Share the Good News

Posted on 04 September 2012

A large gathering of people came together on Tuesday 4th September 2013 in the Lakeside Hotel to explore “Share the Good News”, the National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland.

The day was a gathering of the Killaloe clergy along with pastoral workers and members of the on-going formation team. An extra feature of the gathering was that we welcomed members of the Pastoral Development team from the diocese of Limerick.

The day was facilitated by Dr Gareth Byrne who is the author of Share the Good News. He began by giving us a background and overview of the document which was officially launched in January 2011. He encouraged us to examine the changing context and culture in which faith is lived out in Ireland today. He highlighted the challenges that this brings to all who seek to share their faith in a modern Ireland.

The participants then discussed in groups the ways in which we could help enhance the faith development of; children, adolescents, committed adults and those who have drifted from or left the church. Feedback from the groups led to animated discussion among all present. One of the key things to emerge from the discussion is the need for us to model the idea of faith development by engaging in conversation about our own faith. We need to have the confidence to create the space where people can freely speak about what faith means to them.

In the afternoon the gathering explored ways in which the document could be implemented at Diocesan or Parish level. Many ideas emerged which we hope will ultimately find expression in our faith communities. The day concluded with words of encouragement and thanks from Bishop Kieran.

Share the Good News is available from the Veritas bookshop and you can hear an interview with Dr. Gareth Byrne on Beyond Belief on Clare FM next Sunday night between 9.00pm and 10.00pm. Alternatively you can hear the interview by clicking the link below.

• Listen to Interview with Dr. Gareth Byrne Here (MP3 Audio File)