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Something Greater Course

“How are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?” Rom 10:14

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OUR MISSION

“Something Greater is a Gospel-centred course of formation, which introduces participants, simply, to the foundational truths of the Catholic Faith..."

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OUR VISION

“Something Greater wants to see every lay person in the Archdiocese of Birmingham encountering Christ and formed in their Catholic Faith..."​​​​​​​​

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Interested in running Something Greater?

The Office for Mission can support Deans and Deanaries to launch and run Something Greater. Speakers will ideally be drawn from as locally as possible, though help can be given to source speakers for particular topics if necessary.

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The aim is to grow a learning and discerning community that can in turn encourage others. As the community forms, speakers may emerge from within the group as they deepen their own study and formation. Get in touch with Paul for more information at the details below.

Something Greater Overview

Suggestions for topics and themes

For download are some session themes, timings and frameworks, which may be used for planning your presentations. The use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of Scripture is anticipated, and guidance for participants on how to use both of these sources is particularly encouraged, to help them get the most out of the material.

“The breadth and depth of teaching has been such a gift. I have many gaps in my understanding of the Catholic Faith, but this has been instructive and encouraging. I have more confidence and more determination to get on and do His work.”

- Testimony from a participant on the pilot of Something Greater - Banbury & Warwick Deanery.

Something Greater Part I (from the following)

  1. The Good News (Jesus Christ & His message)

  2. The Word of God (The Old & New Testament)

  3. The Holy Spirit: Baptised & Sent (Baptism & Confirmation)

  4. This is My Body (Holy Mass & the Eucharist)

  5. Sacred Seasons (The Liturgical Year)

  6. Pardon & Peace (Reconciliation & Sacrament of the Sick)

  7. Vocation to Love (Matrimony & Holy Orders)

  8. The Call to Holiness (Discipleship & Prayer)

Part I Suggested Session Plans

Including objectives, source references, quesitions for discusion and additional ideas/materials.

Something Greater Part II (from the following - in development)

  1. I Believe (The Creed)

  2. Light of the Nations (The Church)

  3. Mary, Mother of the Church (Our Lady and the Saints)

  4. Only God is Good (The Moral Life)

  5. Some Definite Service (My Mission & Vocation)

  6. A Light for Our Path (Discernment & Synodality)

  7. On this Rock (The Papacy)

  8. Go, Make Disciples (Evangelisation & Catechesis)

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Additional suggestions for themes

  • You Did it to Me (Catholic Social Teaching)

  • The Four Last Things (Death, Judgement, Heaven & Hell)

  • Laudato Si (Care of Our Common Home)

FAQs

  • Who is it for?
    Catholic adults/young adults, new converts or volunteers who are considering how they might deepen and exercise their faith in some ministry for the first time.

  • What is it for?
    To offer a pathway for Catholics in our Archdiocese, to begin to consider parish or deanery ministries. To offer initial support to those who require ongoing formation or who are discerning a parish ministry, with a particular focus on those who might become Catechists.

  • What can it do for a parish?
    Gather and connect people, with a view to mobilising their gifts for the service of their parish. Create a culture of discernment.

  • What can it do for a deanery?
    It can help to identify those who might run and support courses like Something Greater in future, such as administrators, hosts or even speakers. It might also encourage those who are considering leadership in other areas or even a Vocation.

  • How does it fit with the Diocesan Vision?
    Formation and mission, building community and the potential for working co-responsibly.

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Paul Northam is the Diocesan Advisor for Evangelisation & Discipleship. He works to assist the Church in the task of announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ and supporting disciples in mission, and in the family, in parishes across the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

 

Paul can help parishes to develop vision and to create effective strategies for evangelisation, marriage and family life, supporting the formation of God’s Holy people, “mobilising all in the diocese to become true missionary disciples.” (Diocesan Mission Statement)

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Advice is available to help you:

  • Develop and communicate a vision for discipleship,

  • Identify the charisms/gifts that exist in your parish,

  • Reach out to those who are lapsed, unchurched or weary of living the Catholic Faith,

  • Develop evangelisation groups and teams,

  • Transform parish ministries into missionary tools,

  • Find resources for evangelisation,

  • Pray for evangelisation.

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T: 0121 321 5148

E: office.mission@rcaob.org.uk

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