The Follower 2011-12 by AFE Diocese of Westminster

Inside the 2011/2012 edition • • • •

Advance notice of the popular Faith Matters talks Articles on Our Lady, the Eucharist and the Olympics Listings of dozens of events, courses and resources Plus much, much more

Acknowledgments

Regular sections

Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London, SW1P 1QN Editor: Mark Nash Published annually. © WRCDT, 2011. The Follower’s printing is arranged by Transform Management Ltd info@1025transform.co.uk

Welcome Pages 4 and 5

for the Agency for Evangelisation, Diocese of Westminster. Once you have read The Follower and made a note of the events and publications that interest you, please think about paasing it to a friend or recycling it responsibly. The Follower is grateful to the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A for use of the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition copyright © 1993 and 1989. Excerpts from The Divine Office © 1974, hierarchies of Australia, England and Wales, Ireland. All rights reserved.

Events Centre Spread

The images contained in The Follower 2011-12 edition come from a number of sources: 4-5 (The End. by OmirOnia), 6-7 (Floral background by flaivoloka), 8-9 (Catholic ciborium by hisks), 10-11 (gloabal worming by bigevil600, sic), 15 (Calendar close by biewoef) 19 (Swirl Trees by fangol); 22-23 (Back to school by ywel) 24 (corridor by darkwater) 25 (pilgrims) 26 (Bapteme d’Elodie by elestren), 28-29 (face edge by code1name), 29 (Little girl and the beggar by rubenshito; Young homeless couple by leroys; Protest 2 by simonok), 32 (Gold Grunge 1 by photolume) all taken from www.

Staying in contact There are many ways in which you can follow what we’re doing. You’ve already made the first step by picking up this magazine!

sxc.hu //// cover (Calling of Peter & Andrew by Duccio di Buoninsegna), 7 (Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, The Assumption of the Virgin by Peter Paul Rubens); 10 (Last Judgment by Michaelangelo), 20-21 (Tholos at Delphi), 20 (OlympicStadiumJoaoHavelange by Andrew Hecker) all taken from wikimedia commons //// 7 (Ask Passionately by Wendy Ryan - wendyryan.blogspot.com) This magazine is also available online. Simply visit: issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs/thefollower1112

Website: www.rcdow.org.uk/growinginfaith Email: evangelisation@rcdow.org.uk Tel: 020 7998 9152 There are more numbers and email addresses on p. 31 Twitter (small groups): @dowsmallgroups Twitter (youth): @WestminsterYAYA

The Diocese of Westminster’s Agency for Evangelisation is committed to a sustainable future for our planet. The booklet in your hands is made from paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Facebook (small groups): dowsmallgroups Facebook (youth): WestminsterDioceseYAYA Facebook (adult formation):affwestminster

Blog: dowsmallgroups.wordpress.com

Featured Articles

Mary, Mother of God

Not Just a Meal

Last Things first

Spotlight on us

A Very Greek Idea

Learning About God

Conversations

We ARE baptised

Christian Morality

About the Agency

Welcome …TO THIS FIRST EDITION of The Follower, produced by the Diocese of Westminster’s Agency for Evangelisation. Proclaiming Christ is not the preserve of priests and religious, it is the responsibility of all. Each of us, in baptism, is called to consecrate the world, to make it a holy place. For us as Christians this proclamation of Christ - who is the way, the truth and the life – is the most loving thing we can do and the most treasured gift we have to offer. But to do this we must seek to grow in our own faith and intimacy with Christ, and engage with and understand the world in which we live. How else can we speak with conviction and be understood?

Evangelisation comes in all shapes and sizes but if anything is to be evangelical and loving, including our good works, it must be rooted in our relationship with Christ. The principal purpose of the Agency for Evangelisation is to nourish this primary relationship, providing a variety of opportunities for people to grow in faith. The following pages will give you an idea of the work that we do and the opportunities open to you in the coming months. There is an open invitation to all of these. In your ‘following,’ may you become more and more a living witness to the Word of God, the ‘saving truth which men and women of every age need to hear’ (Verbum Domini, 95). by Fr Michael O’Boy Director, Agency for Evangelisation www.rcdow.org.uk/growinginfaith

Feature Article

EACH YEAR

the diocesan catechetical team offers an ongoing faith formation session for parish catechists. Over recent years we have provided sessions on the Eucharist, Catholic Social Teaching and the new English translation of the Roman Missal. Starting in March 2012 we will be offering a session to catechists looking at the role of Mary and the saints in our Catholic Faith. Many of the most touching images in the Catholic imagination are those of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of favourite saints. We imagine, for example, the young Mary facing an angel who asks her to make a choice, not only for herself but for the world as well, or the image of a sorrowful mother at the foot of the Cross. We also imagine the saints and their heroic love for God and others; the joy of St. Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds; the sacrifice of St. Maximillian Kolbe giving up his life so another can live; and the steadfast faith of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose ‘little way’ gives modern Christians an accessible means to travel the path to holiness. Pope John Paul II often wrote about the important role that devotions to Mary and the saints have in our spiritual life. The life of devotion is intense and takes place at all levels of society. Devotions are carried out in practices such as pilgrimages to shrines of Mary and the saints; the use of sacramentals like water, oil, and candles; and the popular devotion of praying the Rosary. Pope John Paul II noted that these forms of piety are important ways in which the faithful can learn both genuine spiritual values leading to a life of conversion and practical ways to care for others. When practiced within the context of the life of the Church, they lead

Mary, Mother of God by Anthony Curran

to the inculturation of Christian values in the local community. The General Directory (GDC) also for Catechesis acknowledges that the devotional life is a ‘vital dimension in Catholic life.’ Popular devotions to the saints can arouse in the faithful a capacity for self-dedication and even heroism in professing the faith. Through popular devotions, people can arrive at a ‘keen sensitivity’ to the virtues of God: ‘his fatherly compassion, his providence, his benevolence and loving presence’ (195, as quoted from Evangelii Nuntiandi [EN], On Evangelisation in the Modern World, 48). When devotions are prayed in balance, they can develop, in the inmost depths of man, habits of virtue rarely to be found otherwise in the same degree, such as patience, acceptance of the Cross in daily life, detachment, openness to others and a spirit of ready service. (GDC, 195 quoted from EN, 48) The GDC acknowledges, however, that this is an area of potential ‘vulnerability’ and ‘a catechesis, therefore, is required which is of such religious richness as to be quick to appreciate its inherent nature and its desirable qualities and zealous to direct it so that the dangers arising out of its errors or fanaticism, superstition, syncretism, or religious ignorance may be avoided’ (195 quoted from

EN, 48). This caution extends to devotions to Mary. ‘Certain forms of Marian devotion… because of long usage, require a renewed catechesis to restore to them elements that have become lost or obscured.’ (GDC, 196) The core sessions, starting in March, aim to provide an outline of the origins of the devotions to Mary and the saints, the way in which saints are proclaimed today and the place apparitions of Mary have in context of the Church. The hope is that catechists will find here a resource that will help explain the place of Mary and the saints within the context of the life of the Church, a resource that will enrich the faith they share with those to whom they minster. For more about this session on Mary and the saints please see the diary section on pages 16-17 or visit our website to book in to one of the sessions on offer: www.rcdow.org.uk/catechesis You may also wish to read Hail Mary, Full of Grace an ‘exploringfaith’ booklet on Our Lady: www.rcdow.org.uk/bookstore Images (top to bottom): Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa The Assumption of the Virgin by Peter Paul Rubens (1612-17) Ask Passionately by Wendy Ryan (2007)

Not just a meal but a Foretaste of Heaven

taken from the autumn 2011 diocesan faith-sharing booklet

’AT THE LAST SUPPER, on the night he was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet “in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.” ’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1323). In the Eucharist we recall the Last Supper, itself a celebration of the Passover which Jesus shared with his closest friends before his death. The Eucharist we celebrate is much more than a simple meal. Here Christ Jesus is truly present with, as real for us as he was for the apostles in the upper room. Here, in the Eucharist we are drawn into the life of Christ. United with Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, the Eucharist offers us a foretaste of heaven where we will live in communion with God.

A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN is the diocesan faith-sharing booklet for Autumn 2011. Groups and individuals will look at the themes of reverence, Christ’s presence, participation, the heavenly banquet, why the Sunday Mass and sacrifice.

St. Paul prompts us to broaden our minds and our hearts to accept this reality in his letter to the Ephesians: ‘May Christ live in your hearts through faith, and then, planted in love and built on love, you will with all the saints have the strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth,’ until we are filled utterly with God (3:16-19). By the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all (CCC, 1326, see also CCC, 1370). Many things when seen in the context of the liturgy make sense. Our lives, related to Christ and each other in our celebration, find a touchstone - both receiving from and giving back to God. No wonder that the Church has often referred to the Eucharist as the ‘source and summit’... It is important to hold on to this vision, seeing our Eucharistic celebration as a time and place where heaven and earth touch, seeing it as a place of nourishment and succour for living a truly Christian life in the here and now. Blessed Pope John Paul II reminded us of this when he wrote that: ‘the Eucharist is a glorious ray of the heavenly Jerusalem which pierces the clouds of our history and lights up our journey… Certainly the Christian vision leads to the expectation of “new heavens” and “a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), but this increases, rather than lessens, our sense of responsibility for the world today… [and] the task of contributing with the light of the Gospel to the building of a more human world, a world fully in harmony with God’s plan’ (The Church of the Eucharist, 19-20).

Michaelangelo’s Last Judgement, Sistine Chapel

Last Things First Faith Matters: Four talks on the four last things article by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ

‘NOW FAITH

is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen’ says the Letter to the Hebrews (11:1). Hope in the afterlife is a central dimension of the Christian faith. Indeed, it provides the context and the reason for the Christian life. In today’s culture there is much fascination for what happens to us after death, in what we cannot see or understand. There is a new yearning to make

sense of our lives on earth. Faith in Christ and his promises can alone give us the hope which grounds our existence. This is why Pope Benedict in his second encyclical Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) focuses on Christian hope in the afterlife. Without this hope, says the Pope, mankind cannot move anywhere. But to profess Christian belief in the redemption offered to us gives us ‘true hope, trustworthy hope,

by virtue of which we can face our present: the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey’. In other words the Christian life is a journey of hope and the goal is heaven. We need to remind ourselves to put last things first. For the Christian the

end is in fact the beginning as we believe that it is only then that the infinite freedom which Our Lord offers his finite creatures and our finite world is to be fulfilled. Thus the Christian is called never to lose hope – hope in Christ who is present in all things here and now but also a sure hope in the Christ who calls us back to himself and whom we believe is to come again. Our Catholic Faith is full of treasures which express this hope in the life to come. We believe in the communion of the saints in heaven where the company of witnesses gone before us intercede for us still on this earth. But the Church also encourages us to pray for those who have died so they may be purified and so be ready to embrace the vision of God. The holy souls in this place of purification we know as purgatory need our prayers. And there is another important dimension to our belief in the ‘Last Things’. As Catholics we believe that we must ready ourselves for the next

life because we will be judged. Catholic Teaching affirms a twin belief in the final judgment at the second coming of Christ and the particular judgment made of each soul ‘immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith’ (Catechism, #1021). The Scriptures set before us the hope of our true destiny in heaven while at the same time affirming the ‘definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed’ which is called ‘hell’. Of course what we profess to believe is a mystery but we are

Our Catholic Faith is full of treasures which express this hope in the life to come.

called to embrace that mystery by believing what Our Lord tells us in the Scriptures. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. There will be an end time and a final judgment. This is a belief we share with other Christians but Catholic Teaching avoids certain overly apocalyptic interpretations of the Second Coming which have gained ground in some contemporary versions of the doctrine. Rather than look for signs of the end times the Church invites us to hope in a mystery we cannot understand but which grounds our life in the here and now. Hope that, at the end of our earthly pilgrimage, we will be given ‘kind admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy for ever the fullness of your glory, when you will wipe away every tear from our eyes. For seeing you, our God, as you are, we shall be like you for all the ages and praise you without end, through Christ Our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good’ (Eucharistic Prayer III, Prayer for the Dead).

FAITH MATTERS autumn 2011 1 Nov 2011 For all the Saints - Fr Stephen Wang & Hannah Vaughan-Spruce 8 Nov 2011 Praying for the Dead - Fr John Edwards, SJ 15 Nov 2011 Judgment, Heaven and Hell - Fr Dominic Robinson, SJ 22 Nov 2011 He will come again - Sr Cathy Jones, ra

All four talks will be held at Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, SW1P 1QN and start at 7pm

Spotlight From work with volunteers helping children to understand the faith to the publication of resources for postconfirmation groups, the Agency works with thousands across the Diocese of Westminster. Your help enhances our work and helps us all in the building of God’s kingdom.

Learning your faith Launched in Lent 2009 ‘Faith Matters’ is a bi-annual lecture series on the Catholic Faith and life in today’s world. It is a joint venture between the Agency for Evangelisation and the Mount Street Jesuit Centre. Held in the spring and autumn the lectures are open to all, whether you are enquiring about the Catholic Faith or looking to explore it in more depth.

‘Small groups have changed my life.’

Taking a Rest

How to get involved Look out for posters advertising the next series of Faith Matters talks or call 020 7931 6078

Building community Since 2003, Westminster’s small groups (often referred to as small communities) have met in homes and parishes to share the faith stories of their members. This has led to many engaging more with others, creating ‘family’ in the parish and a growth in understanding.

How to get involved Seek to participate in the next season of faith-sharing (Lent and autumn), ask your parish priest what groups meet or call 020 7931 6043

Studying Scripture In addition to the sharing in Scriptural reflection in small groups, Bible study groups meet across the diocese in various parishes all year round. Systematic Scripture courses are also available at Heythrop, Maryvale and St Mary’s. The diocese offers the Bible Studies series of talks at various locations featuring speakers such as Fr Peter Burrows and Fr John Hemer MHM.

Retreats and spiritual direction are considered useful in growing in Christian maturity. All too often we can try to go it alone and not a day passes when we consider ourselves too busy to think!

How to get involved Consider the benefits of talking with a spiritual director. A list of people who can help in the diocese can be requested from 020 7798 9026

How to get involved Dust off your Bible and get to a Bible Studies talk. We are adding more locations to the list, keep your eyes peeled on our website www.rcdow.org. uk/growinginfaith or call 020 7931 6078

‘Participating in World Youth Day in Sydney was an incredible experience, one I will never forget.’

Passing it all on From Baptism to First Holy Communion. From Confirmation and the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process to Marriage, parish catechists help to ‘echo’ the person of Christ preparing people to celebrate the Sacraments of the Church and grow in faith. This is a task for the whole parish gathered around their pastor, the chief catechist in the parish.

How to get involved Help children and young people to understand the riches of our common faith by beoming a catechist. Your parish priest should be your first port of call. The diocese offers a range of training dates to help you in passing on your faith to the next generation. Call 020 7798 9150 for more.

Growing up Young people in our parishes will always need people to speak to as they move towards adulthood. Youth leadership training from the diocese can help you do exactly this. Call 020 7798 9360 for more.

‘It is vitally important that we all know more about our faith. I remember feeling as though it was enough for me to listen to the 5 minute homily at Mass, not now.’

Being of greater service

Do you want to grow in the knowledge, spiritual resources and skills which will help you to be of greater service to your parish and her mission? The Pastoral Mission Programme, jointly directed by the Agency for Evangelisation and Heythrop College, University of London, is designed to serve the formation needs of lay people for roles of closer service in the Church. The programme comprises a thorough background in Catholic Theology, spiritual direction and work-based mentoring, in preparation for a Foundation Degree (2 years) and BA (3 years). To register or to order a programme brochure please contact Karolina Wilhelm-Brown at k.wilhelm-brown@heythrop.ac.uk For further details please contact the Programme Convenor, Fr Dominic Robinson, SJ, at d.robinson@heythrop.ac.uk

Events Calendar

September 2011 to May 2012

All times and dates are correct as of 15 August 2011 and may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information and additional events see www.rcdow.org.uk/growinginfaith. Many of these sessions require pre-booking at least 24 hours in advance. Contact numbers can be found on page 31. Sessions may be cancelled due to low booking numbers. Those who have pre-booked will be notified if the session will not proceed.

Events Calendar

Small Faith-Sharing Groups Catechesis Adult Formation

For the most up-to-date information and additional events see www.rcdow.org.uk/growinginfaith

When?

What?

Where?

September 2011 Sat 10 Sep (11am-1pm) Catechist Training for Reconciliation Catechesis Tue 13 Sep (8-9.30pm)

Catechist Training for First Holy Communion Catechesis

Wed 14 Sep (7.30-9pm) Intro to Sacramental Prep for New/Potential Catechists Thu 15 Sep (7.30-9pm)

Catechist Training for Confirmation Catechesis

Sat 17 Sep (10.30am-12) Catechist Training for Reconciliation Catechesis

Our Lady & St Joseph, Hanwell, W7 3SU St Michael, Ashford, TW15 2QD All Saints Centre, London Colney, AL2 1AF St Monica, Palmers Green, N13 4DJ Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT

Mon 19 Sep (7.30-9pm) Catechist Training for Sacramental Prep for Older Children Our Lady, St John’s Wood, NW8 8LA Tue 20 Sep (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Theme: Eucharist)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Thu 22 Sep (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

Our Lady & St Edward, Chiswick, W4 4PU

Sat 24 Sep (10.30am-12) Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

SS Alban & Stephen, St Albans, AL1 3RB

Sat 24 Sep (10.30am-12) New Catechist Training to be a Parish Catechist

Mary,Mother of God,Ponders End,EN3 7AR

Mon 26 Sep (7.30-9pm) Catechist Training for First Holy Communion Catechesis

St Francis of Assisi, Notting Hill, W11 4NQ

Tue 27 Sep (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

Mary,Mother of God,Ponders End,EN3 7AR

Thu 29 Sep (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

Our LadyQueen of Apostles,Heston,TW5 0RL

Catechist Training for Reconciliation Catechesis

St Francis of Assisi, Notting Hill, W11 4NQ

October 2011 Mon 3 Oct (7.30-9pm)

Each Wed in Oct (7-9pm) Exploring the Purpose and role of Catechesis in the parish

All Saints Centre, London Colney, AL2 1AF

Tue 4 Oct (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

St Luke’s, Pinner, HA5 3EX

Thu 6 Oct (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

St Agnes, Cricklewood, NW2 1HR

Mon 10 Oct (7.30-9pm) Season Preparation for Small Groups (Eucharist)

SS Mary & Michael, Commercial Rd, E1 0AA

Catechist Training for Confirmation Catechesis

St Francis of Assisi, Notting Hill, W11 4NQ

Sat 15 Oct (10.30am-12) Training for Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT

Wed 12 Oct (7.30-9pm)

Sun 16 Oct

Start of Diocesan Small Group faith-sharing season

Sat 22 Oct (10am-1pm) First Holy Communion preparation (Catechist Forum)

All participating parishes Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

November 2011 Tue 1 Nov (7pm)

Faith Matters: Saints (Fr Stephen Wang & Hannah V-Spruce)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Thu 3 Nov (8-9.30pm)

Training for Children’s Liturgy of the Word

St Michael, Ashford, TW15 2QD

Sat 5 Nov (10am-1pm)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Catechist Forum)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Tue 8 Nov (7pm)

Faith Matters: Praying for the Dead (Fr John Edwards SJ)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

When?

What?

Where?

Wed 9 Nov (7.30-9pm)

Catechist Training for Infant Baptism Catechesis

St Monica, Palmers Green, N13 4DJ

Sat 12 Nov (10am-1pm) Confirmation (Catechist Forum)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Tue 15 Nov (7pm)

Faith Matters: Heaven,Hell &Judgement (Fr D Robinson SJ)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Thu 17 Nov (8-9.30pm)

Catechist Training for Infant Baptism Catechesis

St Michael, Ashford, TW15 2QD

Tue 22 Nov (7pm)

Faith Matters: He will come again (Sr Cathy Jones ra)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Sat 26 Nov (11am-1pm) Catechist Training for First Holy Communion Catechesis

Our Lady & St Joseph, Hanwell, W7 3SU

January 2012 Sat 28 Jan (11am-1pm)

RCIA Seminar: Mary and the Saints (Central Deaneries)

Mon 30 Jan (7.30-9pm)

RCIA Seminar: Mary and the Saints (Northern Deaneries) St John Fisher, North Harrow, HA2 7LW

Tue 31 Jan (7.30-9pm)

RCIA Seminar: Mary and the Saints (Western Deaneries)

Our Lady & St Joseph, Hanwell, W7 3SU

Tue 31 Jan (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Theme: Holiness)

St Augustine, Hammersmith, W6 8AU

Wed 1 Feb (7.30-9pm)

RCIA Seminar: Mary and the Saints (Eastern Deaneries)

St Patrick’s, Wapping, E1W 2PH

Thu 2 Feb (7.30-9pm)

RCIA Seminar: Mary and the Saints (Hertfordshire)

Holy Trinity & StAugustine, Baldock,SG7 6LQ

Thu 2 Feb (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

St Joseph’s, Wembley, HA9 9EW

Sat 4 Feb (TBC)

Adult Faith Formation Retreat

Central London Location (TBC)

Sat 4 Feb (10.30am-12)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

SS Alban & Stephen, St Albans, AL1 3RB

Tue 7 Feb (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

St Aloysius, Somers Town, NW1 1TA

Wed 8 Feb (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

Our Lady & St George, Enfield, EN2 6DS

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

February 2012

Mon 13 Feb (7.30-9pm) Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

SS Mary & Michael, Commercial Rd, E1 0AA

Thu 16 Feb (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

St Edmund of Canterbury, Whitton,TW2 7BB

Tue 21 Feb (7.30-9pm)

Season Preparation for Small Groups (Call to holiness)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Sun 26 Feb

Start of Diocesan Small Group faith-sharing season

All participating parishes

Tue 6 Mar (7pm)

Faith Matters: Lenten series of talks

Westminster Cathedral Hall, Victoria, SW1

Mon 12 Mar (7-9pm)

Catechist Training for Infant Baptism Catechesis

Our Lady, St John’s Wood, NW8 8LA

Tue 13 Mar (7pm)

Faith Matters: Lenten series of talks

Westminster Cathedral Hall, Victoria, SW1

Tue 20 Mar (7pm)

Faith Matters: Lenten series of talks

Westminster Cathedral Hall, Victoria, SW1

Tue 27 Mar (7pm)

Faith Matters: Lenten series of talks

Westminster Cathedral Hall, Victoria, SW1

March 2012

May 2012 Sat 19 May (11am-1pm) Diocesan Formation for All Catechists: Morality (Central)

Vaughan House, Victoria, SW1P 1QN

Mon 21 May (7.30-9pm) Diocesan Formation for All Catechists: Morality (North)

St John Fisher, North Harrow, HA2 7LW

Tue 22 May (7.30-9pm) Diocesan Formation for All Catechists: Morality (West)

Our Lady & St Joseph, Hanwell, W7 3SU

Wed 23 May (7.30-9pm) Diocesan Formation for All Catechists: Morality (East)

St Patrick’s, Wapping, E1W 2PH

Thu 24 May (7.30-9pm)

Diocesan Formation for All Catechists: Morality (Herts)

Holy Trinity & StAugustine, Baldock,SG7 6LQ

Working together with parishes Baldock

Hitchin

Each dot corresponds with a parish hosting one or more of our events

Stevenage Bishops Stortford

Harpenden

Berkhampsted St Albans

Abbots Langley

Hatfield

Watford

Potters Bar

Enfield Whetstone

Ponders End

Edmonton Palmers Green

Burnt Oak Pinner

N Harrow Wembley Eastcote

Cricklewood Hampstead Willesden

Stamford Hill

Wapping Highbury Somers Town St Johns Wood Hanwell

Heston

White City

Pimlico

Notting Hill Chiswick

Chelsea 1 Hammersmith

Hackney Limehouse Millwall

Commercial Rd

Whitton

Ashford

Small Group Preparation Catechetical Training Adult Formation Projects Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish

The Road to Emmaus A short reflection on Luke 24:13-35 IN

THE

STORY

of the two disciples walking towards Emmaus we see two people, both disappointed and confused discussing the events surrounding Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Disappointed, because they had hoped Christ would be the longed for messiah, confused because others had spoken of his rising from the dead. Certainly, things were not as they had hoped. They may even have felt anger, despair or a sense of betrayal. Having met them, Jesus chooses to walk with them, to keep them company. First, he listens to their story and concerns, ascertaining, as it were, who they were and what they were concerned about. Then, having listened, Jesus unpacks the Scriptures for them. Far from giving them the answer on a plate with

a bold revelation of who he was, Jesus gives them the time and space to absorb what he was saying. He invites them, if you like, to piece things together for themselves. Then, their hearts burning within them, their burdened lightened, Jesus stays with them until, in the breaking of bread, they recognise Jesus for who he was. Christ’s approach to the disciples is relatively simple. He initiates a respectful dialogue, a dialogue which takes on board where the disciples are coming from and which is rooted in an exploration of what the scripture has to say about him, and which reaches its high point, the recognition of who Christ was in the sharing of a meal with all the echoes of the Last Supper he had shared with his disciples. Mindful

of Christ’s example, when talking to others about our faith, must take on board the setting in which those we meet find themselves as well as their personal circumstances. This is neatly put in Paul VI’s encyclical Evangelisation in the Modern World: ‘Evangelisation loses much of its force and effectiveness if it does not take into consideration the actual people to whom it is addressed, if it does not use their language, their signs, their symbols, if it does not answer the questions they ask and if it does not have an impact on their concrete life’ (EN, 63).

Find more short reflections on our small groups blog: dowsmallgroups.wordpress.com

A Very Greek Idea by John Williams & Mark Nash

THE

OLYMPIC

GAMES

are coming to London in 2012. The quadrennial exhibition of sporting excellence is coming to our country and it is hard not be caught up in one way or another even if unsuccessful in getting hold of tickets (like us alas!). The Olympics conjure up various images: Ancient Greeks throwing the discus, Jesse Owens showing up Adolf Hitler’s Aryan project, Zola Budd with no shoes, Kelly Holmes’ sheer delight at winning gold. The Olympics is about more than simply sport; it is about endeavour, fellowship and peace. ‘Sport is an ideal school for life, a way of building cohesion,’ said the UN in 2003, neatly echoing Blessed John Paul II’s address to athletes three years previously: ‘Playing sports has become very important today, since it can encourage young people to develop important values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing and solidarity… Sports have spread to every corner of the world, transcending differences between cultures and nations… Sports, in fact, can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples

and to establishing the new civilization of love.’ Our world is characterised by war and conflict. Our country is engaged in international warfare. There are civil wars and an ‘Arab Spring’. There is violence in our local communities. What we, as Christians, are called to seek is both lasting peace and underlying justice for all.

Jesus’ message is one of love and peace: we recall the beatitudes ‘Happy are the peacemakers’ (Matthew 5:9) and we read that, according to the Fourth Gospel, the first words of the risen Jesus are; ‘Peace be with you!’ (John 20:20). Successive pontiff’s have reiterated this message, notably Blessed Pope John XXIII who, at the height of the ‘Cold War’, wrote the encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Watching the Olympic Games we admire the feats of the great athletes, who sacrifice themselves for years, day after day, to achieve those results. ‘Such

is the logic of sport, especially Olympic sports; it is also the logic of life: without sacrifices, important results are not obtained, or even genuine satisfaction’ (Bl John Paul II). In sport as in life training is important, commitment is needed, desire and passion are vital. From the word discipline we take the word disciple – a follower. We are called to find good role models and to be models for others in promoting a culture of love, forgiveness, tolerance and respect. Life has been likened to a race, though one in which there can be many winners. In Corinth, where Paul had brought the message of the Gospel, there was a very important stadium where the ‘Isthmian Games’ were held. It was appropriate, then, for Paul to refer to athletic contests in order to spur the Christians of that city to push themselves to the utmost in the ‘race’ of life. In the stadium races, he says, everyone runs, even if only one is the winner: you too run.... With this metaphor of healthy athletic competition, he highlights the value of life, comparing it to a race not only for an earthly, passing goal, but for an eternal one.

About the Olympic Truce When the first Olympic Games took place all those hundreds of years ago, the safety of competitors from the different, often warring, nations was guaranteed by a truce. This is a tradition that was re-established and before each modern Games the host nation present a UN resolution for a period of 100 days free from war and conflict. The UK will present such a resolution and will be expected to play its part in its observation. Visit www.peacelegacy.org.uk for ideas on how your school or parish can observe the 100 days of peace

Learning about God Ongoing Adult Faith Formation by Ausra Karaliute

MOST

PEOPLE

readily accept the importance of continued professional development in terms of their careers. Who does not want to grow? Who does not want to be up to date and familiar with the latest trends and techniques? Yet when it comes to God, faith, religion, many of us, no matter how well informed we may be in other areas of our lives, operate quite differently. We will accept in terms of our faith life a fundamental immaturity, contenting ourselves with a childhood image and understanding of God. It is perfectly possible that going to Mass Sunday by Sunday is more about obligation and habit than the expression of a living relationship with God. The Second Vatican Council Fathers had this in mind when they spoke of the need for a ‘a diversified and thorough formation’ in their decree on the laity Apostolicam Actuosiatem. Such formation is considered key to the living out of our baptismal calling and the formation of the fully Christian community in which everyone takes an active part in the coming of the Kingdom (Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community, 25). At heart, the challenge we address in embracing ongoing adult faith formation is the challenge of helping each other towards a Christian maturity, a maturity which will help us all to engage with the questions which the modern world poses. ‘The faith of adults must be continually enlightened, developed and protected, so that it may acquire that Christian wisdom which gives sense, unity, and hope to the many experiences of personal, social, and spiritual life’ (GDC 173).

No one is freed from sin by himself... all stand in need of Christ, their model, their mentor, their liberator, their Saviour, their source of life.

23 However society at large defines progress, development and maturity; for the Christian maturity cannot be considered apart from Christ: ‘No one is freed from sin by himself and by his own power, no one is raised above himself, no one is completely rid of his sickness or his solitude or his servitude. On the contrary, all stand in need of Christ, their model, their mentor, their liberator, their Saviour, their source of life’ (Second Vatican Council, Decree Ad gentes - On the mission activity of the church, 8). The point of our Christian pilgrimage is to grow in communion with Christ. It is Christ who shows us how to be truly human and most ourselves. It is Christ who has opened up the way to the Father and who leads us, in the power of the Spirit, back to Father. Far from being a dryly academic affair, adult faith formation is as much about the heart as it is the head; it is Christ, the living Word, who is the programme, content and message, it is the action of his Holy Spirit at work in us. Those offering continued formation in the faith, in the programmes they choose and the way that they communicate, must not fall short of the principal goal of bringing people into a deeper communion with Christ. Such

formation must communicate the Gospel in its entirety, and invite those who have chosen to follow Christ to live in a way which is consistent with Christ’s teaching and values. Today we are confronted with many challenges. We live in a pluralistic society, where vibrant, even fundamentalist expressions of faith, exist alongside unbelief and religious indifference; where believers can adopt a similar approach to belief, faith and morals as they do to their everyday shopping, picking and choosing between what does and does not suit them. Our lives as Christians informed by a continued commitment to learning more, praying more, loving more can therefore seem a profoundly counter cultural venture, ‘affirming what is good but also pointing out what is harmful and contrary to the Gospel’ (Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community, 45). This year, perhaps a resolution would be to take up spiritual reading, join a faith-sharing group or attend a series of talks. Commit to giving the same attention to your growth in faith than other aspects of your life - all of us stand in need of Christ and are called to a deeper, more mature relationship with him.

See a list of events on pages 16 and 17

Conversations Talking about what God means to you

by Mark Nash

IN MAY 2010 the creation of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization was announced by Pope Benedict XVI. This council’s task is to work in places where the Church has long existed but where there has been an ‘eclipse of the sense of God’. As we know, an eclipse is a shadow cast, obscuring what was seen before but not removing its presence. As the moon does not cease to exist when the earth casts its shadow, so God remains present in these places waiting for his faithful to make him known. The council has announced a meeting of bishops, referred to as a synod, for 7-28 October 2012 entitled ‘The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.’ The purpose of this synod is to provide the tools for the faithful to fulfil their duty ‘everywhere and always’ to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the guidelines for the synod can be found here: http://tiny.cc/h0sbb). It is often tempting to leave various tasks to the professionals – mechanics and medics, plumbers and painters. They know what they are doing and they save both time and money in the long term. It is tempting

too, in a Church context, to leave various tasks to the professionals: mission and evangelisation being prime examples. However, the Church is clear, the Son of God is clear: if we are the Church and if the Church has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News then each of us has a responsibility to show others what God means to us and offer them the love we have been shown. Recent letters by the Holy Father and our own bishop encourage us to witness by example, show confidence in faith and grow in understanding. Take for example Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini: ‘The mission of proclaiming the word of God is the task of all of the disciples of Jesus Christ based on their Baptism’ (VD, 94). However in order that there may be a commitment to evangelisation, it is necessary that individual Christians and communities truly believe that ‘the word of God is the saving truth which men and women in every age need’ (VD, 95). If this conviction of faith is not profoundly rooted in our own lives, we shall not feel the urgency and beauty of proclaiming it. While the synod will be the work of professionals we have work to do in our families, parishes and communities. The Gospel is not a myth, but the living witness of an historical event that changed the face of history. Nowadays the urgent task is not so much offering the Good News to those who have never heard of Jesus, but to offer the Gospel anew to people who do not know it very well or who have moved away from the Church. The life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ really did change history and it can change individual lives too.

EVERYWHERE AND ALWAYS is the provisional title for the Diocese of Westminster’s faithsharing booklet for Autumn 2012 coinciding with the synod of bishops. The theme will be spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ not just to those who have yet to hear but to those who have left the Church.

keen to explore your faith? exploringfaith is the title given to a series of resources produced by the Diocese of Westminster to help groups of Christians share faith, explore ideas and grow together. Our resources blend the sharing of experience and the richness of the Church’s teaching. Each booklet contains references and prayers from both ancient and contemporary sources, Scripture passages and questions designed to help people grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. www.rcdow.org.uk/bookstore & http://issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs use a QR reader to scan the code to the left and be taken to our bookstore (it’ll save you typing the address out!)

We ARE baptised WE ARE BAPTISED. Although it was several years ago, I distinctly recall a visit I made to St. Charles Borromeo Parish on Ogle Street and a conversation with the late Fr. Alan Fudge in which he remarked that if only people would consider baptism in the present tense. We then went on talk about how people tend to look upon a baptism as a one time event, a necessary perquisite for application to the local Catholic School or simply a reason for a family party – and it keeps the grandparents happy! However, Father Fudge’s passing comment has stayed with me. How can we make present this sacrament that most of us received as infants? Firstly, let us ponder for a moment what actually took place when we were brought to the font perhaps quite sometime ago. While incorporation into the Church and the cleansing of original sin might initially come to mind, we may have somehow forgotten the heart of the sacrament. With the Trinitarian words and the pouring of water on our heads (water a symbol not only of life but also death –think tsunami!), we partook for the first time in the paschal mystery. We became one with Christ, joining him on the Cross to die with him and to rise to eternal life as adopted sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. This is certainly cause for a celebration! Our Call to Holiness… Just as we were freely given the gifts of faith, God’s love and the promise of eternal life, we were also endowed with the gift of the free choice. In this way, the dying or turning away from our greed, jealousy, pride and self-gratification and subsequent rising again with Jesus Christ takes place everyday. It is the work of the Holy Spirit who was received at baptism that strengthens us in our weakness and makes our conversion a

by Margaret Wickware

continual one. This is the call to holiness, to walk in Christ’s footsteps, in the ordinary course of daily life. This call to imitate Christ in our daily lives was framed at baptism when we were invited to share his threefold mission as priest, prophet and king. These tasks were not bestowed upon a few specially called people but were entrusted to each of the baptised.

… & our Royal Mission While kingship and royalty may initially evoke thoughts of power and glory, Christ’s kingship was reflected in a life of humility and service to others. With Christ as our model, we practice charity towards our fellow human beings.

This is our dignity. This is our joy - that God through his son Jesus Christ and through the working of the Holy Spirit should open up for us a share in his work and divinity.

…. & our priestly mission While an ordained priest shares in Christ’s priestly ministry in a way appropriate to him, all the baptised have a particular responsibility for enacting Christ’s priestly ministry in the world at large. Through our works, whether in the home or in the workplace, when undertaken in the spirit of Christ we are making offering to God, offerings which can be seen as spiritual sacrifices and offered to God in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

… & sharing in Christ’s prophetic office The work of announcing Christ by the spoken word and the way we live (‘our testimony’) is an integral part of our baptismal calling. Where and how can I be a prophet, a teacher and proclaimer of God’s Word? For parents the most obvious starting point is the home. They are, after all, called to be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. However, we are not just called to share our faith with those dear to us or those with whom we are comfortable. Christ’s saving message is for all people, for all times, in all places.

We are reminded in the Scriptures that through baptism we have become a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart. (1 Peter 2:9) What greater privilege can there be than to share in Christ’s work? What greater privilege is there than to be sanctified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? What greater privilege is there than to be a brother or sister of Christ? This is our dignity. This is our joy…that God through his son Jesus Christ and through the working of the Holy Spirit should open up for us a share in his work and divinity. While this truly amazing gift is definitely worthy of a family celebration on the day, let us start to think about the gift of baptism in the present tense. How about celebrating this event every year… what about ‘Happy Baptism Day’?

We invite you to reflect further on your baptism and the threefold mission by looking at our exploringfaith booklet – A Holy Nation. You can read it @ http://issuu.com/exploringfaith/docs/a_holy_nation

THE FOCUS of the annual RCIA forum (a single session offered in five different locations), which is offered to all those involved in the evangelisation and catechesis of those who are exploring the possibility of joining the Catholic Church, is Christian morality. Christian morality is nothing other than living in Christ - living in the love, grace and Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God. Is it difficult to follow Christ? Is it a challenge to be faithful to the Gospel? Can it be exhausting to devote oneself to building up Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign of love and justice on this earth? Of course! Whatever else it involves, the Christian moral life begins with the experience that we are loved by God in an unimaginable, unfathomable way. The Christian moral life is our attempt to respond to the gift of that love through the choices we make and the lives we live. The primary aim of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual session for catechists is to convey that conviction as we look at some of the important themes and dimensions of Christian morality. The intended audience for this session includes pastoral assistants, catechists, teachers, and all others involved in the ministry of RCIA in our parishes. We have tried to make sure that the session and supporting reading materials for the session are non - technical, participant - friendly

Christian Morality: choices by Anthony Curran

and inviting to participants so that they may reflect along the way on their own experience as Christian moral persons. The session booklet which will be the basis for our discussion at the RCIA forum has seven chapters in total which will break down the subject into manageable chunks. The first two chapters are companions. With different emphases, they attempt to answer the question, ‘Just what is Christian morality?’ Chapter 1 emphasises God. Christian moral living is about responding to God’s love, so we first reflect on the nature of that love. The emphasis of chapter 2 is on us. Christian morality concerns our call to take an active role in the work of the reign of God in every area of a Christian’s life. Chapter 3 focuses on the reality of conscience. Chapter 4 turns its attention to what might be called the ‘dynamics’ of Christian living. We look at the nature of sin and its power in our lives and in the world. But more importantly (because if sin abounds, grace abounds more), we discuss resurrection, faith and Christian hope and how they impact the human processes of conversion. The last three chapters focus on specific areas of Christian moral responsibility. Chapter 5 is

an overview of some important Catholic convictions about the promotion of our health and the preservation of human life. It is a quick excursion into medical ethics from a Catholic perspective. Chapter 6 addresses some important themes and ideas concerning human sexuality, chief among them being the goodness and sacredness of sexuality and our call to live our lives sexually, not only with joy and delight but also with honesty and responsibility. Chapter 7 presents some of the key convictions of Catholic Social Teaching, with emphasis on human dignity, human rights especially economic rights and what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) calls ‘a preferential love for the poor.’ The primary source for the course booklet is the CCC. To be clear, the aim is not to provide a detailed commentary on all the sections of the CCC that have something to do with morality, but rather to present an overview of the Christian moral life, drawing regularly from material in the CCC. For more information about this session on Christian Morality please see the diary section on pages 1617 or visit our website to book in to one of the sessions on offer: www.rcdow.org.uk/catechesis

Focus on...the Agency for Evangelisation

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Since 2006 the Agency for Evangelisation has been working with parishes and individuals to grow in an understanding of their faith and to grow in confidence so as to better share the Good News of Jesus Christ.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Small Communiities Team Member, Dr Mark Nash

Who do we work with? 5000

4000

9000

Volunteer catechists

Attending courses

Small group members

DID YOU KNOW?

That since its inception the Agency for Evangelisation has provided over 200,000 faith-sharing booklets to people in the Diocese of Westminster and beyond.

Training For Youth Leaders

Resources For Parish Groups

www.rcdow.org.uk/growinginfaith

Centre For Youth Ministry

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Pay us a visit @

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‘It is really important that we have this continued support & training - it is a vital forum for the catechists to share & learn together.’ Claire (St. John’s Wood) ‘An practical and lighthearted session with the topic treated at considerable depth.’ Sr. Joanna (Shepherds Bush) ‘The session was extremely informative and gave me lots of inspiration for the classes I lead.’ Jacqueline (Knebworth) ‘I wish catechists from more parishes had been able to attend and take advantage of this excellent session.’ Sheila (Shepherds Bush)

Foundation Degree For Parish Pastoral Mission

The Agency for Evangelisation

Adult Formation 020 7931 6078 ausrakaraliute@rcdow.org.uk

Catechesis

Small Groups

Exploring Faith Booklets

020 7798 9150 catadmin@rcdow.org.uk

Small Groups 020 7931 6043 marknash@rcdow.org.uk

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020 7798 9357 youth@rcdow.org.uk