Reimagining BAPTISM
National Conference on 9 & 10 May 2025 at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark
Preparing for a lifetime in Christ
Baptism is transformative, it is the gateway to Christ. Over 120 priests, deacons and catechists came to the Amigo Hall on 9 & 10 May 2025 to join a national conversation about how baptism is understood in the life of the Church today, how to reawaken a baptismal mindset in our families and all in our parishes and how might we spread the light of hope today.
The keynote talk was given by Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem with workshops run by seasoned catechists and clergy from around the country. Fr John Hemer MHM contributed to the Day for Clergy and Sr Carino Hodder OP gave input to the second day.
Timetable for Friday 9 May (Clergy)
An opportunity to re-imagine Baptism while exploring new strategies to build a baptismal mindset in your parish. Keynote by Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem followed by an opportunity to explore the reality in our parishes generally and strengthen how we announce the good news to those who seek baptism for themselves and their children, and accompany them beyond the celebration to live in Christ.
Open to clergy from outside Southwark as well - £50 including cooked lunch
Timings for the day
10.30-11:00am Arrivals/ Coffee/Tea
11.00-12:30pm Input – Keynote followed by Q&A
12.30-1.30pm Lunch + Networking
1.30-2.00pm Input from Fr John Hemer MHM
2.00-2.15pm Tea/Coffee
2.15-3.15pm Focus Groups – Practical implications
3.15-4.00pm Plenary + Prayer
Timetable for Saturday 10 May (Open to All)
A day of formation for priests, catechists, deanery mentors, parish leads – An opportunity to re-imagine Baptism while exploring new strategies to build a baptismal mindset in your parish. Keynote by Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem followed by an opportunity to explore the reality in our parishes generally and strengthen how we announce the good news to those who seek baptism for themselves and their children, and accompany them beyond the celebration to live in Christ.
Open to All - £10 (please bring own lunch)
Timings for the day
9.30-10.00 Optional Mass in the Cathedral
10.15-11.00 Registration and refreshments
11.10-11:50 Keynote
11.50-12.00 Comfort Break
12.00-12.45 Group discussions - ‘What have you done with your baptism?’
12.45-2.00 Lunch
2.00-3.00 Talk on living baptismally
3.00-4.15 Practical Issue Workshops
4.15-5.00 Baptismal Promises and the Nicene Creed