Day for Catechists
3 October 2026
Truth and Beauty in Catechesis in the Age of AI
Saturday 3 October 2026 Timetable
Fra Angelico visited by angels, Paul-Hippolyte Flandrin, 1894, France
10:00am Arrivals, registrations, tea/coffee and bookstalls
11:00am Welcome and practical notices
11:05am Opening Address: Archbishop John Wilson
11:45am Keynote Address: Handing on the Faith When the Machine has the Answers The questions people most need to ask are no longer coming to you. They are typed privately into a machine that answers instantly, confidently, and without any idea who is asking. In this keynote, Matthew Harvey Sanders, founder of Longbeard and of Magisterium AI, looks squarely at what that means for the catechist.
12:45pm Adoration in the Cathedral
1:00pm Lunch*, Bookstalls and Marketplace (AEC, CTS, Isaiah Books)
1:45pm Session 1 (choice of workshop)
2:45pm Session 2 (choice of workshop)
4:00pm Commissioning Mass, the highlight of the day, celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson, followed by graduation ceremony for CCRS and Archbishop’s Certificate students.
*Please bring your own lunch
Address: Amigo Hall, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HU
Please see below for details of choice of workshops before you register
Opening Address
Opening Address
Archbishop John Wilson
Come and hear what it is that our Archbishop is calling us to and how you can play your part as a catechist in our Missionary Archdiocese.
Keynote Address
Handing On the Faith When the Machine Has the Answers
with Matthew Harvey Sanders. CEO of Longbeard, founder of Magisterium.com
The questions your candidates most need to ask are no longer coming to you. They are typed privately into a machine that answers instantly, confidently, and without any idea who is asking. In this keynote, Matthew Harvey Sanders, founder of Longbeard and of Magisterium AI, looks squarely at what that means for the catechist. In plain language and without jargon, he explains what these systems are and what they can never be, shows practically how artificial intelligence can serve parish catechesis and where it must never be allowed near it, and sets out what it now takes to form a person rather than merely inform one, in a world where answers are free and formation is scarce. Catechists will leave with three tests to apply to any tool before it reaches a parish, and a renewed sense of why this ministry has never mattered more.
Session 1 Workshops - choose one
A. Crossing the Threshold: Truth, Beauty, and the RCIA Journey
Daniel Ferguson, Evangelisation and Outreach Advisor, AEC
From the first stirring of faith to the gift of mystagogy, truth and beauty are woven into every stage of the RCIA journey. This session walks the full arc and invites you to rediscover the extraordinary depth of God’s love as shown through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
B. ‘Our Father’: Teaching Truth, Goodness and Beauty through Prayer
Niklas Carlsson, Adult Formation Advisor, AEC, and member of Cor et Lumen Christi
When asked by his disciples to teach them to pray, Jesus gave them the Lord’s Prayer, the “Our Father” (Lk 11:1-4). Through this simple prayer, perhaps the best-known prayer in the world, Jesus reveals God’s nature to us. In this workshop, we will explore what Jesus reveals about God’s Truth, Goodness and Beauty through the “Our Father”, and how we can share this revelation with those we teach.
C. Tour of the Cathedral
Dr Mark Nash, Director, AEC
Holding blurb
D. Can I get my baby christened, Father?
Bishop Gerard Bradley, Auxiliary Bishop for the South West, Archdiocese of Southwark
Holding blurb
E. Holding title
Holding speaker
Holding blurb
Session 2 Workshops - choose one
A. Singing from the same Hymn Sheet: Practical tips and strategies for effective music in the liturgy
Jonathan Schranz, Diocesan Director of Music for the Archdiocese of Southwark
Diocesan Director of Music Jonathan Schranz unpacks the important role of Sacred Music in the Church. This workshop will explore how to select appropriate music for the liturgy along with some of the practical considerations behind the execution of effective liturgical music, and how to avoid the common pitfalls.
B. Yes, I can help with the Sacramental programme - now what?
Ingrid La Trobe, Family, Child & Youth Catechesis Advisor, AEC
Instituted Catechist
Have you just answered the missionary call to share the truth and beauty of our faith with others? What now? A practical workshop on how to accompany others on their journey to Christ, and root your catechesis in personal prayer and formation.
D. How Our Lady can be a model for us in all our catechesis
Fr Daniel Weatherley
Holding Blurb
E. God became man so that man could become God - implications for our catechesis
Fr Robert Smialek
Holding Blurb
C. The Conditions for Conversion - A Diagnostic for your ministry
Dr Mark Nash, Director AEC, and Niklas Carlsson, Formation Advisor, AEC
A fourfold tool by which to assess your ministry. What does it take for someone to experience initial conversion? This session will explore what conversion means, what it looks like and a clear framework to help you think about how to create the conditions for grace to work.
Questions
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Yes, please book in advance. This means we can plan where each workshop is best situated. If you arrive on the day and the event is full, you will not be able to attend.
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There is a small charge of £10 per person. If you volunteer in your parish we suggest your parish pay to support your training and development (you will be given this option when you register). When you register your parish will be notified that you plan to attend. If you would prefer to pay yourself, you can do so on registration.
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Each of the rooms, at the venue, is accessible with the exception of the Cowderoy Room. When you register, please let us know if you have mobility issues so we can plan around this.