The Enquiry Phase
We had an interesting exchange here about the point of the enquiry period of the RCIA. I know of few parishes who even do this, and I feel it is one of the most...
View ArticleQuick Takes…
~1~ I love what Mgr. Charles Pope has written in this article on the plan he’s made for children’s catechesis in his parish. What I love most is his realisation… It became clear to...
View ArticleThree Journeys
I’m re-reading Forming Intentional Disciples, people… Yes, in fact, I think I could read it three or four times. You might want to revisit with me some of the key points, because often we...
View Article“Where next?”
It often happens that you get to the end of a really fruitful programme/course/series in your parish, and people start to ask, “What’s happening next?” “We want to continue, this has been the...
View ArticleThresholds of Conversion and RCIA
This is a much-discussed topic at the moment. A lot of us are waking up to the fact that the ‘catechetical’ aspect of RCIA is the relatively ‘easy’ bit. We have some clear guidelines...
View ArticleAwakening Curiosity
One of the most difficult things we can encounter as Christians are friends who have no interest at all in Christianity, even if they “respect me for being a Catholic”. It is like a bridge...
View ArticleReady, Set…. BUY!
How amazing to be able to tell you that the Catechist’s Guide and the Candidate’s Workbook are both now available to buy! You can do so here… (What are you waiting for?!) I have...
View ArticleThreshold Conversations
During RCIA enquiry, I’ve always thought it’s a good practice to meet enquirers early on, one-to-one. We use ACM materials, which provide a really excellent initial enquiry form, which helps you obtain...
View ArticleMind the Gap: Crossing over from Old to New
Recently, I’ve been working with both a parish and a deanery to help them plan more evangelistic, “discipling” Confirmation processes. We have enjoyed some really invigorating sessions together that...
View ArticleProclaim ’15: Time to make our thinking on evangelisation a reality
I wasn’t sure what to expect at Proclaim ’15 last weekend in Birmingham. Having been recently to the HTB Leadership Conference and having attended evangelical Catholic conferences like the St John...
View ArticleBreaking the Silence
A little silence on the blog front, but that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Quite the opposite. Having said that, my morning walk to work along the river is just blissful silence. Some days I...
View ArticleThe Comeback of the Parish
Recently, I noticed something that I have probably been doing for years. Whenever I meet a young Catholic who is on fire with their faith, I instinctively wonder what new movement/initiative/community...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Maintenance is Tougher than Mission
It’s a month on from the amazing Maintenance to Mission conference at St Mary’s Twickenham. 300 people including 100 priests gathered here to learn more…
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Parents’ Meeting and the Early Thresholds
A few weeks ago, I spoke at a First Communion parents’ meeting. One of the toughest gigs you can have as a catechist is the…
View Article