Echoes.
Echoes is different from other programmes that Maryvale offers. Echoes is a parish-based training resource designed to prepare those involved in handing on the faith to others. Whether working with adults or children, Echoes provides a rounded formation in the central aspects of the Catholic faith and how to transmit this to others in different contexts.
Groups within the parish who might benefit from the Echoes course include:
- RCIA
- Adult Education Groups
- Sacramental Preparation
- Children's Liturgy
- Scripture Groups
- Faith-sharing Communities
- Youth Ministry
- Parents
The 11 sessions throughout the course cover the following themes:
- Knowing what a catechist is.
- Teaching with the Catechism.
- Discovering the sources for catechesis.
- Using the Scriptures.
- Communicating through discussion.
- Catechesis as the work of the Trinity.
- Parish vision for catechesis.
- Exploring Church documents.
- Telling the story of salvation.
- Linking catechesis to liturgy.
- Christ-centred teaching.
- Catechesis and the eucharist.
- Overcoming misunderstandings.
- Identifying parish and personal skills.
- Prayer and the catechist.
- Reading and reflecting together.
- Maturing in the parish community.
The course is run locally by the Echoes Leader. The Echoes Leader receives everything needed to conduct training of helpers, catechists and parents. Full on-going support is provided to the Echoes Leader from Maryvale Institute.
To become an Echoes Leader, training days are held for priests, religious and lay people who are hoping to lead their local group using Echoes materials. Days begin at Maryvale Institute at 10 am and conclude at 4 pm.
Maryvale also runs Training Days and Weekends for other dioceses.
If you would like to attend an introductory training day, please click on the link below for a booking form.
Please print out and complete this form and return it to: Echoes Training and Support, Maryvale Institute, Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham B44 9AG
"Echoes answers the need for a simple and short introductory programme for adults, which will encourage them to engage in the vital work of parish catechesis while providing ongoing formation in the faith for themselves."
-Marie Cooke, Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator.
"This looks like just the resource many of our parish catechists have been waiting for and I welcome it. We're looking forward to training Echoes Leaders in Scotland soon."
-Tony Schmitz, Director, Ogilvie Institute.
"Helps people speak with confidence about their faith and enables them to think with the mind of the Church."
-The Revd Anthony Churchill, Parish Priest.
