Parish Evangelization Group
"Life to the Full" – C&B Parish Course
A new five session DVD ‘Bringing the Bible Alive’ course starts on Tuesday 8 November at 8.00pm in the Parish hall at Ss Peter & John. Each talk shows how exploring the Scriptures can strengthen our faith and give us new hope and joy in everyday life. There are times for discussion and prayerful reflection in each session. See poster and sign up sheets in the Narthex.
Please sign up if you wish to explore this wonderful course or contact Mary on 01276 477233
Background
The seeds of our present Evangelization Group were sown about 14 years ago when a group of Christ the King Parishioners started running Alpha courses. As we had no hall of our own these Alpha Courses were run in the neighbouring churches of St. Tarcisius (Camberley), Our Lady Queen of Heaven (Frimley) and Ss Peter & John (Old Dean) on a regular basis.
Several people from these parishes helped out on subsequent courses. The response from the participants was wonderful. They said how much they enjoyed Alpha and that it had really brought their faith alive. The Evangelization Group then became more formalized and we decided to organize a two week Mission at Christ the King run by the Sion Community, which was very successful and reached out into the local community.
What we Offer
We currently run the ‘CaFE’ course the acronym coming from ‘Catholic Faith Exploration’ UK Tel: 0845 050 9428. Website: http://www.faithcafe.org/
Parish based courses together with small group discussions really help people to grow and come alive in their faith:
• it helps the older generation to revisit what they were taught before the Second Vatican Council and in quite a number of cases helps to get rid of a lot of ‘old baggage’ - mainly hurts and misunderstandings that they have carried over the years.
• it helps the younger to middle age to explore, question and give them a good grounding in their faith - which many may not have had.
• it helps lapsed Catholics to find a way back to the Church and update themselves on the changes in the Church.
• it helps those who are not Catholic but who are searching… especially those who attend Mass with their Catholic spouses. This has resulted in some going on to do RCIA and being received into the Catholic Church.
The Parish Course
All of this questioning, exploring and learning is carried out in a friendly and non threatening atmosphere in a friendly environment where people feel able to discuss and share where they are on their faith journey. We generally run these courses in spring and autumn.
Local Contact: Telephone: 01276 477233 or E-mail: mary@paremp.com
KEEPING IN TOUCH (KIT)
During 2009 a group of parishioners received training and in pairs commenced the visiting of local Catholics who have not appeared at church for some time. The visits are intended to be a means of the Church keeping in touch with those who have either drifted away or who may be in special need and might value the pastoral support of the community of faith. It is hoped that "KIT" will become a valuable means of reaching out to Catholics and others who might wish to know more about the faith. Emphasis is placed on making the visits low key, friendly and non-coercive.