The primary and essential object of catechesis is … “the mystery of Christ.” Catechizing is a way to lead a person to study this mystery in all its dimensions: “to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery…comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth…know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge…(and be filled) with all the fullness of God.”
Catechesi Tradendae, 5
Catechesis in the Diocese of Westminster exists to support families, catechists, and parish communities in forming disciples who know and love Jesus Christ. Our approach places encounter with Christ at the centre of all formation, rooted in parish life and supported by diocesan training.
Catechesis Coordinator: Louise Walton
Contact: louisewalton@rcdow.org.uk
Catechesis Adviser: Anna Maria Dupelycz
Contact: annadupelycz@rcdow.org.uk
Team Administrator: Warren Brown
Contact: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk
Upcoming Events
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Discovery Faith Series
11 November @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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Discovery Faith Series
18 November @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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Discovery Faith Series
25 November @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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Discovery Faith Series
2 December @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
The Agency for Evangelisation, as part of the Diocese of Westminster, has a commitment to promoting the culture of safeguarding in all that we do. Therefore everyone who undertakes a role on behalf of the Diocese must complete a parish DBS check and must complete safeguarding training through the Diocese.
For information about Safeguarding training, please visit Safeguarding Training – Diocese of Westminster
If you have any queries regarding Safeguarding, please see Safeguarding – Diocese of Westminster, and use the online contact form at the bottom of that page.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
To report a safeguarding concern please contact the Safeguarding Service on:
- Email: safeguarding@rcdow.org.uk
- Phone: 020 7798 9352, and choose option 1
The Safeguarding Service operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm only. Emails and phone calls are not monitored outside these times.
Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the Safeguarding Service will be responded to sensitively, respectfully and seriously
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or a vulnerable adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.
What we offer to Parishes and Catechists
Short Courses for Catechists
- Parish-specific training
- Deanery/diocesan open courses
- Led by our specialist team
Contact: Louise Walton or Anna Maria Dupelycz
Certificate Courses
- Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)
- Certificate of Catechesis run by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph
- Aimed at catechists and/or parish leaders
Contact: Louise Walton or Anna Maria Dupelycz
Parish Religious Education
- For children (aged 5 – 11) in non-Catholic education
- Intro into religious education using ‘I Call you Friends’ resources
- Guidance in devising a parish programme
Contact: Louise Walton or Anna Maria Dupelycz
Spiritual and Pastoral Support
- Monthly saint reflections
- Bespoke prayer and formation resources
- Guidance for celebrating moments of the liturgical year
Contact: Louise Walton or Anna Maria Dupelycz
Resources for the RCIA
(the Initiation of Adults and Older Children)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the way in which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church and complete their initiation. This applies to unbaptised adults preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and those baptised in other Christian communities who now wish to be received into the Catholic Church. In many parishes, RCIA groups include adult Catholics who were baptised as infants and now seek to complete their Initiation.
Older children (aged seven and above who have reached “catechetical age”) are also baptised and received into the Catholic Church through an adapted form of the RCIA. The process for such children should be understood as one in which they are drawing closer to God, not as a ‘catching up’ with the sacraments.
This section will allow RCIA Catechists to access resources to aid their understanding of RCIA for adults and older children, catechetically and liturgically. It provides guidance for catechists and sponsors, particularly the RCIA Preparation Pack (for RCIA catechists and clergy), and resources on the RCIA as well as links to other useful websites.
Resources
Useful Links
Information on the RCIA from the Liturgy Office, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales
Team Initiation [NB, the RCIA is now called the OCIA in the USA]
Association for Catechumenal Ministry [NB, the RCIA is now called the OCIA in the USA]
Continuing the Journey: Supporting new adult Catholics in the Diocese of Westminster.
Key Dates for the RCIA 2026-7
The Rite of Election will take place on Saturday 13 February 2027 in Westminster Cathedral at 2:30pm. [All attendees to be seated by 2pm].
The Gathering and Mass for New Catholics will take place on Saturday 8 May 2027 in Vaughan House and Westminster Cathedral. [The Gathering will be from 4-5:45pm in Vaughan House, and the Mass in the Cathedral will be at 6pm.]
Resources for Parish RE
Religious Education for children not in Catholic schools is a growing need in our parishes. Here you will find resources to help in developing and supporting parish programmes.
Reflecting on Saints and Blesseds of Catechesis
This series of reflections has been inspired by exhibitions of banners of saints and blesseds of catechesis from every continent that took place in during the Congress of Catechesis in Rome during September 2018 and September 2022.
