A bespoke catechetical programme in Southwark Archdiocese has inspired four staff members employed by Catholic schools to join the Church.
The archdiocese tailors the “Come and See” programme, which began in 2023, to the needs of non-Catholic staff working in Catholic schools. Now one has been baptised, while two have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. A fourth was received into the Church at their local parish at the Easter Vigil.
This reflects a trend for a sharp increase of converts in Southwark archdiocese where 450 adults joined the Church in Easter 2024. This represented an 164 per cent increase compared to 2023.
At a Mass held for the new Catholics at St Philomena’s School in Carshalton, Canon Victor Darlington said: “It is not enough to say we do not have enough Catholics, we do not have enough Catholic teachers or enough Catholic headteachers. We have to evangelise, invite people in and encourage them to say yes to the Lord.
Canon Darlington, who is the Archdiocese of Southwark’s Episcopal Vicar for Education, added:
“It is the power of this invitation that we now have four staff members in schools in our Archdiocese who courageously came forward and said yes to Christ. This is history being made in our Archdiocese and is going to be the roadmap for promoting our faith in our schools and in our communities. I give God all the glory.”
Owen, a science teacher who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Mass said his decision had led to “some really good discussions about science and faith, how they are not incompatible at all” with his students.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the Court of Appeal has ruled that the exclusively Christian focus of religious education in primary schools does not breach human rights law.
Senior judges identified a lack of pluralism and objectivity in the core curriculum which could add up to evidence of “forbidden” indoctrination. But no violation of rights was established because parents can have their child excused from classes or collective worship.
Proceedings were initially brought against the Department of Education on behalf of a child attending school in Belfast. Described as a non-religious family with broadly humanist views, the parents had expressed concerns that their child may adopt a specific worldview.
Loading ...
