The Agency for Evangelisation is committed to supporting the ongoing spiritual, pastoral, educational and catechetical needs of the people of Westminster, its vision and model of formation being Christ Himself:
'Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart' (Matthew 11:29)
‘Learn From Me’ is the title given to the overall provision of formation for parishioners who are involved or wishing to be involved in the ministry and mission of the parish in areas of parish ministry and catechesis. Formation ranges from short informal sessions in parishes to certificate courses provided by partnership organisations such as Westminster Education Service and the Centre for Catechetics and Formation, Maryvale Institute, Birmingham.
Here you will find information on what the Agency has to offer as well as links to websites and Catholic institutions offering courses at different levels and of varying lengths. As this is an evolving project of the Agency, please check back here for updates.
Diocesan short courses
For priests and parish catechists
For liturgical ministries
Certificate courses:
- In partnership with Westminster Education Service: Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)
A 2-year course, run in partnership with Westminster Education Service
Cost: £400 for the whole course.
Bursaries may be available, contact Anna Dupelycz annadupelycz@rcdow.org.uk
Information for 2021-22:
The CCRS may be able to help you in the important role of parish catechesis. The course gives a basic theological knowledge and we are a supportive and encouraging learning community.
A new group started in September, running online on Saturdays from 10am - 4pm but it is possible to join for Module 2 and catch-up on Module 1 at a later date. Module 2 starts on 6th November. Module information and dates can be found on RCDOW Education website,
There are also a couple of places in a group running on a Monday, 4-6pm, who are mid-cycle and will begin Module 4 on 8th November.
We hope to start a new group in February, online, on a weekday, 4-6pm., possibly on a Wednesday (TBC)
Please contact Margaret Hanley ccrs@rcdow.org.uk if you are interested in joining, have any questions or just want to know more about what is involved.
- In partnership with Maryvale Institute: Certificate in Catechesis and Ministry
This is a two-year, part-time, distance-learning course, which is completed in two discrete stages – Part I and Part II - which currently includes online Study Sessions with tutors from Maryvale Institute, as well as the pastoral support of the Catechesis Advisers at the Agency for Evangelisation. The course is designed for parish catechists, employed or volunteer, and for those considering this and general parish ministry.
Cost: £450 per year and £25 registration fee.
The course starts on 23rd October 2021, with a study day online.
For more information on the course content, further information and application forms, please contact Anna Dupelycz at the Agency for Evangelisation.
Email: annadupelycz@rcdow.org.uk
Phone: 020 7798 9026
Alternatively, see information and apply online at Maryvale Institute.
Bursaries may be available, contact Anna Dupelycz annadupelycz@rcdow.org.uk
Other courses: London Jesuit Centre (LJC)
For those considering their own formation, these sites might be helpful:
Scripture:
Liturgy Office of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Year of the Word - The God Who Speaks
Various topics:
London Jesuit Centre
Spiritual Support for Catechists: Reflecting on Saints and Blessèds of Catechesis
This series of reflections has been inspired by an exhibition of banners of 24 saints and blessèds of catechesis from every continent that was mounted during the II International Catechetical Congress that took place in September 2018 in Rome. The leaflets posted below are a summary and presentation in printed format of virtual evenings held for and with catechists as part of their spiritual support. These sessions take place during the first week of each month, dates posted on the website. To join the virtual sessions, please register with Warren at catadmin@rcdow.org.uk so a Zoom link can be sent beforehand.
October St Ursula
November St Andrew Dung-Lac
December St Peter Canisius
February St John Bosco
March St Katharine Drexel
May St George Preca
June St Jose Anchieta
July Clelia Barbieri
September St Andrew Kim Tae-gon
October St Pope John Paul II
Formation for Liturgical Ministers
Aimed at anyone with a love of liturgy, ‘Taking Liturgy Seriously’ is a new online modular course led by The Society of St Gregory (SSG) and the London Jesuit Centre. For more information and to register, go to Taking Liturgy Seriously
Bursaries available from SSG.