This post is...how can I say it?...

...a little judgemental?

Definitely.

A little snide? Not really, I'm just pointing out some of the key elements regarding a training programme for those who wish to be involved in parish admin., counsellers (and councillors), Catechists, Lay Chaplains, Permanent Deacons and so on.

Catholic Formation - the home kit!

I know a little about training, literally.

I have spent 25 years in education but.....whisper it softly, I'm not an academic.

You guessed? How?

OK, let's move swiftly on.

The organisation is called Education for Parish Service and they describe themselves as a small independent charity.

Furthermore, they are linked to another organisation called

The Centre for Catholic Formation (not 'Reformation', note) and they, also, provide a range of courses, here is their menu:

Deanery Catechists Course

Exploring Discipleship and Mission

Time for Reflection and Prayer

Ongoing Formation with Parish Readers

Ongoing Formation with Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Partnership in Ministry (e.g. Parish Councils, Parish Teams)

Developing and Supporting RCIA Teams

Support for Liturgy of the Word with Children

Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the Life and Mission of the Church

Support with Parish Disability Access Audits

Ways to dialogue with people of Other Faiths

Disability Awareness in Schools and Parishes

Preparing the Parish for the New Translation of the Missal

    Phew! One might be forgiven for thinking that we no longer need priests!

    Forget all that vocations crisis nonsense, Marjorie from 34, Railway    

    Cuttings will step up to the mark and deliver the goods.

   And, whilst in a snarky mood, what is all this 'Liturgy of the Word'

   nonsense? Do they mean the Mass?

   If so, why not call it the Mass or, Holy Mass - better still.

   But, back to the Education Parish Service, or EPS for short. 

   They are partnered with St Mary's University, Twickenham.

    Is it really a University?

    And the academic programme on offer is a preparation for a Foundation   

    Degree in Pastoral Ministry....I'm beginning to feel queasy.

    This little nugget of theological excellence runs for one day a week over two

    years.   

    Hmm...I do think it so unfair to place this kind of pressure on adult

    students.....one day each week for two years why, that's a total of 104  

    days, for a degree sorry, Foundation Degree.

   To those who may be unfamiliar with this qualification I would say that it is

   not an  actual degree, more a sub degree; but one that, in my experience,

   has little value in industry or commerce. It may be used as a stepping stone   

    to a full degree but, my guess is that two A Levels would probably take you

   there more efficiently.

   And, if you wish to take a peek at the academic staff, you may do so HERE.

   One member is described as a freelance catechist ("have nun, will travel")  

   and a liturgical artist.........that's enough nurse, wheel me back to the  

   asylum, quick!

* Apologies for the poor layout in places, the gremlins are in the system!