PRESS RELEASE
23 February 2009 - For immediate release
Cardinal Urges Faithful To ‘Fan The Flames’
National Evangelisation Training Tour Gains Momentum
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor has urged Catholic parishes in England and Wales to consider seriously the invitation to set up evangelisation teams, geared at helping the whole parish to become more confident in proclaiming the Gospel message.
The Cardinal’s comments coincide with the successful completion of the first two dates on the ‘Fanning the Flames’ national evangelisation training tour. His Eminence said: “Reflecting on the challenge of evangelisation I am reminded of St Paul’s injunction to be all things to all people that some, at least, might be saved (I Cor 9.22). Fanning the Flames is an opportunity for us as ministers of the Word, charged with the proclamation of the Gospel, to reflect on the commitment we have made, and the challenge of living it out. We are not alone in this work. My hope is that Fanning the Flames will facilitate the formation of evangelisation teams, that our parishes and communities might be beacons of the joy and hope to be found in the person of Jesus Christ.”
The training events are being offered to parishes in both countries to support them in the vital work of evangelisation. Building on the DVD material ‘Alive in Christ: Making Mission Possible In Your Parish’ sent to every parish for Home Mission Sunday 2008; the primary focus of the training is to support the setting up of parish-based teams. The tour is being jointly offered by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) and Catholic Evangelisation Services (the creators of the CaFE resources).
More than 165 people from parishes across the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle attended a recent event at St Joseph’s Centre in Gateshead. Sr Michael Lee from the Diocesan Evangelisation Team said: “The turnout was marvellous and everyone who came was given the practical impetus to plan, to think about parish mission and was equipped to implement the setting up of a dedicated team. The day really set us all on fire to go out and continue to nurture what we learnt. If you’re still thinking about attending a forthcoming day, do go. You won’t be disappointed.” See: http://www.rcdhn.org.uk/evangel2/newsbits/evangelfeb21gateshead.php
Training days are being offered on:
18th February Westminster (specifically for clergy)
21st February Gateshead
7th March Mackworth (Derby)
21st March Hull
28th March Llandudno
25th April London
9th May Southampton
30th May Birmingham
6th June Exeter
13th June Bristol
17th October Newmarket
2010 Leeds and Liverpool
Every parish is being invited to send at least four representatives to a training day. A donation of £10 is suggested to help cover the costs. To find out more and to register the names of participants from your parish please see: www.caseresources.org.uk; e-mail: info@caseresources.org.uk; tel: 0207 901 4863. Also see: www.faithcafe.org.
ENDS
Editors
For interviews and more information please e-mail:
e. info@caseresources.org.uk; t. 0207 901 4863. Alternatively ring: 0770 939 1998.
Photographs are available on request.
‘Fanning The Flame’ is also the name of a mission to foster the Catholic Faith which was initiated in the Diocese of Portsmouth. Please see: