Day for Catechists 20 September 2025
The Martyrs' Picture (1583) by Durante Alberti
Timetable
Saturday 28 September
10:00am Arrivals, registrations and tea/coffee and bookstalls
11:00am Welcome and practical notices
11:05am Keynote Address: The Creed is our Bones – In this 1700th anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea we will explore what the Nicene Creed means to us today and how it remains central to our catechesis. Martin Kochanski is the creator of ‘Universalis’ and author of ‘The Creed in Slow Motion’.
12noon Session 1: The Creed - living it out in our Archdiocese with Archbishop John Wilson and members of the Agency team.
12:45pm Adoration in the Cathedral and Lunch in the Amigo Hall
Bookstalls (AEC Stall, CTS stall, Isaiah Books, Hodder Publishing)
1:45pm Session 2 (choice of workshop)
2:45pm Session 3 (choice of workshop)
4:00pm Commissioning Mass, to be celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson, followed by graduation ceremony for CCRS and Archbishop’s Certificate students.
Session 1
Session 1: The Creed - living it out in our Archdiocese
with Archbishop John Wilson and members of the Agency team.
This year following our keynote we will remain altogether [EXPLAIN MORE]
This will be followed by a time of adoration in the Cathedral. An opportunity for each one of us to respond personally to the Lord.
Session 2 Workshops
E. Principles of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Liturgy of the Word with Children
Christine Byrne, CGS Formation Leader for Level 1, CGS catechist for Levels 1, 2, 3 and Toddler
This workshop will offer a description and experience of how Scripture can be shared, and prayer fostered, with young children, according to the approach used in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
B. The Power of Sacrifice: enriching our catechesis from the liturgical tradition
Fr Stephen Morrison, o.praem. – Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows, Peckham
The way we worship and what we believe cannot be separated – we pray what we believe and believe what we pray. Liturgy is not an ‘add on’ to our catechesis, it is at the heart of all we believe. The object of catechesis “seeks to promote communion with Jesus Christ” (Directory for Catechesis, 30 ⸹3), who as True God and True Man offers himself to the Father as a sacrifice that takes away the sins of humanity. The sacrificial aspect of the Mass teaches us to offer our very selves to him as a living sacrifice (c.f. Romans 12:1), in union with him; therefore, our catechesis both on Christ and on the Sacraments needs to reflect that truth and that endeavour clearly and convincingly. Could it also teach us how to catechise effectively?
D. Called to be a Jubilee People – our need for freedom
Isabel Fawcett, Local Leadership Resource Coordinator, AEC
"The same people who longed for freedom didn’t seem to know what to do with it. Thankfully for us, God is tireless in his pursuit of his people. As Psalm 136 reminds us (ad nauseum), “His mercy endures forever!”" (Bergsma, introduction to 'Jesus and the Jubilee').
Taking inspiration from Dr John Bergsma's book we will explore our need for freedom and what it means to be a jubilee people as catechists.
C. Finding Parish Volunteers
Daniel Ferguson, Evangelisation and Outreach Advisor, AEC
Every parish needs volunteers—people ready to respond to God's call and serve His Church. However, volunteers do not simply appear - they must be invited, encouraged, and formed through vision and relationship.
Drawing on the principles of spiritual multiplication, Daniel will offer practical suggestions for identifying, inviting, feeding, and forming volunteers - not just to fill roles, but to become missionary disciples. As we mark 1700 years since the Nicene Creed first clearly expressed the Church’s belief, this session will reflect on the importance of clarity when calling others to serve. Daniel will also explore succession planning and how to draw people into leadership in a way that is intentional, lasting, and Spirit-led.
A. Developing an understanding of Evangelisation in Catechetical Practice - what does this mean for our collaboration with parents?
Deacon Javier and Mrs Susan Elderfield, JOB?
This session proposes a shift in the traditional approach to catechesis, moving away from a primary focus on children to instead prioritise the evangelisation of the family as the foundational step. It emphasises the family's crucial role as the domestic church, where faith is first encountered, lived, and nurtured. The session will consider practical ways to introduce the core message of the Gospel to families, fostering a personal encounter with Christ.
Session 3 Workshops
A. Spiritual Conversations and Intentional Accompaniment in Children's Catechesis
Ann Pittaway, Research Fellow for NICER at Canterbury Christ Church University
In this workshop, we consider the transformative power of engaging children in heartfelt spiritual conversations. We will explore the significance of listening with the heart to children's expressions of faith, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Being invited to participate in spiritual conversations with children, sharing moments of grace with them in that space, is both a humbling and powerful experience, and better enables us to intentionally accompany them on their faith journey. Through a combination of reflective tasks and practical ideas, this workshop will offer catechists meaningful ways to foster these sacred encounters within their ministry.
D. Exploring the New Lectionary
Pierpaolo Finaldi, CEO and Publisher of the Catholic Truth Society
‘For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.’ (Hebrews 4:12) An opportunity to hear from the publisher of the new Lectionary, look at resources for preparing Lectors and parishioners as well as explore anew what it means to hear the word of God proclaimed at Mass, and in our catechesis.
B. Catechesis for Conversion – an evangelistic approach.
Daniel Ferguson, Evangelisation and Outreach Advisors, AEC
Catechesis can often feel like a process to get people through. However, John Paul II tells us that “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (Catechesi Tradendae, 5). How can we place this goal at the heart of our Catechesis?
E. What is a Jubilee and what opportunities are there for catechesis in my parish?
Ingrid La Trobe, Family, Child and Youth Catechesis Advisor, AEC
2025 is a Year of Jubilee in the Church, a year of special graces for God's people. Come and explore how you can experience this grace most fruitfully in your catechesis in the coming year.
C. Liturgy of the Word for Children - A Pilgrim Journey
Dr Mark Nash, Director, AEC
Amid the busyness of modern life, preparation for the Sunday liturgy can be pressured and looking ahead can seem a luxury. This session will reflect on what benefits a long-term view of Liturgy of the Word for Children can bring.
