Our Lady's Catechists

Our Lady's Catechists is a special Committee whose members are qualified to teach the Faith to adults and children through postal courses.

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Our Lady's Catechists Conference 17th - 19th April 2009
held at St. Mary's College, Oscott
 The weekend opened with Holy Mass for deceased members in the beautiful Pugin  Chapel at Oscott College, Birmingham. This was celebrated by Father Harry Curtis our Spiritual Director.
After dinner we were welcomed by our Chairman Marie Francis. Following her greeting Marie read a beautiful poem which reminded us that we are all special in the eyes of God.

Father Harry then gave the first talk of the weekend which he said was a “taster” on Creation and Evolution, in preparation for his theme for Autumn Day.  He spoke about the Big Bang and the Universe. Father Harry will expand his talk at Autumn Day and will explore further the wonder of God and the wonder of Creation.  Father Harry also reiterated that our faith tells us we are special. We look forward to Autumn Day, which this year is held in Eccles on Saturday 26th September.

After Stations of the Cross and Morning Prayer on Saturday we welcomed our Guest Speaker Dom Henry Wansborough who gave three splendid talks on PAUL ~ The Letter Writer.  Dom Henry divided his talks into three section: Paul~ The Letter Writer, Salvation in Paul, and Did Paul think Jesus was God?.  The talks were illustrated through Power-Point with beautiful photographs of the places that Paul had visited and the routes that he had taken. Dom Henry’s method of teaching, peppered with personal anecdotes made the learning experience all the more special. We now need to study these letters and utilise the message of Paul in our own lives.  Dom Henry’s explanation of grace as being a relationship with God  was beautifully illustrated by using himself as a visual aid. The morning finished with Holy Mass for all present, which was concelebrated by Dom Henry and Father Harry.

In the second part of the afternoon, after the departure of our Guest Speaker, the various Course Meetings took place. These were attended by Course Registrars,  students and tutors and much healthy debate took place. The Meeting of Diocesan Representatives and The Executive took place later on Saturday evening followed by Night Prayer.

Sunday began with Morning Prayer, followed by the Annual General Meeting. Marie Francis  welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a special welcome to Doreen Pooley, CWL National President,  Margaret Valentine, CWL National Treasurer and Bishop Peter Doyle, Ecclesiastical Advisor to the CWL.  Marie reported on the work that is being carried out by Members of Our Lady’s Catechists in the various Dioceses and praised all those concerned for their dedication. Marie also reported on the excellent progress of students in South Africa. Reports were then given by the Registrars on their respective courses and it was good to hear that there is much interest in the courses with several new enrolments and also students who are successfully completing their studies.  Carol Taylor was elected as Chairman, Marie Francis as Secretary and Margaret Jones as Vice Chairman.

harmaine Jayasuriya agreed to remain as Treasurer. John Crean has  become a Co-opted Member on the Executive and Gill Moodie will continue as Editor of Notes and News.  A new venue was voted upon as Oscott College is not available for Low Sunday weekend in 2010. The Conference and AGM for next year will therefore take place at Kings Park Northampton.
Drawing the Business of the Meeting to a conclusion Doreen Pooley thanked  Our Lady’s Catechists for all their work in the past year.

In his address  Bishop Doyle spoke of his pleasure in being able to attend the AGM and reminded us that we are witnesses to the Resurrection. Father Harry reinforced the message that was given at the beginning of the weekend that everyone is special.

A general vote of thanks was given by Ann Bayley who praised all those concerned in making the weekend such a memorable one.
Our weekend of spiritual renewal concluded with Holy Mass concelebrated by  Bishop Peter Doyle and Father Harry Curtis.  This was followed by Sunday lunch after which fond farewells were made with resolutions to meet again at Autumn Day or at the AGM and Conference weekend in 2010.

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