Forming young catechetical leaders

An issue that is very close to my heart is forming catechetical leaders for the next generation. I feel that we especially need young catechetical leaders who are able to catechise their peers as only they can. We need leaders who are doctrinally-formed, understand methodological principles, and yet are able to engage naturally and attractively with their generation. Catechetical formation is hard to come by for young people, who, on the whole, move around a lot and have little money. I often meet young adults who would love to work in a similar role to mine, but opportunities are few and far between.

I am organising a formation week for young catechetical leaders in the new Vocations Centre in Southwark Archdiocese during October half-term (29 Oct-2 Nov). (I was very tempted by a lovely holiday in the sun with friends, then decided this was more important… :)) The week will include doctrinal formation as well as an introduction to methodological principles, as well as a full day of teaching from Dr Caroline Farey of Maryvale Institute, one of the leading experts in catechetics in this country.

I would like to ask you for three things, dear blog-readers:

1. Please keep this initiative in your prayers. That the Lord will use it as only he knows how…

2. If you know of a young person (under 40) with a passion for catechesis and a gift of leadership, please tell them about this week. We are limited to about 10 places.

3. The cost of this week will be about £170-200 a person. Participants are generally university students or young adults with little income. Could you sponsor one of them? Please email me (h.vaughan.spruce@gmail.com) if you can help. Thank you.

11 Comments

  1. Bernadette
    14 September 2012 / 3:51 pm

    Thank you so much for giving up your holiday to do this. I only wish that I was young enough to do this! This is exactly what is needed. I will spread the word. Our young people are always in my prayers so I will definitely pray for this wonderful initiative. GOD bless

  2. Bernadette
    14 September 2012 / 3:51 pm

    Thank you so much for giving up your holiday to do this. I only wish that I was young enough to do this! This is exactly what is needed. I will spread the word. Our young people are always in my prayers so I will definitely pray for this wonderful initiative. GOD bless

  3. Bernadette
    14 September 2012 / 3:51 pm

    Thank you so much for giving up your holiday to do this. I only wish that I was young enough to do this! This is exactly what is needed. I will spread the word. Our young people are always in my prayers so I will definitely pray for this wonderful initiative. GOD bless

  4. 14 September 2012 / 4:25 pm

    Bernadette, if you study at Maryvale, you will already know a lot of what we will cover. I just want to make this teaching accessible to young people who don’t have time/money to study. Thank you for your prayers. We will need them!

  5. 14 September 2012 / 4:25 pm

    Bernadette, if you study at Maryvale, you will already know a lot of what we will cover. I just want to make this teaching accessible to young people who don’t have time/money to study. Thank you for your prayers. We will need them!

  6. 14 September 2012 / 4:25 pm

    Bernadette, if you study at Maryvale, you will already know a lot of what we will cover. I just want to make this teaching accessible to young people who don’t have time/money to study. Thank you for your prayers. We will need them!

  7. 15 September 2012 / 7:37 am

    I will be praying for this special initiative. I smiled at the reference to ‘youth’ under 40 .

  8. 15 September 2012 / 7:37 am

    I will be praying for this special initiative. I smiled at the reference to ‘youth’ under 40 .

  9. 15 September 2012 / 7:37 am

    I will be praying for this special initiative. I smiled at the reference to ‘youth’ under 40 .

  10. 15 September 2012 / 3:51 pm

    Transformed in Christ has been nominated for the ‘Thought porvoking blog Award over at 1catholicsalmon.com as a thank you for an inspirational blog.

  11. 15 September 2012 / 3:51 pm

    Transformed in Christ has been nominated for the ‘Thought porvoking blog Award over at 1catholicsalmon.com as a thank you for an inspirational blog.