Ongoing Faith Formation

Growing in faith

We are all called to deepen our faith throughout our lives. The Diocese of Shrewsbury is committed to support Parishes grow closer to Jesus Christ and encourage the development and formation of lay people in the diocese. Our Department of Mission and Evangelisation regularly offer events, formation and training doing just this.

Below you will find information about:

  • Free personal online study courses from the Franciscan University, Steubenville
  • CCRS in schools
  • Bespoke training opportunities
  • Marriage and Family Life
  • Resources for Catechists

Natalie Orefice, our Director for Evangelisation and Catechesis is happy to be contacted about any questions you may have, specific needs for your Parish, or even ideas about how we can better communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to those around us.

Email Natalie Catechesis FAQ

Evangelisation and Catechesis

What is evangelisation?

First of all, we can make some straightforward distinctions. The word ‘evangelisation’ comes from a Greek verb that simply means ‘to bring good news to others’. Anything that involves sharing the Christian faith and bringing others to know Christ and his Church is part of the work of evangelisation.

Primary evangelisation is understood to be the task of reaching out to those people and cultures that have never known Christ and his Gospel. It is ‘missionary work’ in its traditional sense, sometimes called the mission ad gentes, meaning ‘to the (non-Christian) nations’. This is the first and in some senses the most important kind of evangelisation.

// From Fr Stephen Wang – read more here

What is catechesis?

Catechesis is a ministry of teaching and forming that passes on the Word of God to inform the Catholic community and candidates for initiation into the Church about the teachings of Christ, transmitted by the Apostles to the Church.

The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning “to echo the teaching” meaning that catechesis or the teaching of the faith is an interactive process in which the Word of God re-sounds between and among the proclaimer, the one receiving the message, and the Holy Spirit!

“Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways.”  General Directory for Catechesis #105)

Read more here

Opportunities to study and explore your faith

Marriage and Family Life

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Catechetical Institute - Free online workshops
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Resources for Catechists
Areas you maybe interested in
Interested in becoming a Priest? The Discernment House in Shrewsbury