About a year ago, we were engaging with y0u over the “listening” sessions for the World Synod as announced by Pope Francis.

As a Parish, we very much want to build on the heartfelt feedback we received from you in those listening sessions.

Among the points raised, two were repeated over and over again, by many of you:

• 1. The need for a safe, respectful forum to ask questions we haven’t previously felt able to ask as Catholics, possibly for fear of showing our ignorance
  2. A means of seeking a better and perhaps deeper understanding of our faith in areas such as parts of the Mass, the Sacraments, being Catholic today, the existence of God, etc.

We have identified some support materials to help us with these aims.

“Sycamore: The Catholic Faith Explained” is a comprehensive programme (in book and video format) about the Christian faith and its relevance today. It encourages us to come together to share ideas, to explore our beliefs and think about questions that really matter.

We are very excited to share this with all our parishioners who want to ask questions about Christianity and the Catholic Church and deepen their understanding. We welcome all parishioners!

***** You can now register by RSVPing for all the events as listed below by going to the Parish Events Page. *****

We plan to run five sessions during Lent and one session after Lent. Here are the details of each session:

Week 1 – Tuesday 28 February at 07:30pm and again on Wednesday 01 March at 10:30am

Topic: A God Who is Personal?

Based on Chapters 2 and 3 in the Sycamore Book

Here is the link to the videos for chapter 2 and chapter 3.

Among the questions we will be exploring are:

• “What are your thoughts about the existence of God?”,
• “Do you think that there are any good reasons to believe in God?” and
• “Is your faith based on something more than reason?”

Week 2 – Tuesday 07 March at 07:30pm and again on Wednesday 08 March at 10:30am

Topic: Who is Jesus?

Based on Chapter 4 in the Sycamore Book.

Here is a link to the video for chapter 4.

This week we discuss the paradox that Jesus had to die to bring life to the world. How would you respond if you knew that someone had given up there their life for you? Do you know whose religious faith or example has touched you?

Week 3 – Tuesday 14 March at 07:30pm and again on Wednesday 15 March at 10:30am

Topic: How do we live a christian life and how do we pray in a busy world?

Based on Chapters 8, 13, 18 and 19 in the Sycamore Book.

Here is a link to the videos for chapter 8, chapter 13, chapter 18 and chapter 19.

This week we discuss the values required to build a decent and moral society which upholds the dignity of everyone. Can you be a Christian without belonging to a Church? Do we make time to be silent?  How do we pray?  Why do we sometimes find it hard to pray? Does prayer make a difference?

Review of the first 3 weeks on Saturday 18 March at 11:00

Topic: A recap of the first three weeks

Week 4 – Tuesday 21 March at 07:30pm and again on Wednesday 22 March at 10:30am

Topic: Why do we need the Sacraments?

Based on Chapters 14 and 16 in the Sycamore Book.

Here is a link to the videos for chapter 14 and chapter 16.

This week we discuss how the power of the sacraments lead us closer to God. What does being baptised and confirmed mean to you? Why do fewer Catholics receive the sacrament of confession.

Week 5 – Tuesday 28 March at 07:30pm and again on Thursday 30 March at 10:30am

Topic: The Eucharist – the real presence of Christ?

Based on Chapter 15 in the Sycamore Book.

Here is a link to the video for chapter 15.

In the session before Holy Week, we reflect on the fundamental essence and presence of Christ in our Mass.  Is it easy or challenging to believe?  What difference does receiving the Eucharist make to your life and your faith?   

Review of the weeks 4 and 5 on Saturday 01 April at 11:00

Topic: A recap of the weeks 4 and 5

Week 6 – Tuesday 25 April at 07:30pm and again on Wednesday 26 April at 10:30am

Topic: Come, Holy Spirit

Based on Chapters 5 and 14 in the Sycamore Book.

Here is a link to the videos for chapter 5 and chapter 14.

This week we focus on how the Holy Spirit operates within us.  Have you ever prayed to the Holy Spirit?  Have you ever had an experience that made you question life or perhaps an unexpected moment of inspiration that seemed to come from nowhere?   

For more information about Sycamore, please contact Father Seán on his email address frsean.healy@northamptondiocese.org or Deacon Brent Adonis via his email address at deaconbrent.adonis@northamptondiocese.org or the parish office on +44 1494 673 018 or email the parish office on parish.stteresabeaconsfield@northamptondiocese.org.