Close“Catechesis is the echo of the word of God”
– Pope Francis
Saturday 5th November, 10am – 3pm
Sacred Heart of Mary School, Upminster
See below for information on how to book your place!
David Wells, Keynote Speaker
“At Your Side – The joy of a shoulder to shoulder relationship with the uncertain and confused”
As Catechists we walk, Christ on one side, our neighbour on the other. In this way we are both accompanied and accompanier. This way of journeying is how Pope Francis sees us and our role as Catechists. You won’t come away with more to do, but you might come away with a fresh way of seeing and doing the things you do already.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOPS
Laudato Si * Million Minutes * St Vincent de Paul Society * CAFOD
Catholic Voices * Art Wangcharoensab from the Brentwood Cathedral Music Dept * The Bishop’s Certificate in Catechesis
St Vincent De Paul Society
Young Vincentians takes the SVP ethos into schools, colleges and parishes, inspiring young people to give their time to volunteer and sow the seeds for a lifetime of service. With more than 600 groups in England and Wales, Young Vincentians are the youngest members of the St Vincent de Paul Society who turn their concern into action!
Come and find out how your confirmation group can connect with the St Vincent de Paul Society in Brentwood Diocese, and how they can put their faith into action, or learn about FREE prayer and liturgy resources for primary aged children provided by the St Vincent de Paul society. These resources could support your First Holy Communion or children’s liturgy. Find out how you and your children can connect to the work of the society in supporting those struggling in our local communities.
www.svp.org.uk/involve-young-people
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Million Minutes
How do we live out accompaniment as catechists? Following on from David’s keynote, Anita and Beth will explore how we can truly accompany the young people and their families in our community through the time we spend with them during preparation for the sacraments. This will be a discussion-based workshop where you can bring your experiences, thoughts, and questions to the group. The first will be focussed on First Holy Communion, and then second on Confirmation.’www.millionminutes.org
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Catholic Voices
Catholic Voices is a project which began in the UK to improve the Church’s representation in the media, training speakers and appearing on news programs and debates. Georgia and Niamh will be coming along to the training day to help us learn more about “How to defend the Faith without Raising your Voice”.
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Art Wangcharoensab
Art has spent years with the Music Department at Brentwood Cathedral, working in schools, with choirs, animating our regular Youth Masses and Lourdes Masses, as well as composing his own Nativity, psalms and songs! He is an enthusiastic and lively leader who, now into his teacher training, inspires people of all ages, bringing joy and worship through his music and will share some ideas to help you do the same.
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Laudato Si’
Mary and Peter Johnson, from St Teresa of Lisieux parish in Lexden, will share how their training to be Laudato Si animators has inspired them to support their parish in responding to Pope Francis’ plea for us to listen to the ‘cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor’. They will share how the encyclical links to Catholic social teaching, what they have achieved so far, and show how children can begin to respond to its message either through children’s liturgy or when preparing to receive the sacraments of reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
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CAFOD
CAFOD is an international development charity and the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Together with local experts in over 35 counties, CAFOD supports work in areas of humanitarian relief, climate change, disaster management, governance, livelihoods and peace building. CAFOD works alongside Catholic parishes and schools to support our sisters and brothers in need across the world. As part of a well-established education programme fully trained schools’ volunteers offer workshops and assemblies to schools in the diocese on behalf of CAFOD.
CAFOD’s Chris Driscoll and Jane Crone will provide an overview of CAFOD’s resources including workshops, prayers and presentations which can be used in a range of groups for children and young people including confirmation, first holy communion / reconciliation and children’s liturgy settings.
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Session for Young Catechists
Are you aged 16+, having made your Confirmation and looking to develop your faith and involvement in Parish life? Walsingham House Manager Joe Beattie will lead a workshop dedicated just to you to help you grow your skills and confidence.
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The Bishops Certificate in Catechesis
The Bishop’s Certificate is designed to be an entry level qualification to help in the ongoing formation of adults involved in sacramental preparation or youth ministry in the Diocese of Brentwood. It includes both the development of practical skills & the deepening of theological knowledge. Claire Bailey, Director of the Youth Service will share information on the course, including some of the modules and how you can take part.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DAY?
10:00am Arrivals
You are very welcome to arrive at Sacred Heart School any time from 10am – there is parking on site, or it is just a short walk from public transport stops and stations.
A member of the BCYS and Walsingham House staff and volunteer team will be ready to sign you in and welcome you with teas, coffees, cakes and pastries!
There will then be the opportunity to sign up for 2 of the exciting workshops available for the afternoon (these will be filled on a first come, first served basis).
10:30am Welcome
The day will open with a time of prayer, followed by a welcome and introductions to the team running the day.
10:45am Speakers
We are delighted to welcome the fantastic David Wells as our keynote speaker for the day. David has spoken to and inspired thousands of people all over the world.
To learn more about David Wells you can visit his website
12:15pm Lunch
We do ask that you bring a packed lunch, which you are very welcome to sit and enjoy together, whilst having the opportunity to meet fellow catechists.
13:00pm Workshop 1
We will break out into smaller rooms for the first of the workshops you have signed up for in the morning.
This will be a fabulous chance to find out about new resources, courses, campaigns, opportunities for you and your young people and much more, as well as discussing and sharing your own practices with fellow catechists. You can see more about the workshops available below.
14:00pm Workshop 2
You will be guided to the second of the workshops you have selected for the day.
15:00pm Closing Prayer
We will invite you all to gather back in the main hall for a closing prayer as we end the day.
WHO IS THIS OPEN TO?
This training and resources day is open to all First Holy Communion and Confirmation Catechists, as well as those who look after the children’s liturgy in the Diocese of Brentwood. It will be an opportunity to hear about fresh resources, as well as receiving input to assist you in your First Holy Communion and Confirmation programmes.
We would particularly like to welcome any young catechists or young people in your parish (16+) who may be interested in working as or with catechists, and wish to develop their faith further post-confirmation.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your place for this FREE event, please email [email protected] or complete the form below with the following information of each person attending;
Full Name
Role (First Holy Communion Catechist / Young Catechist / Confirmation Catechist / etc)
Parish
Email Address