History

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) called on the whole Church to undertake renewal in every aspect of its life so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be proclaimed in a fresh way, suited to the needs of a rapidly changing contemporary world. At the heart of this renewal was to be education and formation at every level. The Catholic Church already had a long distinguished history in the education of children and young people. The Council desired that this continue and be strengthened. To it was added a call for energy and resources to be put into the continued education and formation of adult lay people and clergy.

Immediately after Vatican II, Bishop Gordon Wheeler acted to answer this call in the Diocese of Leeds. Building on earlier excellent work in catechetics he established the Religious Education Centre in part of the College of the Blessed Virgin in Headingley, and set up the Diocesan Religious Education Team there (now the Catechesis and Religious Education Service). He also established a new Diocesan Pastoral Centre at Wood Hall. Both of these initiatives continue as part of Hinsley Hall’s service to the Diocese today.

Over the years many people have contributed to the work of the RE Team, supporting Religious Education in schools, helping to develop sacramental programmes and catechetical work in the parishes, and introducing the principles and insights of the Council and its aftermath to our Diocese.