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Faith Development
Elaine Campbell is the Director of Faith Development in the Diocese of Meath. She works alongside and support priests, lay leaders and parishioners across the Diocese. Elaine’s particular focus is resourcing parishes, forming potential candidates for ministry and leadership, the development of catechetical material and programmes and supporting lay ministry at parish level.
Faith Formation Updates
Session 3: How to Manage a Group Discussion?
Date: Tuesday, September 23rd 7:00 pm
Venue: St Etchen’s National School, Kinnegad
Content: The session is designed to help leaders develop both confidence and competence in managing parish groups and facilitating group discussions. Jim Deeds from the Diocese of Down and Connor will join us to share his extensive experience in pastoral ministry. Jim will guide us through practical strategies to address the importance of preparation, techniques for leading group discussions, strategies for keeping the conversation focused and on topic, and mastering effective listening.
This session is aimed at parishes delivering both the YouCat Companion Programme and the Sycamore Faith Formation Programme.
If you wish to attend, please register at the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/sUQaHb6Qb7
‘Starting out on a Pilgrimage of Faith’.
Starting out on a Pilgrimage of Faith was the theme of the recent YouCat Companion Training Event in St. Anne's Resource Centre, Navan. There was great excitement as leaders gathered to get ready to set out on this pilgrimage of faith in parishes soon. Dunboyne and Kilcloon Parishes are joining forces to deliver the YouCat Companion programme, Navan and the pastoral area are working together to deliver the programme there. And Tullamore parish, who previously and very successfully delivered the programme in their parish, are all set to begin YouCat Companion 2025 on September 24th.
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Fr Joe Campbell delivered an engaging and enlightening talk on the joys of the programme, drawing from his own experience of presenting YouCat in Tullamore. He spoke with both enthusiasm and practical insight, offering valuable reflections on its impact.
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Also speaking at the event was Paul Henry from the Collinstown-Fore parish. With a deep knowledge of the Catechism of the Catholic Church—gained through completing and teaching the 3-year Catechism programme in his parish—Paul shared his thoughts on the 20-week YouCat Companion course, describing it as both enriching and inspiring.
The evening was enjoyed by those who attended, everyone benefiting from the sharing of the Tullamore experience, the sharing of ideas, and the support for and from each other. Leaders left feeling assured and focused.
Exploring Faith Together
Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today. The Sycamore programme, gives people the space to meet others, think about the questions that matter, and explore their faith! Each session involves a short film and time for discussion, and the content is linked very closely with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
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We were delighted to welcome Susan Longhurst and Joe Ronan who shared the rational behind Sycamore and its versatility for use in parishes as an adult faith formation programme. Below is a recording of the session.
YOUCAT
YouCat is a 20-session group study of the Catholic Faith guided by YouCat (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church). The programme takes people on a journey through the Catholic Faith, in a way that is energising and challenging. The study programme is suitable as an introduction for anyone who would like to know their faith better on a personal basis so they can share it more confidently with family, friends and your parish community.
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Fr. Seán Corkery and Fr. Joe Campbell joined parishioners from across the diocese and shared their insights into how a parish can run the 20 week Programme.