Online conference to focus on Catholic Catechesis

The Maryvale Institute, on behalf of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, is to host a free online conference focusing on the new ‘Directory for Catechesis.’ The Directory, which was published in March 2020, makes clear the essential elements in teaching and personal formation required by the mission of religious instruction. Building on the previous directories of 1971 and 1997, the new text is a vital resource for all who are engaged in the Catholic Church’s work of proclaiming the Gospel.

Dr Stephen Yates, Maryvale’s MA Programme Director, says, ‘The Maryvale Institute is hosting an online conference exploring the new Directory for Catechesis, a key document promulgated last year by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation. The conference constitutes an opportunity for those with pastoral and evangelistic apostolates to study the main themes and key emphases of this important text, and to reflect critically on its implications for their work in the Church and the world.’

• The conference will be take place across three sessions, each session focusing on a different aspect of the directory:
  Session One (Friday 12 March, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm) is entitled ‘Dynamic Continuity: The Purpose and Distinctive Emphases of the New Directory.’ Speakers include Archbishop Rino Fisichella (Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation) and Archbishop Bernard Longley (Archbishop of Birmingham).
• Session Two (Friday 16 April, from 2.00pm – 4.00pm) is called ‘Key Emphases/Foci of the New Directory: A Closer Look.’ Speakers include Fr Jan Nowotnik (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archdiocese of Birmingham), Katherine Coolidge (Catherine of Siena Institute), Dr Tamra Fromm (Catholic Biblical School of Michigan and Maryvale Institute), Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP (Dominican Srs of St Joseph and Maryvale Institute).
• Session Three (Friday 14 May, from 2.00pm – 4.00pm) is entitled ‘Growing in Faith: A Lifelong Journey of Catechesis.’ Speakers include Angela Wood MA (Maryvale Institute), Sr Carino Hodder OP (Dominican Srs of St Joseph), Lianne Pap (Archdiocese of Birmingham and Maryvale Institute), Paul Northam (Archdiocese of Birmingham), Beccy Roseman (Kenelm Youth Trust).

There is no cost to attend the Conference sessions, although delegates are encouraged to consider a donation of £5 or £10 or more towards scholarships for those enrolling on Maryvale Institute’s adult formation courses, to help support and train the catechists of the future. For more information about the conference, visit THIS WEBPAGE, or contact Wioleta at THIS ADDRESS. To register for the conference, click HERE. For information about the new Directory of Catechesis, follow THIS LINK.

The Maryvale Institute lies at the centre of the ancient settlement of Oscott, about five miles north of Birmingham City Centre. Its long, interesting and sacred history, coupled with its peaceful grounds, make Maryvale a spiritual home to many. It has been the aim of the Institute from its inception to provide opportunities for lay people, clergy and religious to achieve a deeper understanding of Christian faith and to appreciate more clearly its joyful message for the lives of individuals and communities. Maryvale stands within the Catholic theological tradition, whose riches it seeks to explore, and draws from that tradition an insistence, not only on the foundational importance of faith for theological reasoning, but also on the place of reason in the response of faith. In pursuance of this, the Institute provides opportunities for Catholic formation and education through courses across a wide range of subjects and levels. To find out more, visit THIS WEBSITE.