Thursday Evening Course for Adults

Venue: DCU St. Patrick’s Campus, (MDCCE), Drumcondra Rd, Dublin, 9.

PATHWAYS

Exploring Faith as an Adult

The Pathways Programme is geared towards those who wish to explore issues and questions of: faith; ministry; the Church today and the nature of belief, in an environment appropriate to Adult Learning and Adult Faith Development.

About the Course

The programme is run by the Archdiocese of Dublin, over two years, from late September to late May each year.  It takes place on Thursday evenings from 7.00p.m. -9.30 p.m. in DCU St. Patrick’s Campus, (MDCCE), Drumcondra Road Upper, Dublin, 9.  The next starting date for the programme will be on Thursday 28th. September 2023. See contact details below. Early application is advisable as places will be limited.

Who is the Course for?

This course is suitable for men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who are looking for an opportunity to consider questions about  faith,  belief and Church today.

Course Aims

The course values the life experience which the participants bring and, accordingly, group sharing is an integral part of the learning process each year.  The course also offers the spiritual and theological formation which will enable participants to explore their faith with greater confidence.  It also helps assist people to prepare themselves to respond to the needs of the Church and community and to work in partnerships and parish teams.  Participants also have an opportunity to take part in various liturgies, and optional retreats and times of Directed Prayer during the year.

Course Entry Requirements

The main requirements are: a desire to explore faith; openness to participation; a willingness to listen and an interest in new ideas and approaches to ministry. No academic qualifications and no previous study in theology or spirituality are necessary.  There is no required written work and there are no exams.  There is a short application form in the programme brochure.

Course Cost

Fees are €400 each year.  Fees may be paid in full at the beginning of each year or in instalments throughout each year. Part or full sponsorship may be available from some parishes.

Course Content

First Year – In the first year the emphasis is on the personal experiences and the faith journeys of the participants.  Subjects include: How Adult Learn; Stages of Faith; Images of God; What Happened at Vatican II?; Introduction to Scripture; Celebrating the Church’s Year; the Person of Christ; Personal Journey; Sacraments; the Moral Life; Spirituality and Prayer, Church and Parish – what it means to believe and to belong; Parish Pastoral Councils.

Second Year – The focus of the second year is on Christian living, the Gospel call and how we respond to it.  Subjects include: Visions and Models of Church; Teachings of Pope Francis; Approaches to Ministry; Bereavement and Loss; Family; Pastoral Issues Today; Justice and Peace, Ecumenism; World Faiths; Ecology; Caring for Yourself.

For further information please contact:

Eileen Houlahan, CHF, PhD, Director, Pathways Programme,

Diocesan Office for Mission and Ministry. Tel: +353 1 8087594    Email: ehoulahan@dublindiocese.ie; pathways@dublindiocese.ie