We wanted to you know about some courses and events that are going to be happening. If you have any problems with the booking please ring Nyta on 01604 434362 and she will be able to help you.
‘Encounter’
We are running a day retreat in three different areas of the Diocese in the new year. It’s called ‘Encounter’. ‘Encounter’ enables participants to deepen their relationship with God as well as discovering a renewed desire to share their faith with others. It is not so much a course as an experience of the reality of God’s love, since it provides the opportunity for a personal encounter with the risen Jesus and to receive a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. During ‘Encounter’ the Good News of Jesus is re-explored through lively and engaging presentations based on the Word of God, prayer and music, as well as times of reflection and sharing.
Slough: Saturday 4th March:
https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/encounter-slough/
Northampton: Saturday 18th March:
https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/encounter-northampton/
Follow the links for more information, including venue and times. You can book on via the link too. There is a cost of £15 which includes refreshments and lunch.
What others have said about ‘Encounter
“I really enjoyed the sessions and the visual representations. It was a lovely spiritual experience and I met some wonderful people.” (Sam)
“I am now talking more to strangers about God. I also have this secret desire deep down…to tell people about God” (Helen)
James: Discerning God’s Will
This course will take place over seven Monday evenings on Zoom, from 7.30 to 9.00pm on: 23, 30 January, 6, 20, 27 February, 6, 13 March 2023. (Break for half term on 13 Feb).
The Letter of James is full of inspiration and practical wisdom which enables believers to discover and discern the way God calls them to live each day. Everyone who wants to share their faith with others needs to grow in their ability to hear God clearly.
Taking part in ‘James’ will:
- Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Letter of St. James.
- Help you to learn how to discern your daily life in the light of the Word of God.
- Deepen your ability to hear and recognise the voice of the Lord.
- Provide principles for approaching the art of discernment.
Cost £5
To book please follow this link: https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/james-discerning-gods-will-2/
What others have said about the James Course:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the James Course. Each week I anticipated renewed insights into James. I found the practical application of his teaching into our everyday life profound.” (Mandy)
“I really enjoyed the course. It was the first course I have ever done…I feel that I have been given the strength to be honest with myself about what faith means to me and what it could mean. It has been easy for me to hide behind the outward aspects of being a Catholic”. (Theresa)
“The course gave me a much needed opportunity to reflect on my own prayer life and how to listen and respond to God… I am spending a little more quiet time in prayer at the start of the day. I feel better equipped spiritually in discernment…”
Moses: Leadership Training Course: 31 March to 2 April. We are waiting for some more information on this before we confirm the booking, but if you are interested in this course please register your interest by contacting Nyta on [email protected]
It is a residential weekend from Friday to Sunday evening and is all about preparing people to be leaders. We will contact you with more information when we have it.
What others have said:
“I loved the course. It gave ‘meat to the bones’ of everyday leadership and is a good reminder of why we do what we do. It has reminded me that in all things, in God ALL is possible.” (Rita
“The course was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the life of Moses. I thought I knew his story well, but I discovered more, and this shed valuable light on his life and leadership…I will aim to apply the learning to my ministry over the coming months. The course showed me that God can use us to bless others. I realised that God sometimes asks us to go to a new place, beyond our present circumstances, to know Him better and to find out His plan for our leadership and lives. I learnt that God calls and equips us for the leadership He has for us, and that we only need to do our bit in God’s bigger plan. God calls us to raise up and equip others to form part of our team, and that it’s essential to share the load. We need to want the best for those we lead and help them to grow.” (Philip)
Divine Renovation UK
“My Parish isn’t Missional!”: How To Lead When You Are Not in Charge
Thursday 8th December, 2022, 6pm
“But what if my parish isn’t missional?” This is the cry of many lay people who long to see their parish come alive. When the parish priest isn’t actively leading change, fruits can be limited and parishioners can even feel helpless. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! Join Fr. Gary Buckby (Parish Priest at Our Lady and St Rose of Lima Parish) and Maria Heath (Director of Mission for Northampton Diocese), and Divine Renovation’s Matt Regitz and Hannah Vaughan-Spruce for a conversation exploring the ways you can influence, lead, pray, and serve fruitfully in a parish that is not yet oriented to mission.
To register follow this link: https://divinerenovation.tfaforms.net/f/how-to-lead
LUX Flawless
Finally, I want to draw your attention to a residential retreat experience being run by the Northampton Youth Ministry Office (NYMO) for young people in school years 7 to 13. It’s called LUX Flawless and will run on 3rd to 5th February 2023.
To book the link is here: https://nymo.org/lux/
Please encourage any young people you may know to book on. It’s going to be great! If you have any questions about this please call Fiona on: 01582 720 627.
Wishing you all a peaceful and holy Christmas,
From Mission Northampton
(Maria Heath, Fr. Simon Penhalagan, Alex Heath, & Nyta Hirons)