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Department for Formation and Mission

Deepening Our Faith

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Deepening Our Faith

Welcome

In this section of our website you will discover the rich opportunities on offer in the Diocese to go deeper in your faith.

Faith development is a life-long process where there is always something new or something deeper to learn in understanding who Christ is, who we are as children of God and how we are to relate to the world.

The many opportunities to go deeper in faith include suggested faith resources, local groups, diocesan courses and personalised accompaniment. Our prayer resources can be accessed here as a key way of going deeper.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

COLOSSIANS 1:9-10

Our News

12 August 2024

Maryvale @ Saint Mary’s

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Catechesis

Catechesis – Greek meaning to echo the teaching of Christ. In our context Catechesis is accompaniment, education, and formation in the faith and for the faith.  It is enabling people to grow in the depth of their understanding of God, Jesus and the Church.

Catechesis is set upon the foundation of Evangelisation (see Sharing our faith section) and works to develop Christian maturity by entering into the reality of people’s lives and accompanying them to have a thorough and systematic understanding of Christ and Catholic teaching.

There are many ways that Catechesis can take place, through the Mass, through the witness of other Catholics, through informal faith sharing. To really go deeper and experience a more ‘systematic understanding’ there are diocesan courses designed for different stages of your faith journey. See the formation pathway for a guide to what might be right for you right now.

Formation Pathways

‘Formation’ involves helping people develop into the people God intended them to be. Helping them to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ in order that they can respond to God’s baptismal calling which is unique to them.

The Church has many pathways for this:

  • Through the Sacraments, especially through Mass and Reconciliation
  • Through our prayer lives
  • Through our understanding of scripture and reflecting on its relationship to our own experiences
  • Through the witness of others including the Saints

The Diocese offers courses that can help people go deeper in faith. These are intended to support and strengthen the local parish offers of faith formation.

Our formation pathway is designed to give a menu of choices that indicate whether this is for someone ‘just starting’ on their journey who may opt for a ‘starter’ course or someone who is more experienced who want something more substantial. The intention with all of the courses on offer is that people don’t just take a nibble but feast and keep feasting on the wisdom and teaching available.

So have a look at what is on offer and come to the table, in fact bring a friend.

What's On Guide

View our Courses

Adventurous Accompaniment

The call to accompany is timeless. With the Church seeking ways to respond to the increasing challenges of today, a focus on genuine accompaniment is especially timely. Pope Francis envisages everyone being initiated into this ‘art of accompaniment’.

Our communities can extend God’s love to all and walk shoulder-to-shoulder with each other. More than living in solidarity, this is about enabling the flourishing of each person’s human dignity, where they can be fully themselves, belong and be deeply listened to.

Adventurous Accompaniment is designed to inspire and equip people who can influence others to explore the ‘art of accompaniment’ based on the 5 Principles of Accompaniment.

Please view this video to find out more about this formation opportunity:

Adventurous Accompaniment

Poster

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Called & Gifted

God is calling you to a work of love that will fill your life with purpose and joy. Discerning your Charisms can help you discover that call. If you are wondering how you are to fulfil the mission God has for you, or navigate a life transition, you might find that gifts discernment helps you decide which turn to take next. Called & Gifted is delivered as a three-stage process of teaching, a one-to-one conversation with a trained guide, and experimenting with charisms (with small group discernment).

Called & Gifted

Poster

Download Here

God has created me to do Him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another

St John Henry Newman

Catholic Pastoral Leadership

Are you involved in any ministry in the Church?  Are you interested in doing more for the Church? Do you want to expand your skills in pastoral leadership?  A new online course in Catholic Pastoral Leadership might be what you are looking for.

Liverpool Hope University has partnered with several Catholic dioceses across England and Wales to help people like you to gain fresh perspectives on Scripture and Church teaching. You will look at real-world issues in the light of our tradition and consider the best ways of exploring Christian faith and life with others.

You will take 4 modules over 2 years:

  • The Word of God
  • The Synodal Church
  • Dimensions of Christian Life
  • The Church’s Mission in the World

You will follow the course online. You will do most of the work at a time to suit yourself – with occasional synchronous sessions.

There are two ways you can take this course. All students will review the material presented online and do some assessed work to complete the course (total cost £1,900). Or you can take this course as a postgraduate certificate (60 credits) at extra cost and with additional work (total cost £2,400).*

To find out more about the course which will start in October 2024 please visit: Catholic Pastoral Leadership (PG Cert) (hope.ac.uk).

To attend an online information session, email: training@rcaol.org.uk and we will invite you to a Zoom information session, 7.00 – 8.30pm on Monday 22 July 2024.

*Support with funding, for those in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle, may be available. For further information please email: adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk.

Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

Please note this course is no longer available through the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle. It has been replaced by a Catholic Pastoral Leadership Course, an accredited course run by Liverpool Hope University in partnership with several Catholic dioceses across England and Wales. See above for information about this course.

Lindisfarne College of Theology: MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Lindisfarne College of Theology offers the opportunity to study for an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, accredited by Durham University. Modules on the course will explore aspects of Christian belief, worship, mission, history and the Bible (for further information on the course, click here).

Further information can be found on the Lindisfarne College of Theology website https://www.lindisfarnect.org/study-with-us/our-courses/

Please note that direct admission to the MA, requires either a degree in theology at 2:1 honours level or above, or a degree in another discipline at 2:1 honours or above, and experience of Theology or Religious Studies to at least undergraduate Certificate level. It is possible, however, to be admitted on a probationary basis and later be admitted to full candidacy.

Lindisfarne is part of the Common Awards system administered through Durham University (by whom the academic awards are validated). While Lindisfarne College is historically an Anglican training institution, it has had independent students from a variety of backgrounds over the years. The college is committed to building a close-knit student body, prioritise face-to-face teaching and are deeply committed to the sacramental tradition, a point of ecumenical connection with our Roman brothers and sisters.

This course can be supported through the Lay Training Fund, further details of the fund can be found below.

Lay Training Fund

The Lay Training Fund (LTF) is for all areas of adult formation and education which are not normally provided as part of parish life. The suitability of an application will be assessed by the Lay Training Fund Committee which is made of the Director for Formation and Mission Development, a clergy expert in formation, a member of the Finance team and a lay representative, normally the chair of the lay Pastoral council.

Whether we work in the Diocese or in the wider world, whether we are involved in parish life in catechesis, liturgy or other ministries, we need to understand our Faith and we need to know what the Church teaches, and be able to discern our calling, so that we can live out our vocation and mission and thus witness to the faith we have, in response to the changing needs of the Church within society. The Lay Training Fund is available to support this vision.

For further information, please email formation.mission@diocesehn.org.uk.

Lay Training Fund Guidelines

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Lay Training Fund Application

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Scripture

The bible continues to be the world’s best-selling book, with an estimated over 5 billion copies sold to date. For Catholics the bible is a source for daily reflection, an opportunity to learn the way in which God’s nature and will for his children is revealed.  In the words of Pope Francis, it offers Catholics the opportunity to ‘experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.’ (Aperuit illis) Over the last few years there has been a renewed commitment to encouraging Catholics to connect more with their bibles. The Catholic Church in England and Wales, in partnership with Bible Society, invites the faithful to celebrate, live and share the Bible throughout 2020 and beyond through their initiative, ‘The God Who Speaks’.

 

Society of Saint Gregory’s new study course – Taking Liturgy Seriously

Find out more

You may be interested in

Biblical Language Courses

Elementary New Testament Greek

Entry requirements: suitable for beginners
Dates: Thursdays, 18:30-20:00, from 3 November, on Zoom
Cost: £85.00

For more information, or to sign up for one or more of these courses, please email jenny@lindisfarnect.org

Continuing New Testament Greek

Entry requirements: Suitable for those who have completed the Elementary Greek course or who have some basic experience of New Testament Greek
Dates: Tuesdays, 18:30-20:00, from 1 November, on Zoom
Cost: £85.00

For more information, or to sign up for one or more of these courses, please email jenny@lindisfarnect.org

Elementary Biblical Hebrew

Entry requirements: Suitable for beginners
Dates: Thursdays, 20:00-21:30, from 3 November, on Zoom
Cost: £85.00

For more information, or to sign up for one or more of these courses, please email jenny@lindisfarnect.org

The God Who Speaks

Every day we read a page of the Gospel, we pray with the Psalms, we read the Prophets! We will be moved by the Lord’s faithfulness. Scripture will also help us to understand what the Lord asks of our lives today.

Pope Francis, 25 July 2021

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bible Society are working together to nurture deeper Catholic engagement with the Scriptures.

If you’re Catholic and curious about the Bible, you can view their dedicated website. Here you’ll find great resources; events and ideas to help you deepen your faith and love of the Scriptures.

Latest resources:

This month our focus is on:

Ascension: Go, make disciples of all the nations… I am with you always, yes to the end of time. Matthew: 28: 19 – 20
www.godwhospeaks.uk/ascension/.

Easter to Pentecost Poster: www.godwhospeaks.uk/easter-to-pentecost-free-poster/.

Feast day resources:
1 May – St Joseph the Worker
Posters and articles – www.godwhospeaks.uk/saint-joseph/.

Focus on the challenges of Good Work – www.godwhospeaks.uk/good-work/.

May is the month of Mary
Mary’s Month of Flowers – www.godwhospeaks.uk/mary-month-of-flowers/.

Mary: The Lily and the Rose – www.godwhospeaks.uk/lily-rose-symbols-of-blessed-virgin-mary/.
Our Lady in Scripture, prayer and art – www.godwhospeaks.uk/celebrating-our-lady/.

Posters about Mary – www.godwhospeaks.uk/our-lady-in-scripture-posters/.

29 May – Feast of the Ascension
Ascension articles and art: www.godwhospeaks.uk/ascension/.

Leeds Diocese – Reader training videos for laity and clergy using the new lectionary
Three short, excellent videos for training lay and clergy readers produced by Fr Mark Jarmuz and Rowan Morton-Gledhill.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j66pz1n9E0&list=PLpNYfR7LSy4PBX2TZVBpgg0B8r3TiQUc6.

Essential Training for Catechists from ‘Light of Truth’ – Dominican Sisters of St Joseph
6-session, free course, Essential Training for Catechists is starting on the 1 May at 7.30pm.
Open to everyone involved in catechesis or just curious. Covers fundamental aspects relevant to all forms of catechesis, in principle and in practice.

CaFE OnDemand

Many will have used filmed resources from CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration, previously known as faithcafe.org).
They’re now online FREE to stream and download under the title CaFE OnDemand – www.charisuk.com/cafe-ondemand.
Where courses had a booklet or book e.g. The Big Picture journal, these are now available through www.goodnewsbooks.co.uk.

Our God who Speaks poet has written on the death of Pope Francis – www.godwhospeaks.uk/poem-death-of-pope-francis/.

About Us – Our Biblical Apostolate vision and priorities – www.godwhospeaks.uk/about-us/.

And for all other resources – www.godwhospeaks.uk/.

Spiritual Direction & Accompaniment

What is Spiritual Accompaniment?

Spiritual Accompaniment, or Spiritual Direction, has been a ministry in the Church and part of the Christian tradition since earliest times. These days the term Spiritual Accompaniment rather than ‘direction’ is used as it is about walking alongside another on their spiritual journey as a companion rather than being ‘directive’.

Spiritual Accompaniment provides a sacred, safe listening space where you can explore your spiritual life, your faith journey and where God is at work in all things. It is not a ‘fixing’ or problem solving space, rather a space to be heard. You may bring things related to your prayer life, your ‘interior’ life in general, or your family, work, leisure, relationships, Church, but it will always be in the context of where God is in it all.

Who is it for?

Spiritual Accompaniment is for anyone who has a desire to talk with someone about their relationship with God and where God is working in all aspects of life. There are no special requirements, no expectations.

What happens in a session?

The Spiritual Companion listens deeply and carefully in this graced space to what you have been reflecting on in your life with God. It is important to remember that God is the real director in the session and the Companion acts as a ‘sounding board’ helping you notice where God is in your life. God is at work in both parties in the session.

The Companion won’t give you advice, or attempt to solve your problems, or tell you what to believe or feel or what to do. They will listen, echo things back to you and nudge you with questions, sometimes suggesting things to reflect upon or ways of praying. It is a non–judgemental space and everything shared is totally confidential.

How often would we meet?

Usually Spiritual Accompaniment happens about every six weeks. The sessions last up to an hour. The meeting place will be agreed with your Companion.

How do I find a Spiritual Companion?

The Diocese has a team of trained Spiritual Directors/Companions. The person to contact is Sr. Sheila McNamara RSCJ by email. She will have an initial conversation with you about what you are looking for and a little bit about yourself. That helps the process of finding a suitable person to accompany you. After a short period of prayer and discernment, she will put you in touch with a Spiritual Companion and the journey continues from there. It is usually suggested that you meet three or four times and then have a review to see if you want to continue. Both are free to end the relationship at any time.

‘Everyone should carry a small Bible or pocket edition of the Gospels and should find at least a few minutes every day to read the word of God.’

Pope Francis, 2014

Contact Us

How to contact the Department for Formation & Mission:

Email: formation.mission@diocesehn.org.uk

Tel: 0191 243 3316 (office*) or 07375 934713 (mobile)

*Your call may be automatically diverted to the mobile number.

Admin office hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

To see a full list of Department contacts and leads, please visit our Formation & Mission page.