This post is...how can I say it?...

...a little judgemental?

Definitely.

A little snide? Not really, I'm just pointing out some of the key elements regarding a training programme for those who wish to be involved in parish admin., counsellers (and councillors), Catechists, Lay Chaplains, Permanent Deacons and so on.

Catholic Formation - the home kit!

I know a little about training, literally.

I have spent 25 years in education but.....whisper it softly, I'm not an academic.

You guessed? How?

OK, let's move swiftly on.

The organisation is called Education for Parish Service and they describe themselves as a small independent charity.

Furthermore, they are linked to another organisation called

The Centre for Catholic Formation (not 'Reformation', note) and they, also, provide a range of courses, here is their menu:

Deanery Catechists Course

Exploring Discipleship and Mission

Time for Reflection and Prayer

Ongoing Formation with Parish Readers

Ongoing Formation with Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Partnership in Ministry (e.g. Parish Councils, Parish Teams)

Developing and Supporting RCIA Teams

Support for Liturgy of the Word with Children

Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the Life and Mission of the Church

Support with Parish Disability Access Audits

Ways to dialogue with people of Other Faiths

Disability Awareness in Schools and Parishes

Preparing the Parish for the New Translation of the Missal

    Phew! One might be forgiven for thinking that we no longer need priests!

    Forget all that vocations crisis nonsense, Marjorie from 34, Railway    

    Cuttings will step up to the mark and deliver the goods.

   And, whilst in a snarky mood, what is all this 'Liturgy of the Word'

   nonsense? Do they mean the Mass?

   If so, why not call it the Mass or, Holy Mass - better still.

   But, back to the Education Parish Service, or EPS for short. 

   They are partnered with St Mary's University, Twickenham.

    Is it really a University?

    And the academic programme on offer is a preparation for a Foundation   

    Degree in Pastoral Ministry....I'm beginning to feel queasy.

    This little nugget of theological excellence runs for one day a week over two

    years.   

    Hmm...I do think it so unfair to place this kind of pressure on adult

    students.....one day each week for two years why, that's a total of 104  

    days, for a degree sorry, Foundation Degree.

   To those who may be unfamiliar with this qualification I would say that it is

   not an  actual degree, more a sub degree; but one that, in my experience,

   has little value in industry or commerce. It may be used as a stepping stone   

    to a full degree but, my guess is that two A Levels would probably take you

   there more efficiently.

   And, if you wish to take a peek at the academic staff, you may do so HERE.

   One member is described as a freelance catechist ("have nun, will travel")  

   and a liturgical artist.........that's enough nurse, wheel me back to the  

   asylum, quick!

* Apologies for the poor layout in places, the gremlins are in the system!

Yes, we have no Madrassas....

.....we have no Madrassas today.....

Not that you would suspect, from our websites...you see.....we keep this one close to our chest.....prospective Catholic parents may not be too keen to learn of prayer rooms in our schools when we have a Catholic ethos and are bound by the teachings of Holy Mother Church.

But...hey....who gives a damn...we're all part of the same club....bring on the lay chaplains and the Reverend Mr Deacons, let's ignore the looming issue of Islamic fundamentalism and forget what goes on in Saudi, Kuwait, Pakistan and other Muslim countries and let's forget that we are the one true Church (so old fashioned and judgemental)....what does Our Lord want us to do?

Oppose heresy and error and embrace false religions?

Yes!

Are these some of the schools involved? Does the Headteacher know?

http://www.johnfisherschool.org/

http://www.stjosephscollege.org.uk

http://www.richardchalloner.com

Funny that one cannot find anything about Muslim prayer facilities on the websites of Catholic Schools; all that is on the websites is info about the school chapel and so on.


Would you suspect that this school is involved in prayer rooms for Muslim students?

Read the HMI report.


http://www.richardchalloner.com/sites/default/files/letters/058_richard_challoner_new_malden_19-20mar13_urn_137299_

3:10 to Southwark.....plus, some good news

                                     Time is running out for the prayer room lobby

Yes, just 24 hours to go before the letter goes to Archbishop Peter Smith asking him to investigate Muslim Prayer Rooms that have become established in some Catholic Madrassas Schools within his Archdiocese.

We do have a goodly number of signatures but, more are always welcome.

If you feel that it is wrong to provide such resources and would like to add your name to the letter, please leave your name in the comment box or email me on r.collinsassoc@btinternet.com 

So far, 63 people have stepped up to the mark for the Faith.

And the good news.....from Wales, no less.

Some may recall the brouhaha over Bishop Burns' plans to flatten an old(ish) church in the centre of the University town of Aberystwyth and sell off the site to some decent, kind hearted developers who will give him shedloads of cash as a result.

With some of the proceeds, the Bish aims to build a new (nu?) church some way outside the town centre, inconvenient for the old and also for the many Catholic students in this University town.

A group of parishioners oppose the plan whilst some, are in favour.

The planning application went before the Town Council a few days ago and they came out firmly in favour of restoring the old church of St Winefride rather than building a new round one looking like a 1950s spaceship somewhere in the bogs of Ceredigionshire.

Now, this is only the Town Council I am talking about, the decision really rests with the County Council but, I am sure they will listen with interest to what their colleagues have to say.

I am not a crystal ball gazer (how could I be?) but I wouldn't mind putting my beer money on a victory for those who prefer a central location and a church with character and ambience.....and a touch of the hermeneutic of continuity.

Please pray for all concerned, including the Bishop.

The list of signatories is growing...

.....some 29 strong as of 11.03am today.

We especially would like to hear from parents of children at Catholic Schools who may be concerned at this spread of Muslim Prayer Rooms in their children's schools.

Please send me your name, either by email, to r.collinsassoc@btinternet.com  or in the comment box. Names will only appear on the letter to the Archbishops and not be shown publicly:

Hear is the letter again:

“Your Grace

We have been made aware of a number of Catholic Schools in your Archdiocese, where, in conflict with Catholic teaching and in direct contradiction of their mission statements, resources have been allocated to provide prayer rooms for Muslim pupils.

This is not an issue regarding Muslim pupils attending Catholic Schools, always provided that there is a shortfall in places.

Such attendance may be an opportunity for the Faith to be spread by good example and by observation on the part of the Muslim pupils.

It is concerned directly with the fact that this facility should not be provided on Catholic premises, especially a school setting where young people could, quite understandably, interpret the provision as a signal that there is no distinction between Islam and the Catholic Faith.

We hope that you will act to put an end to this practice and inform Headteachers, and also Chaplains, Priests and Deacons who may be involved in a pastoral role in the Catholic Education sector, to that effect.

We assure you of our prayers for you, your priests and all within your Archdiocese at all times”.