Learning in Lockdown

We are now halfway through the second national lockdown (due to end on 2 December) and there are a number of restrictions that this poses for parishes and individuals in formation and catechesis. We would, therefore, like to highlight a range of available resources and opportunities.

Resources

The Advisory Team have been producing and publishing a series of meditations which can be used by groups over video-conferencing or individuals. Alternating between Scriptural Meditations and Scriptural Rosary Mysteries, these resources are published each Monday at 6pm and feature a guide on their practical use which is really simple to follow.

A suite of Advent resources is also on its way in the next couple of weeks.

Courses

Bible Timeline

Previously advertised, registrations for the Bible Timeline course are still open. This wonderful course, based on the materials produced by Jeff Cavins and delivered over seven sessions by Mauro Iannicelli, will take place on Wednesdays from 4 November to 16 December (each session starts at 7pm and concludes at 8.30pm). Each live-streamed session has a time of discussion with Q&A. Bible Readings and Teaching Summary Notes will be available. To register: https://comeandsee.org/registration.html There are ways to catch up with what has been missed.

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies

This nationally recognised course is currently being offered via Zoom by the Agency team with modules in Jesus Christ and Christian Morality coming up. To register your interest or to get more information, please email Ann at ccrs@rcaos.org.uk. We hope to return to in-person sessions in the New Year and will review the situation at the end of this year.

Evangelium Online

We have had five sessions so far of the Evangelium course, delivered by its author, Fr Marcus Holden. Hosted via Zoom, and with a range of extra resources to help you enter into the theme of each session, this course provides a panoramic exploration of our Catholic Faith. A good portion of the current group are attending for general interest’s sake.

For those seeking the sacraments of initiation (to become a Catholic), there is a dedicated RCIA group. If you would like to join for this reason, just enter your situation on the initial sign-up form and get in touch with your local parish priest to say your are looking to register.

External Provision

Near the start of the global pandemic, we offered a selection of other websites and courses for online and remote faith development. This included information about our partnership with the Catechetical Institute for short workshops for catechists, parents and others. This and other options can be found on our Learn Online page.