25th September, 10am – 4pm, registration from 9.30am at Easingwold School

Whoever you are – as a priest, teacher, governor, catechist, parishioner, single, married, parent, grandparent – if you care about and are interested in the present and the future of this ‘vital cell of Christian community life’, the family, in all its rich varieties, please come along to this DAY CONFERENCE continuing to explore the theme, ‘HOUSEHOLDS OF GOD: What does family life offer the church? What does the church offer family life?’ How can we strengthen our home, school, parish partnerships in support of the living out of our Catholic Christian faith in the variety of families in our communities today?

This theme has relevance for our homes, our parishes and our schools. ALL are very warmly invited to come along and take part. Dr David Thomas, our Guest Speaker from the USA, is an international educator in the area of family life and adult religious education, and the author of books and articles on the subject of family as ‘community of love’.

• Bishop Terry will be with us
• the worship for the day will be led by Mike Stanley of CJM Music

Afternoon Workshops

• Mike Stanley (CJM Music) will be running an exciting workshop that afternoon on music and worship with families.
• Maureen O’Brien, Marriage and Family Life Adviser for the Archdiocese of Liverpool, will be looking at supporting the Home-School-Parish responsibilities for passing on our faith. Suitable for all – teachers/parish catechists/parents.
• Breda Theakston, Marriage and Family Life Adviser for the Diocese of Leeds, will give an inspiring workshop on ‘good enough parenting’ drawing on the Family Caring Trust Parenting Programmes, helping both children and parents to be happier and more responsible! Great for all parents/grandparents and those wishing to support families in school or parish setting.
• Sr Josie Bulger will offer a powerful and creative way to enable children to open to an encounter with Jesus through the Gospels (using Godly Play) – again, fantastic for Children’s Liturgy leaders in school or parish.
• Fr Stephen Maughan will lead a workshop ‘I’m a teenager, get me out of here – Young People and the Church’ looking at the relationship between the church and her teenage members, what they believe, how they belong and how we can help them to do both!
• Jane Cook will give a practical taster workshop on ‘Listening in Families and as the People of God – a gift for the Church today’ – which will be of enormous benefit to anyone working in pastoral situations in home, school, parish settings.

Childcare and Activities on the Day

• Creche and Children’s Activities available.

Cost (to cover speakers expenses and venue, including lunch for all) £20.00 per head, children free, groups of four discount £60.00.

BOOKING FORMS – now available from Fr John or from Sue Paterson, The Curial Office: reception@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk or 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT, (01642) 850505.