Faith Development Conference Saturday 28th January 2023
Deepening Faith and Building Community through Small Groups
02890690920
Faith Development Conference 2023
The Living Church office is delighted to invite you to participate in our third Faith Development Conference.
The conferences seek to equip clergy and lay parish leaders with the resources, tools and passion for faith development programmes for the incoming year.
Keynote Speaker
Mr David Wells
We are delighted to welcome David, who has an extensive career in writing, inspirational speaking and working with churches, dioceses and organisations internationally. David Wells is endorsed by people the world over. A “master teacher”, “impactful”, “perfect in content, tone and delivery”.
In a world of ambiguity, David’s teachings are clear-cut, engaging and in the present. David will speak to us on the art of accompaniment and how we be truly present to God at work in the lives of the people we meet on our Faith Development Programmes.
Support in planning and running faith development
The Living Church office has been building partnerships with VERITAS, Scripture Union Ireland and developing our own homegrown resources. Over the course of the day, we will equip you with all the tools you need to deliver programmes with confidence in your local Parish during 2023. So whether you're continuing with online groups, starting new youth groups or opening the doors once again for adult faith development programmes we have the advice to help make your programme a success.
Resources to take home &
Networking with others
Everyone loves a goody bag.
This year you will receive the Leader's Resources for:
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NUA Origins
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Lectio Divina for Lent
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Meditating with Mary
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The Joys of Our Lady
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The Beatitudes of Pope Francis
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It will be a day to make connections with other Parish leaders. We will also have exhibitors on the day with a wide range of resources.
PROGRAMME
10am Registration
Join us for a tea or coffee and freshly baked scone as you browse through the book stands, receive your resource pack and get settled into your seats. We will be joined by VERITAS, Messenger Publications, Scripture Union Ireland and other exhibitors. Authors will be available for the signing of books.
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10:30am Welcome & Opening Prayer
We begin our day in prayer led by the Living Church team.
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Keynote Speaker: Mr David Wells
In our morning session we will take time to nourish ourselves as leaders within our parishes. David will speak to us about the art of accompaniment as we lead faith development programmes and how we can authentically bring the message of Christ's love, joy and mercy through our presence and attentiveness to others.
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Developing an engaging parish programme: Living Church Team
The experience that has been built up across the Diocese since the inception of the Living Church office is incredible. Gleaning from the experience of Parish Leaders we will share the facilitation skills, promotional tips and stories of success and blunders so that together we can be a community of learning and teaching across the Diocese.
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1pm Lunch
Enjoy a two course lunch prepared by the staff of the Crowne Plaza
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2pm Show me the programmes
In the afternoon we will look at the programmes and how they can be delivered in your Parish.
- Jim Deeds & Aidan Donaldson - The Beatitudes of Pope Francis, A 5 week resource ideal for Lent, shot on location in Belfast and providing participants with the opportunity to reflect on the witness of others and the actions they want to commit to in their own lives.
- Fr Paul Byrne - Lectio Divina in Lent. Opening the Word of God in small groups and online for Lent. Participants will receive a leader's guide to help them to confidently lead people through the Gospels of this Lenten Season.
- Aishling Steen - Meditating with Mary and The Joys of Our Lady. Two beautiful resources that can be used in May or October will help small groups to deepen their faith by reflecting on the life and witness of Mary, Mother of God.
- Sarah Campbell & Sharon Lynch - NUA Origins. A youth video resource with a journal developed by the Living Church Office that will help young people and parents to reflect on the wonder of their lives and the great plans that God has for them.
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4:30pm Close
Once you've been inspired, connected, resourced and equipped we will send you home. With the assurance of our ongoing support in the weeks and months ahead.
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Event Location
Crowne Plaza Hotel
117 Milltown Rd, Shaws Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP
