Introduction

Many people are seeking to explore the Christian faith, or deepen the faith that they already have. Sycamore looks at the central beliefs and practices of Catholic Christianity, and the most common questions that people raise. It’s written in a conversational style, with stories and anecdotes to bring the ideas alive. At the heart of each chapter there is a clear presentation of what exactly Christians believe and why this faith is especially important today. Topics include the search for happiness, the existence of God, the death and Resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church, the Bible, the gift of faith, and the power of prayer. There are chapters about the seven sacraments, the moral and social teaching of the Church, the Christian vocation, Mary and the saints, and the hope of heaven. This book grew out of a course that has been used in Christian churches and chaplaincies around the world. You can find out more about the course at the Sycamore website, which includes information for Christian leaders about how to run Sycamore in your local communities: www.sycamore.fm