation for the Clergy, Rome is also offered with the authority of bishops from dioceses in England, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, USA and around the world for the training of catechists for their dioceses. Those following this course will also be awarded the Archbishop s Certificate in Catechesis after two years. Course Content and Structure. This is a two-year, part-time, distance-learning course. Course participants study at home in their own time following specially written course books for each module of the course. For each module the student presents a piece of written work. There are three study days to attend during the year, at which students are introduced to the modules and a practical workshop. Each academic year ends with a retreat day. The course draws from the Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and selected documents of the Second Vatican Council as key reference texts and offers a balance of theology, spirituality and catechetical teaching skills. The cost of the course is 645 and the diocese is offering a bursary/grant of 200 for applicants for the course beginning in October Cost of course with bursary

9 The Priest as Catechist Jo-Anne Rowney reflects on the importance of catechesis in her life and the role of the priest in her catechetical formation. I may not have realised it at the time but Catechesis played an important role in engaging more deeply with my faith. I first took part in it for my first Holy Communion, it was not only a time to learn more and have my questions answered but also to share my own faith. It was later when I joined a parish at university when the chaplain ran catechesis that I found it the most helpful. It helped me discuss questions I had, so I could answer questions posed to me by those who didn t share my faith. We covered questions on homosexuality, the Church s teaching on sex etc The best thing was that it provided a safe environment for people to pose questions as not only was there a priest present but also our peers, who shared our queries and there was no such thing as a stupid question. Priests played an important role in this. They often led the sessions we ran at university, or were happy to open up discussions for people to share their own faith to help others understand the church s teaching better. All of this was key to me deepening my faith. I found the more I knew and understood why we did things, and could explain it, the more I loved the Church and the faith and enjoyed sharing it with people. Jo-Anne Rowney with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council of the Promotion of New Evangelisation In catechesis the Sacrament of Holy Orders constitutes priests as 'educators of the faith'. They work, therefore, to see that the faithful are properly formed to reach true Christian maturity" (GDC 224). Jo-Anne Rowney - I am a senior reporter for the Buckinghamshire Advertiser. I worked with the Bishop s Conference covering media for the Papal Visit in I am team leader for World Youth Day s English Language Social Media Team, heading up a group of volunteers from Canada, America and the UK. I am also media executive for Invocation, the national discernment organisation and work with Heavens Road FM, the new Catholic radio station. 9

10 Are you looking for flexible, engaging Catholic Courses that can fit into your busy schedule? Are you looking for affordable and accessible programmes? Do you want a programme that is interactive, provides additional resources, review and prayer opportunities? Are you comfortable learning in an online format? Would you like the ability to track your progress in your faith journey? A Learn Anywhere Catholic Curriculum These courses are low cost and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. All of our content comes from solid Catholic publishers and each has an Imprimatur. Our dashboard system helps to monitor your progress, time spent on lessons and bookmarks. Online courses are available for: For further information and full details of the courses on offer on-line please or call: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk

11 Diocesan Office for Catechesis Support for Sacramental Preparation How the Agency Supports Parish Catechetical Services & Pastoral Planning The aim and goal of the Catechetical team is to promote the evangelising mission of the Church: to form disciples of Jesus Christ by assisting the Bishop, as head of the community and teacher of doctrine, to direct and moderate particular Catechetical activities of the diocese. The office exists to assists parishes in fulfilling The Six Tasks of Catechesis: 1. Promotes knowledge of the Faith 2. Promotes knowledge of Liturgy and the Sacraments 3. Promotes moral formation in Jesus Christ 4. Teaches the Christian how to pray 5. Prepares the Christian to live in community and to participate in the life and mission of the Church 6. Promotes a missionary spirit. The Catechetical Team has the goal of providing systematic, consistent and continual formation for Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCLs). To assist parishes in the formation of competent, knowledgeable and skilled catechists, so that they may instruct others in the Catholic faith. To serve as a resource for parish communities in the faith formation of their members, including all adult members of the community. Purpose: The Catechetical Team - fosters the evangelising, catechising mission of the Church by assisting parishes in forming true disciples of Christ through: a) the preparation of sacramental guidelines and policies; b) initial proclamation directed to those inquiring about the faith (Primary Evangelisation); c) initial catechetical activity directed to catechumens and to candidates seeking full communion (RCIA) and sacramental preparation for the sacraments of initiation; d) pastoral activity directed to the baptised but uncatechised (adults & children) and the unchurched e) ongoing catechetical formation centred around ongoing conversion, discipleship, maturity in faith and fullness of life in Christ (Adult Formation). The Agency offers a vision, framework and dialogue for evangelisation and catechetical ministry that is grounded in Scripture and based on The priorities of the Archbishop s council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church; the General Directory for Catechesis and The Priority for Adult Formation documents. The team provides formation for catechists, for those involved in infant baptism preparation through to adult faith formation. The catechetical team serves through offering formation and resourcing for parish catechetical and evangelisation leadership in the areas of Catechetical Programming; Evangelisation; RCIA; Adult Faith Formation; Infant Baptism; Reconciliation; Eucharist; Confirmation and Parish Pastoral Planning for Catechesis and General Adult Formation and ongoing discipleship. Priority Goal: To promote enthusiastic evangelisation and systematic, authentic catechesis embracing Catholics of all ages who are in need of ongoing evangelisation and systematic catechesis. Currently we are achieving these Goals via: CATECHISTS FORUM These sessions are normally divided into three parts which focus on the history of the topic, current practice and practical issues in planning and running catechetical programmes in the parish. (These are currently offered at the deanery level) YEARLY RCIA SEMINARS These seminars provide an important opportunity for RCIA catechists to share good practice, ideas, resources and a chance to receive on-going formation. These sessions also help to prepare for the Rite of Election. (These are currently offered at the deanery level) ANNUAL ON-GOING FORMATION SESSION Offer catechists a time to engage with a systematic exploration of the teaching of the church, a time of prayer and the space for reflection and discussion with other catechists. BASIC TRAINING SESSIONS Are offered on a yearly basis at deanery locations in the diocese. These sessions are open to all catechists and clergy in the diocese. DISTANCE SUPPORT FOR CATECHISTS The diocese offers opportunities to help train catechists who are unable to attend other training events via distance learning. CATECHISTS SUMMER GATHERING Each July, catechists & parish volunteers are invited to gather for input, prayer, reflection, workshops and the opportunity to explore new resources and network with other catechists. IN-SERVICE FOR EMPLOYED COORDINATORS & PASTORAL ASSISTANTS are offered twice a year for all employed parish staff in order to provide on-going formation and support. Mentoring & Distance Learning Support for Parish Catechists & Volunteers: We can arrange support and training for individuals or groups of parish catechists via distance learning support to save busy catechists time and having to come out to too many extra meetings. 11

12 Do you know what you should know? You cannot avoid challenges to your Catholic faith. They come from door-to-door missionaries who ask, "Are you saved?", from peer pressure that urges you to conform to the morals of the world, from a secular culture that whispers there is no God. Sometimes Catholics who are challenged begin to doubt their faith. If they find themselves unable to answer basic questions about what they believe and why they believe it, they begin to wonder whether the Catholic Church really was founded by Jesus. Sometimes their doubts lead them straight out of the Church. This doesn't need to happen. Challenges to your faith should not produce doubts. They should be looked upon as mere difficulties in understanding, and difficulties can be overcome through study and prayer. It has been said that ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt a good point to keep in mind. To doubt means to be unsure whether a belief is true; to have a difficulty means to know the belief is true but to be unsure just what it means or why it is true. This unsureness can be overcome. When mathematicians have difficulties doing their calculations, they don't allow their difficulties to turn into doubts about the established truths of mathematics. Instead, they study harder and learn more about mathematics so they can understand how its parts fit together. So it is with the Catholic faith. Contact CTS for details of their publications which can be used in every area of parish faith formation and education. Diocesan Catechetical Team Contact Information Agency for Evangelization (Office for Catechesis) Vaughan House 46, Francis Street Victoria London SW1P 1QN catadmin@rcdow.org.uk Website: 12