Witnessing to Our Faith

An evangelising community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first, and therefore we can move forward boldly, take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away…

Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium

Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, asked ‘… how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?’

Faith in Jesus Christ is never something to be privately held – even in the most difficult of circumstances. In many parts of our world, in the present as in the past, to speak to others about Jesus and to live a life of Faith openly has brought persecution and suffering. We are fortunate in where we live and yet – too often – we hold back and remain silent about God. Perhaps we are more like Peter than we would like to admit: we remain silent when we should speak.

If we believe that our Catholic life of Faith is good news then it is certianly worth sharing.

Those who generously offer to become Catechists share our Faith with those preparing to become Catholic themselves, or to help those preparing to receive Sacraments, as well as their families. The Diocese of Leeds supports these Catechists through ongoing training in skills and knowledge so that they can feel assured and encouraged in their work.

(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)

The Diocese also offers, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Liverpool, the opportunity to study for the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry which is awarded by the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University, Chicago. This two-year online programme presents an overview of the Old and New Testaments, the Faith and Teaching of the Catholic Church, and the renewal in Catholic thought and practice brought by the Second Vatican Council. It offers skills and knowledge for sharing our Faith with greater confidence as well as the opportunity to grow in our own understanding.

You may also consider courses run by the Maryvale Institute, which specialises in distance learning.

Please contact Gregory Stacey (Diocesan Co-ordinator for Catechesis, Adult Formation) gregory.stacey@dioceseofleeds.org.uk if you would like to know more.