{"id":2327,"date":"2026-01-13T11:10:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T11:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk\/adultformation\/?page_id=2327"},"modified":"2026-04-28T15:03:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:03:25","slug":"2327-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk\/adultformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Front Page"},"content":{"rendered":"
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adult formation<\/h1>\n

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BUILDING A CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Forming Catholics in the Diocese of Middlesbrough into confident, missionary disciples, grounded in sacramental life, growing in faith, and actively living the Gospel in their families, workplaces, and communities.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe lay faithful are called to rediscover and to live the Gospel message in the ordinary circumstances of daily life. They are called by God so that they may contribute to the sanctification of the world, as from within like leaven, by fulfilling their own particular duties.\u201d <\/em>Christifideles Laici 23<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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find out more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Adult Formation Newsletter<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Tomb to Mission<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This Easter season we are invited to take a journey together.<\/p>\n

Easter is not just one day. For fifty days the Church celebrates the victory of Christ and asks a deeper question: What does the Resurrection mean for our lives today?<\/em><\/p>\n

Over the coming weeks we will walk through five stages of the Easter story \u2014 a journey every Christian is called to live.<\/p>\n

Tomb<\/strong>
The journey begins at the empty tomb. The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Christ is alive, and hope is stronger than sin and death.<\/p>\n

Encounter<\/strong>
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we meet the risen Lord in Scripture, in the Eucharist, and in the people we walk with each day.<\/p>\n

Discipleship<\/strong>
Hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd, we learn to follow Christ more closely \u2014 growing in prayer, trust, and love.<\/p>\n

Mission<\/strong>
The risen Jesus sends his disciples into the world: \u201cGo and make disciples.\u201d<\/em> Easter faith is never kept to ourselves; it becomes good news for others.<\/p>\n

Empowered<\/strong>
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit fills the Church with courage and joy. The same Spirit empowers us today to live and share the Gospel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Gospel Reflections<\/h5>

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Easter<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Divine Mercy<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Week 3<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Week 4<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Week 5<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Week 6<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Week 7<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

T<\/a>omb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Acension<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomb to Mission Sunday Gospel Reflections Pentecost<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Mission Challenge<\/h5>

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Prayer Prompts<\/h5>

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Adult Formation Podcast <\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n

All previous episodes can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Events<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Articles<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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From Tomb to Mission<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Mar 29, 2026<\/span><\/p>

Easter is not the end of the story, it is the beginning. After the long days of Lent and the profound celebrations of Holy Week, it can be tempting to think that life has simply returned to normal. But this is not the case. The Church now invites us into fifty days of c…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

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The Rain That Brings New Life<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Mar 25, 2026<\/span><\/p>

Have you spotted any signs of spring yet?
\nI am waiting patiently for my bulbs to bloom. I\u2019m not an avid gardener, though I hope to be one day, but even I find myself looking for those first hints of new life. As winter slowly fades and Lent draws near with its call to…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

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Growing as a Disciple in 2026<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Jan 13, 2026<\/span><\/p>

At the beginning of a new year, I always find myself in a reflective mood. I like to review the year that has gone, the highs and lows, and ask myself what I learnt about others, myself, and God. Just as the first disciples heard the call of Jesus during an ordinary…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

\"Baptism<\/span><\/a><\/div>

Baptism Birthday Celebrations<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Jan 4, 2026<\/span><\/p>

As a parent, I\u2019m always looking for ways to bring faith more deeply into our home \u2014 to make it something my children love and enjoy celebrating. Over the years, I\u2019ve discovered that faith doesn\u2019t have to stay confined to Sunday Mass; it can be woven into our everyday…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

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An Advent of Hope<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Dec 1, 2025<\/span><\/p>

I love Advent. The streets fill with twinkling lights, and festive music plays everywhere you go. It feels like the one liturgical season the whole nation celebrates\u2014whether they realise it or not. Yet Advent also holds a gentle tension. While the Church begins a new…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

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Day of Reflection for Catechists\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>

by Nicola Sweetman<\/a><\/span> | Nov 10, 2025<\/span><\/p>

Saturday 31st January The Adult Formation Team will be hosting a Day of Reflection for Catechists on Saturday 31st January. This special day offers an opportunity for all those involved in catechesis to come together for teaching, discussion,…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article>

New Adult Faith Formation Coordinator Appointed for Diocese<\/a><\/h2>

by webmaster<\/a><\/span> | Oct 1, 2025<\/span><\/p>

Nicola Sweetman has recently been appointed as the new Adult Faith Formation Coordinator for the Diocese of Middlesbrough, beginning her role at the start of October. Nicola brings with her over 18 years of experience in Religious Education, having worked as a…<\/p>\n<\/div>Read More<\/a><\/div><\/article><\/div>

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Meet Our Adult Formation Team<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Mrs.<\/div>

Mrs. Nicola Sweetman<\/h4>

Adult Formation Co-ordinator<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Canon<\/div>

Canon John Lumley<\/h4>

Episcopal Vicar for Christian Discipleship<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Mrs.<\/div>

Mrs. Heidi Cummins<\/h4>

Adminstration Support<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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RCIA Process Overview<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults<\/a> (RCIA) is a transformative journey for those seeking to join the Catholic Church. It is a vital part of adult formation, guiding individuals through a deep spiritual and educational experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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1<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Inquiry Phase<\/h5><\/div><\/div>\n\n

This initial stage allows individuals to explore their faith questions and learn about the Catholic Church’s teachings and traditions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Catechumenate<\/h5><\/div><\/div>\n\n

During this period, participants deepen their understanding of the faith through catechesis, prayer, and community involvement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Purification and Enlightenment<\/h5><\/div><\/div>\n\n

This stage coincides with Lent, focusing on spiritual preparation and reflection as candidates prepare for the sacraments of initiation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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FIND YOUR PARISH<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Get in Touch with Us<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n
Phone<\/h5><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Reach us at (01642) 850505 ext 241<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Address<\/h5><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough. TS5 6QT<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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