At regular instances in 2021, the Agency made intelligent use of technology and the increased comfort that people developed in terms of online access. One such instance was the Masterclasses series where celebrated authors introduced themes from a recent book and participants were offered discounts to allow them to continue their learning. These included sessions on Evangelising Catechesis, Discipleship Parenting, the new Directory for Catechesis and more. SHARING THE FAITH One of the central questions the Agency explored in 2021 is whether people would return to church post-pandemic. A priests’ survey on the kind of support parishes required, in this vein, led to a webinar series entitled Parish Communications Post- Pandemic: From Isolation to Evangelisation, which saw sixty-six registrants and the development of fresh and helpful resources. During Advent 2021, the Agency provided a number of resources to help parishes encourage nonchurchgoing to return to Mass. The initiative, COME HOME, had four facets and was an invitation to parishes to both see what might be possible and to activate those who had already returned. The four elements included invitation cards to be distributed by parishioners ahead of Christmas, print resources on building an evangelising welcome ministry; preaching notes and webinar for a kerygmatic homily at Christmas and 40000 copies of The Ultimate Relationship booklet for distribution, as a gift, to those who came to Christmas Masses. The Agency was delighted to be able to support the Diocesan Charismatic Service Team in the preparation and delivery of the Life in the Spirit Seminars after Easter 2021. Over 170 participants heard from excellent speakers and joined small group discussions online. The seminars are expected to repeat in 2022 with an in-person retreat at The Friars, Aylesford. ECHOING THE FAITH The main development in support of catechetical work in the diocese was the successful launch of the new Archbishop’s Certificate in October 2021. The ArchCert is the fruit of a thoroughgoing revamp of the Diocesan Catechetical Certificate to reflect the needs of Some Definite Service. Intended not just for catechists but all involved in evangelisation and formation, the twelve units of this course have been redesigned, including incorporating the proposed lectionary translations (ESV and Abbey Psalter). Students are making use of a new Moodle platform, hosted by the diocese, and are supported by a team of five highly-trained and experienced tutors. Forty-five participants are registered for 2021-23 course, including a deacon and students from outside of <strong>Southwark</strong> (e.g. Diocese of Westminster and the Bishop’s Conference secretariat). Direct parish support continued, in terms of catechesis and the Liturgy of the Word for Children, online, inperson and via resources accessed via the website (more details can be found in the Agency’s 2021 Highlights document). Additionally, two diocesan catechetical gatherings were held online, in lieu of the traditional diocesan Day for Catechists, with dozens of parishes represented. The Agency’s 2021 Highlights document can be found here: https://rcaos.org.uk/vocations/ SYNOD 2021-2023 Pope Francis has invited the whole Church to prayerfully reflect on how we might grow together in communion, deepen our participation in the life of the Church and how we can become more effective missionary disciples in the world. Participants, in this ‘Synodal Process’, are being encouraged to share with honesty and openness about their real-life experiences, and to reflect on what the Holy Spirit might be revealing to the Church. The Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis was tasked, by Archbishop John Wilson, with the production of resources for parishes, to coordinate the growing number of parish synod delegates and to convene listening sessions as part of the Synodal Process. The diocesan phase of the Synodal Process to due to close in April 2022 and a synthesis of parish, individual and corporate submissions will be produced by a representative group of women and men, lay people and clergy. It is intended that the synthesis will provide something of a roadmap for parishes and diocesan departments’ work over the coming months and years. 14
IMPACT REPORT 15