DEPARTMENTS FOR EDUCATION, ADULT FORMATION AND EVANGELISATION CATECHESIS IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH PROGRAMME FOR CATECHISTS 2017-18
FOREWORD We are very blessed in our Diocese with over 1000 catechists currently involved in every area of catechesis. Their faith and commitment continue to inspire so many of our people. Some catechists have been involved in this ministry for many years while others have become involved more recently. We are deeply grateful for their witness. This course for catechists, Catechesis in the Mission of the Church is now in its fourth year and has already been of great benefit to those who engaged with it. Its purpose is to support those already involved in catechesis in further developing their own faith and understanding and also to offer a structured programme for those interested in becoming a catechist. Each of the modules offers a time of prayer, teaching, reflection and also a time for questions. As well as the 18 modules spread over three terms, there will also be offered sessions of preparation for the specific areas of catechesis i.e. Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist and a Day of Recollection. You will see from this booklet that we have a good team of experienced, dedicated priests, deacons, religious and lay people who will deliver the modules. This programme will be ongoing for the foreseeable future so it may be that you consider undertaking it over a single year or over several years. Upon completion of the programme, you will be invited to receive a Diocesan Certificate in Catechesis at the Education and Formation Mass celebrated by Bishop Séamus. We hope that this venture will bring many blessings to present catechists and future generations of catechists to come and will further enrich catechesis across the Diocese. Rev Michael McCoy 2
CONTENTS Tutor Profiles 4 Module List 7 Course information 8 Modules 9 Sacramental Days/Sessions 16 Venue Information 17 Booking Form 19 3
TUTOR PROFILES Deacon Rob Wareing and his wife Barbara have been catechists for Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation in three parishes since 1998. He was on the working party for the Diocesan Reconciliation and First Communion programme and in January 2013 joined the team designing the Programme for Catechists Catechesis in the Mission of the Church. He was employed by the NHS for almost 50 years having retired in February 2015. In 2009 he answered a call to a new vocation to the Permanent Diaconate and was ordained in June 2013. Kathryn Turner is Head of the Diocesan Department for Spirituality. She is a member of the Bishops Conference Spirituality Committee and was one of the writing team who produced the Bishops Document on Catholic Spirituality, Do you love me?. She has worked for many years in the areas of spirituality, liturgy and catechesis and has contributed articles and chapters to various journals and books which aim to help people in parishes learn more about the great richness of our Catholic Spirituality. Rev Michael Griffiths was ordained in 1979 and has worked in Parishes in Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside, West Durham and now Hartlepool. Rev Michael also worked for five years with the Catholic Missionary Society based in London conducting parish missions and running courses up and down the country. Rev Michael is part of the Diocesan Evangelisation team. Tim Rochester gained a Master of Theology from the University of St Andrew s in 2002 and an MA in Education from the University of Durham in 2008. He has been teaching in Catholic Education since 2003. Tim is currently a teacher of Religious Education and Head of Year 7 at St Michael s Catholic Academy in Billingham. He is responsible for teaching RE to 11-16 year olds, the pastoral needs of Year 7 students and the transition of Year 6 primary students to St Michael s. He has also taught the CCRS for Hexham and Newcastle for the past 10 years. Rev Chris Jackson is Administrator of St Cuthbert s, Chester-le-Street and St Bede s, Sacriston. Having grown up in Sunderland, he studied theology at King s College London in the late 1960s. Thirty years later he still had a lot of unanswered questions and went part-time to Durham University. Were all his questions answered? Of course not! But as a mature student he was shown how to develop ways of reading the Bible. These have enriched his own faith and helped him to pass on that faith to others. He describes himself as not an academic scholar but an enthusiastic student of Scripture which is what every Catholic is called to be. Sr Michael worked in secondary education from 1960-1997. In 1997 she was asked to develop evangelisation, spirituality and ongoing formation in the diocese; giving talks, leading programmes and supporting local efforts. Her main interest has always been in helping people to develop their own faith and spreading it to others in a multitude of ways. Until 2016, she coordinated evangelisation activity in the diocese. Though still involved in evangelisation initiatives, she now concentrates on the Centre for Prayer and Mission in Seaham an oasis for prayer and on-going formation for parish groups and individuals, especially in the area of scriptural spirituality. 4
TUTOR PROFILES Rev Adrian Dixon is originally from Newcastle upon Tyne and was ordained in 1985. Since then he served in three parishes as an assistant priest and then as parish priest first in Jesmond and then in Gateshead. Apart from some time abroad doing further studies much of his time has been connected with the work of the Diocesan Liturgy Department. He is at present Coordinating Pastor of the Jarrow Cluster of Parishes with particular responsibility for St Bede s and St Joseph s. Rachael Blackburn has been a teacher of RE for 18 years. She is currently an Assistant Head with responsibility for Catholic Life and leads an outstanding RE Department in a Catholic secondary school. Rachael has taught the Sacrament Module on the CCRS course for the past six years. She has had experience of being a Catechist preparing parents for Baptism and also young people for their Confirmation. Rachael has also had experience of developing young people s understanding of the Church through weekly sessions after Mass. Rev Bill O Gorman studied Philosophy and Theology at St Kieran s College, Kilkenny. The years of formation laid the foundation for a sound spirituality and a disciplined life. He describes himself as a simple priest who has worked at the coalface in the Lord s vineyard during his 60 years of priesthood. The priesthood for him is satisfying, fulfilling and joyful. Blessed with a great love of people and a desire for their happiness and wellbeing, he relies completely on the Lord and the power of his Spirit. Keeping in mind the words of St Paul, My power is at its best in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9) and There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the one who gives me strength (Phil 4:13) Rev Tom McHale was born in Baltimore, USA. After completing a BA in Political Science at Loyola University, Maryland he moved to England and studied at Durham University, earning an MA in Modern Middle East Studies. During Ph.D. studies he felt called to move in a different direction, left academia and applied to study for the priesthood. Accepted by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, he trained at the English College in Valladolid Spain, and then at the Pontificial Beda College in Rome. Fr Tom was ordained in 2009. He served parishes in Sunderland, Darlington and North Tyneside and in June 2014 was appointed as parish priest of St Mary s, Blackhill. Mary Hughes works with the Youth Ministry Team and is Coordinator for Area Development supporting parishes and partnerships in developing their youth ministry. Mary taught English at St Joseph s Comprehensive School, Hebburn before working in Cameroon as a lay associate of the Mill Hill Missionaries. After returning to the UK, she worked as a Parish Youth Coordinator in the Diocese of Northampton and was chaplain at Our Lady and St Bede RC School, Stockton until she began working with YMT. Mary has been a Confirmation catechist for many years and is currently part of the team for the Gateshead Confirmation Programme. Rev Lee Barrett read History at Queen's College Oxford, focusing mainly upon the Reformation. His formation for the priesthood took place in Valladolid then at the Venerable English College Rome culminating in a Licence in Patristics and the History of Theology with a thesis on St Augustine and Priests as Mediators. He is currently parish priest at St Paul s in Cramlington and chaplain for Northumbria hospitals. 5
TUTOR PROFILES Rev Andrew Downie, a native of Sunderland, took an MA in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and later qualified as a solicitor. He studied for the priesthood at the Venerable English College, Rome, where he gained a Licence in Fundamental Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Ordained priest in 2002, he is currently parish priest of St Cuthbert s, Durham and Catholic Chaplain to Durham University. Fr Andrew has a particular interest in the teaching of Vatican II, and in the encounter of faith with contemporary culture. Deacon Peter Lavery and his wife Pauline have been married for 42 years and have three children and six grand-children. They have ministered in Marriage and Family Life since 1984. They have trained catechists and delivered courses in Marriage Preparation in many parishes and deaneries. They contribute to Adult Formation through RCIA and CCRS programmes and provide pastoral assistance to our diocesan primary and secondary schools. They offer marriage enrichment/support personally and in partnership with other agencies and have a particular passion for the Vocation to Marriage and Family Life. Peter is the Diocesan coordinator for Marriage and Family Life. Sr Sheila McNamara trained as a teacher at Christ s College, Liverpool where she studied Primary Education. She taught for 21 years including deputy headteacher and acting headteacher posts. Formation for Religious Life towards the end of her teaching career included study of Scripture, Theology, Liturgy, Spirituality, Justice and personal development at Roehampton. She achieved a First Class Masters Degree in Pastoral Leadership and worked as Primary Schools Adviser in the Archdiocese of Westminster before becoming adviser in Hexham and Newcastle. She has taught CCRS and DCRS. She now works in spirituality and retreat work. Rev Michael McCoy is a priest of the Diocese ordained in 1989 and currently parish priest of the parishes of St Benet s, St Joseph s and St Hilda s in Sunderland. He coordinates the ministry of chaplaincy within the schools of the Diocese and is head of department for Adult Formation and Evangelisation. He has been actively involved in coordinating the new diocesan Programmes of Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and Confirmation and is responsible for coordinating the on-going formation and support for catechists. Andrew Barron gained his Bachelor of Divinity from Heythrop College, and completed his PGCE at King s College, London University. His particular specialisms are Pauline Theology, Philosophy of Religion, Kierkegaard and Buddhism. Andrew has over twenty years teaching experience and has taught in several schools in the diocese, including being Head of an outstanding Department. Andrew also has a wide experience base in leadership having been an Assistant Headteacher for over twelve years, taking responsibility for Ethos, Chaplaincy, CPD, newly qualified teachers and Sixth Form. He is the full-time Secondary RE Adviser to the Diocese. 6
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER JANUARY - MARCH MAY - JUNE Module 1. The Call to be a Catechist MODULES Tutor Rev Deacon Rob Wareing 2. The Life of Faith Rev Michael Griffiths 3. The Life of Prayer Kathryn Turner 4. Sacred Scriptures The Old Testament Tim Rochester 5. Diocesan Procedures and Programmes and guidelines (Sacramental Programmes/RCIA) Rev Michael McCoy 6. Sacred Scriptures The New Testament Rev Chris Jackson 7. The Person of Jesus Christ Sr Michael 8. The Sacred Liturgy and the Sacraments Rev Adrian Dixon 9. Baptism Rachael Blackburn 10. Reconciliation Rev Bill O Gorman 11. Eucharist The Theology of the Eucharist Rev Tom McHale 12. Eucharist The Mass Rev Tom McHale 13. Confirmation Mary Hughes 14. The Church Rev Lee Barrett 15. Life in Christ The Church s Moral Teaching 16. Marriage and Family Life Rev Andrew Downie Rev Deacon Peter and Pauline Lavery 17. Methods of Teaching Andrew Barron 18. Mary and the Saints Sr Sheila McNamara 7
COURSE INFORMATION To complete the Catechesis in the Mission of the Church programme all sessions must be attended. The course is a rolling programme designed to be completed at your pace - you may wish to complete all modules in one year or you may wish to attend over a few years. Once you have attended all sessions, you will be invited to the annual Education and Formation Mass to receive your certificate. If you are unable to attend this mass, the certificate will be posted to you. 8
1. THE CALL TO BE A CATECHIST I want to invite you to create space for God in your life To share your faith with someone is a gift from God; to share your life with someone is a vocation. In sacramental catechesis we do both. This module will allow you space to explore your calling to the ministry of catechist and to reflect in prayer and discussion your relationship with God. Placed early in the programme, it will lay the foundation for such reflection in the modules following. The session will include time for introductions and finding out what you can expect from the course. Tuesday 26 September 2017 6.00pm - 8.30pm Rev Deacon Rob Wareing 2. THE LIFE OF FAITH Quote from Pope Francis: "It is the joy of faith, the joy of having encountered Jesus, the joy that only Jesus gives us, the joy that gives peace: not what the world gives, but what gives Jesus. This is our faith. We ask the Lord to help us grow in this faith, this faith that makes us strong, that makes us joyful, this faith that always begins with our encounter with Jesus and always continues throughout our lives in our small daily encounters with Jesus." Tuesday 3 October 2017 Rev Michael Griffiths 3. THE LIFE OF PRAYER This session will look at just a few of the many ways of praying in our Catholic tradition. Our main focus will be different ways of praying with the Word of God and how they can help us to continue to reflect more deeply on our lives and ministry. There will also be an opportunity to think about other forms of prayer from the Tradition some old favourites and one or two that may be a little less familiar. Tuesday 10 October 2017 Kathryn Turner 9
4. SACRED SCRIPTURES - THE OLD TESTAMENT The course will look at one of the most important religious aspects of the Old Testament, the covenant relationship between God and humanity. In looking at this relationship we will delve into the promises, commitments and obligations made by both Abraham and Moses and analyse how they are relevant in the sacramental life of the Church. Tuesday 17 October 2017 Tim Rochester 5. DIOCESAN PROCEDURES, PROGRAMMES AND GUIDELINES This unit will look at the Diocesan programmes and guidelines for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation giving a detailed overview of their structure and implementation and exploring the various roles of those involved in preparing adults, young people and children in the sacrament. Tuesday 31 October 2017 Rev Michael McCoy 6. SACRED SCRIPTURES - THE NEW TESTAMENT Do I need to bother with the Bible? And how much of it do I need to bother with? In this module we will consider these and other basic questions. We will explore how and why the New Testament came to be written and the people who wrote it. What does our Church teach about the Bible? Catholics have some surprising ways of reading and understanding Scripture and we will look at these. I dare to hope that this module will make you passionate about Scripture and want to share your passion with others! There is one book you might like to buy and read before we meet in the Autumn: Your Bible every Catholic s essential companion. Redemptorist Publications. (ISBN 9780852313763.) Tuesday 7 November 2017 Rev Chris Jackson 10
7. THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST Who do you say I am? Knowledge leads to relationship leads to communicating with others. 1. We will look at the Titles of Jesus which we can relate to. 2. We will explore the attractive portrayal of Jesus we find in Luke - the "faithful recorder of Christ's loving kindness" (Dante) and how to communicate this with others. Tuesday 16 January 2018 Sr Michael 8. THE SACRED LITURGY AND THE SACRAMENTS We shall consider principally the liturgical rites of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation. This will focus on: A brief overview of the shape of the rites of these Sacraments and how these reflect developments advocated by the Second Vatican Council. A look at elements of these rites with a view to considering how they might be used to develop a candidate s understanding of the importance and meaning of these Sacraments. A short consideration of some materials that may help catechists develop for themselves a deeper understanding of each of these Sacraments by looking at aspects of their historical development and from personal reflection. Tuesday 23 January 2018 Rev Adrian Dixon 9. BAPTISM During this module the aim will be to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism. We will look at the Sacrament itself, its meaning and effects. This will all be explored through art, discussion, time of reflection and scripture. Tuesday 30 January 2018 Rachael Blackburn 11
10. RECONCILIATION This unit will aim to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the ministry of healing and reconciliation in the church and specifically of the sacrament of reconciliation itself. Tuesday 6 February 2018 Rev Bill O Gorman 11. EUCHARIST - THE THEOLOGY OF THE EUCHARIST This course will explore Catholic beliefs about the meaning and significance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, looking at its biblical origins, it's historical development and some of the theological controversies that have surrounded it. It will include a clear summary of Catholic beliefs about the presence of Jesus in the Sacrament and explore ways in which this theology can be shared with children in an accessible way. Tuesday 20 February 2018 Rev Tom McHale 12. EUCHARIST - THE MASS A common complaint one hears about the Mass these days is that it s boring. If people only understood what s actually going on at every single celebration of the Mass that literal miracles are happening from which God s people derive incalculable spiritual benefits the Mass should be anything but boring! The aim of this module is to explore how the amazing theology behind the sacrament of the Eucharist translates into the liturgical celebration that Lumen Gentium described as the source and summit of the Christian life. We will look at the vital importance of the Mass for developing and maintaining Christian spirituality on both the individual and ecclesial levels, and will consider strategies which might help catechists to communicate a real enthusiasm for the Mass to those with whom they are working. Tuesday 27 February 2018 Rev Tom McHale 12
13. CONFIRMATION The module will look at the history and meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation and reflect on what it means to be a Confirmation catechist. It will cover the various elements of a Confirmation preparation programme and suggest resources. Tuesday 17 April 2018 Mary Hughes 14. THE CHURCH This unit will look at the Church from a variety of historical and theological perspectives examining various models/images of the Church as well as some key historical events throughout her history. Tuesday 24 April 2018 Rev Lee Barrett 15. LIFE IN CHRIST - THE CHURCH S MORAL TEACHING The Life in Christ module will look at the Christian approach to moral decision making. We make moral choices every day, but how do we know right from wrong? How should we approach important decisions in our own lives, or difficult issues such as abortion, divorce, war and social justice? What does the Church teach on moral questions, and can we explain and uphold our Catholic beliefs in a secular society? This module aims to help participants to understand the Church s moral teaching, to examine their own beliefs, and to develop their skills in making moral decisions. Tuesday 1 May 2018 Rev Andrew Downie 13
16. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE The course will explore the richness of the Church s current teachings on the Sacrament of Marriage be prepared to be amazed and delighted! We will examine the invitation from God to Parenthood and come to recognise the God-given responsibilities of fathers and mothers within Family Life. We will consider the role of catechists in delivering Marriage Preparation courses - where they will welcome, befriend and walk alongside engaged couples. Tuesday 8 May 2018 Rev Deacon Peter and Pauline Lavery 17. METHODS OF TEACHING This course will explore the common approach that teachers use in planning learning for young people in order to support catechists in their planning of sessions and in finding ways to engage young people in deeper thinking about theology and the purpose of the sacraments. It will include a theoretical reflection on approaches to teaching and some practical tips on learning activities that can be added to different materials. Tuesday 15 May 2018 Andrew Barron 18. MARY AND THE SAINTS Mary plays a vital part in the Catholic faith. This module will explore Mary in the Scriptures and in Tradition. We will look at Mary as woman of faith, as disciple, and as a model for our lives. We will explore, too, the place of Saints in the Catholic Church. Tuesday 22 May 2018 Sr Sheila McNamara 14
MODULE OVERVIEW Module Date 1. The Call to be a Catechist 26 September 2017 2. The Life of Faith 3 October 2017 3. The Life of Prayer 10 October 2017 4. Sacred Scriptures The Old Testament 17 October 2017 5. Diocesan Procedures and Programmes and guidelines (Sacramental Programmes/RCIA) 31 October 2017 6. Sacred Scriptures The New Testament 7 November 2017 7. The Person of Jesus Christ 16 January 2018 8. The Sacred Liturgy and the Sacraments 23 January 2018 9. Baptism 30 January 2018 10. Reconciliation 6 February 2018 11. Eucharist The Theology of the Eucharist 20 February 2018 12. Eucharist The Mass 27 February 2018 13. Confirmation 17 April 2018 14. The Church 24 April 2018 15. Life in Christ The Church s Moral Teaching 1 May 2018 16. Marriage and Family Life 8 May 2018 17. Methods of Teaching 15 May 2018 18. Mary and the Saints 22 May 2018 15
SACRAMENTAL DAYS/SESSIONS Throughout the year we will be offering various Sacramental Days. These days are an opportunity to further develop your understanding of what it means to be a catechist in these specific areas and to look in details at the various programmes and guidelines available. The days will include: Reconciliation and Eucharist Confirmation Day of Recollection Further information will be sent to those attending the Catechesis in the Mission of the Church course. Details will also be posted on our Diocesan website www.rcdhn.org.uk and sent to parishes. 16
VENUE INFORMATION St Aloysius Parish Hall Prince Consort Road Hebburn Tyne and Wear NE31 1BE 17
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DEPARTMENTS FOR EDUCATION, ADULT FORMATION AND EVANGELISATION CATECHESIS IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH BOOKING FORM 2017/18 Name...... Address...... Post Code Daytime Tel Email..... Parish Name. Parish Town.. Partnership name. ALL SESSIONS RUN FROM (first session runs 6.00pm 8.30pm) Please tick which modules you would like to complete in 2017-18: Module 1. The Call to be a Catechist 26 September 2017 2. The Life of Faith 3 October 2017 3. The Life of Prayer 10 October 2017 4. Sacred Scriptures The Old Testament 17 October 2017 5. Diocesan Procedures and Programmes and guidelines (Sacramental Programmes/RCIA) 31 October 2017 6. Sacred Scriptures The New Testament 7 November 2017 7. The Person of Jesus Christ 16 January 2018 8. The Sacred Liturgy and the Sacraments 23 January 2018 9. Baptism 30 January 2018 10. Reconciliation 6 February 2018 11. Eucharist The Theology of the Eucharist 20 February 2018 12. Eucharist The Mass 27 February 2018 13. Confirmation 17 April 2018 14. The Church 24 April 2018 15. Life in Christ The Church s Moral Teaching 1 May 2018 16. Marriage and Family Life 8 May 2018 17. Methods of Teaching 15 May 2018 18. Mary and the Saints 22 May 2018 Indicate attendance by ticking below Please tick if you have already attended this session Please return completed forms to the Department for Adult Formation and Evangelisation, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, St Cuthbert s House, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 7PY If you have any queries, please contact us: Tel: 0191 243 3313 Fax: 0191 243 3309 19 Email: adult.formation@diocesehn.org.uk
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