Study Groups (Formation)

At the turn of the Millennium, Saint John Paul ll implored us to ‘look to the future with commitment to a New Evangelisation; one that is new in its ardour, new in its methods and new in its expression’. Each of us is called to deepen our Catholic faith, and to go forth and share this with the world.

 

In our diocesan Vision Document – Shaping our Future – Advent 2018, we are called to renewal and formation.

 

‘Formation is a life-long process of listening to what the Holy Spirit is calling and challenging us to be and to do, and getting the appropriate information, training and guidance to enable us to fulfil that mission…. Formation is never complete so needs to be constantly refreshed, according to the needs of the Church in the world today.’

 

At St John Payne we seek to offer on-going formation through published and DVD courses, as well as through Bible study led by Sr. Angela Morris CRSS.

Bible Study at St John Payne

We meet every Thursday, except for the first Thursday of each month in St John Payne Parish Hall from 10:00 – 12:00noon.

 

Our aim is to reflect on particular aspects of the Bible choosing books in both the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Christian (New Testament) Scriptures or particular themes covering both of these.

 

We have recently looked at the development of faith in Jesus as the Christ and currently we are looking on what we mean when we say Christ is risen.  Next we will be looking at belief in the Spirit of God in the life of Israel and the world as expressed in the Bible – see home page for dates:

 

Our method is to study, reflect and discuss, sharing our ideas freely and confidently. All that is necessary is an open heart and mind and a desire to know Christ Jesus more deeply. Do join us with your Bible.

If you are interested in joining the Bible Study please just turn up or if you would like further information contact: Sr. Angela Morris CRSS angela1935morris@hotmail.com.

Published and DVD Courses

Courses run to date:

  • Let it Be done according to your word: 6 session CaFE DVD course exploring Mary, past and present, and how she helps us be filled with God.
  • Saints: 6 session CaFE DVD course exploring 6 well known saints – Patrick, Benedict, Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, Therese of Lisieux
  • Global Healing: CaFE film based event to inform, challenge and equip people to engage with Pope Francis’ vital call to ‘Care for our Common Home‘ in Laudato Sii.
  • Beloved Disciple: 4 session CaFE DVD course for the over sixties, to help many find a new value and serve with a fresh confidence.
  • The Big picture: a 12 session CaFE DVD course to help us grasp the big picture of the Bible from start to finish and our place in salvation history.
  • The Gift: 6 session CaFE DVD Life in the Spirit course, helping us unwrap the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

More information on all CaFE courses: https://faithcafe.org/

 

Courses coming up:

Evangelium: A course published by the Catholic Truth Society (CTS) for adults on the Catholic Faith. It offers an excellent grounding in the full panorama of Catholic beliefs and follows the same division as the Catechism of the Catholic Church into Creed, Sacraments, Morals and Prayer. The course can be completed in either 12 or 24 weeks depending on the depths of study.

If you’re interested in any of these courses please go to contact Clare Fox clarecongdon@gmail.com.

The Vicariate for Evangelisation in Brentwood Diocese provides many opportunities for formation, which are promoted by our Stewards of the Gospel. Click here www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/evangelisation/

 

The Episcopal Vicariate for Pastoral Formation offers formation and training for catechists and youth leaders, including the Bishop’s Certificate in Catechesis and Youth Ministry. Click here www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/pastoral-formation/