Spring Catholic People’s Weeks

Catholic Peoples Weeks has organised seven events during 2014. They vary between two and seven days, on a range of themes. You can consider the nature of the family, or the way rapid changes in modern technology affect our lives; examine the place of scripture in our busy world, or engage with sacred music, or explore what we believe about resurrection.

Two weeks in February and March 2014 are:

BOARS HILL
Solidarity with the poor
28 February - 2 March (Fri - Sun)
18+ Fully catered

Looking at poverty in the UK, and how and why this is a result of austerity measures. CPW will work in collaboration with the National Board of Catholic Women's poverty project, which has run events around the country highlighting the effects of current policies on women and families.

There will be a look at how economic policy has made our society less equal and how we can alter this. Michael McLoughlin will lead an interesting and easy-to-follow session - no previous financial or economic knowledge required. And there will be consideration of the words of Pope Francis in the context of Catholic Social Teaching.

Alison Gelder, the Chief Executive of Housing Justice, will look at the increasing problems faced by families in keeping a roof over their heads.

Chair: Jackie McLoughlin
Organiser: Breideen Murtagh
Chaplain: Fr Denis Keating OP

Boars Hill is a Carmelite priory just outside Oxford, within easy reach of the A34 and M40. Its peaceful setting has views over the city of Oxford and pleasant walks from its doorstep. Recently refurbished, it provides quiet accommodation in single and twin rooms with good wheelchair access.

The cost of the weekend is £135 per person (£120 sharing), £100 for 18-25 year olds.

Information and bookings:

Breideen Murtagh, 12 Cowdrey Road, London SW19 8TU. Tel: 0208 543 8176
email: brei_murt@btinternet.com or boarshill2014@catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk

HYNING
Praying twice - sacred singing for everyone 
21 - 23 March (Fri - Sun) 
18+ Partial self-help

Singing is a brilliant way to bring people together. Popular TV programmes featuring choirs show that people feel much more part of a community when they come together to sing songs that mean something to them. Sadly, this is not always our experience in some Sunday liturgies. The weekend will explore the use of music in the Mass and deepen understanding of liturgical music, with discussion about the importance of the right hymns at the right place and season, seeing how they can integrate with the readings.

Two talented musicians, Greg Ryan and Helen Lyon, will lead. However, this will not just be a usual CPW weekend of talks and discussions - it will also have audience participation! Helen will teach simple harmonies in a Mass setting for the midday Sunday Mass. This weekend is for all, not just "good" singers!

Chair: Mike Campbell
Organiser: Alan Wenham
Chaplain: Fr Michael McKenna

The Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, with its picturesque setting, simple chapel and welcoming Bernardine Cistercian nuns, is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Lancashire. It has excellent road and rail links (M6 and West Coast main line). Accommodation is in single and twin-bedded rooms. There is a lift and full wheelchair access.

The cost of the weekend is £120 per person, £100 for 18-25 year olds.
Information and bookings:

Alan Wenham, 10B Whitworth Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 3HD. Tel: 0114 230 6670

email: alanwenham@hotmail.com or hyningwinter2014@catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk

Details of all the 2014 weeks at www.catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk