Places available on Summer Catholic People’s Weeks

There are still places available on some Catholic People’s Weeks (CPW) events this summer. A CPW is a unique chance to become, for a short time, part of a small community with a shared interest in deepening faith and holidaying together.

Every CPW event is centred on a theme. For adults, the theme is explored through a variety of talks, discussions, and workshops. For young people, a well-trained and enthusiastic team helps young people of all ages explore the theme creatively - with activities often encompassing art, drama, music and film making. Afternoons are always free and there is a free day for other activities.

August events:

Allensford

Surprising Earth with Heaven
5 August - 12 August 2016 (Sat - Sat)
All Age Fully catered

Some people call them 'thin' places because the veil between heaven and earth is thinner there. They can be ancient places of prayer, like the great centres of pilgrimage, or they can be places whose significance is hidden to many and only revealed to those with 'eyes to see' and 'ears to hear'. During the week together, walks, discussions and prayer will explore the very essence of what makes a holy place and whether Allensford is able to aspire to such an accolade. To what extent are such places divinely pre-determined by their geology and landscape? And what impact do we have? A parallel programme of activities for the children and young people will explore the same themes.

Chair: Anne Dixon Chaplain: Fr Michael McAndrewOrganiser: Malcolm DixonChief Helper: Sarah Dixon

Emmaus Diocesan Youth Village, Allensford, provides accommodation in en-suite bedrooms in four attractive chalets, each with kitchenette and indoor seating area. There are enclosed gardens and a dedicated space for prayer and reflection. It is near Durham, Holy Island, and Hadrian’s Wall, with pleasant walks and bike rides close by.

Information and Bookings:Mike WillcoxAL2017@catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk

Boars Hill Summer Long Weekend
What are we waiting for?
18 - 21 August 2017 (Fri - Mon)
18+ Fully catered
In Evangelii Gaudium, Francis calls on us to be ‘Missionary Disciples’. But how are we to become these 21st century missionaries? Traditional models are changing as our concept of mission evolves. How can we respond, as lay people and as communities of faith, to Pope Francis's call? How can we continue to answer the needs of missionary dioceses around the world? How will mission be supported in the future? How can we all be better missionaries? Together we will explore these questions.

Cathy Scott works with Missio, the Catholic Church's official charity for overseas mission. Missio's aim is to bring the hope of the Gospel where there is turmoil, poverty and uncertainty in the world, and where the Church is new, young or poor. It empowers local people to form and sustain communities of faith and trains and nurture future leaders so that the vital work of the Church in the world can take place. The chaplain will be Missio’s new National Director, Fr Tony Chantry MHM.

Chair: Cathy ScottChaplain: Fr Anthony Chantry MHM Organiser: Ted Monks

Boars Hill is a Carmelite Priory just outside Oxford, within easy reach of the A34 and M40. Its peaceful setting has pleasant walks from its doorstep and fantastic views over the nearby city of Oxford. It provides good accommodation in single and twin rooms with good wheelchair access and is a venue that will appeal to adults of all ages.

Information and Bookings:Ted MonksOS2017@catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk

Smallwood Manor - Summer Week

Playing our part as leaders in our faith
21 - 28 August 2017 (Mon - Mon)
All ages Self-help

We all have a leadership role to play in our lives. This might be either formal or informal; active or passive. Perhaps we are leaders at work, are leaders of our own children, or maybe our friendship circles at certain times call for direction and leadership.

If all of us have a calling to be leaders in our faith then perhaps this leadership comes through both our Catholic responsibility to be a witness and our commitment to living the gospel and loving our neighbour. In this CPW we will explore the nature of being a leader of faith and challenge ourselves on how we can use our faith to be both better leaders and better at living out God's word. Does our leadership strengthen our faith and does our faith strengthen our leadership?

There will be fun and laughter along the way and plenty of chances for us to bring out our creative sides as we journey together on this all age week.

Chair: Laurence TownleyChaplain: Fr Tim RedmondOrganiser: Brid Fitzpatrick

Smallwood Manor, near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, has 50 acres of woodland, lawns, gardens and playing fields set in tranquil countryside. There is a range of 1-6 bed accommodation. Facilities include indoor heated pool, all-weather tennis courts and a gymnasium as well as a young children’s play area.

Information and Bookings:Brid FitzpatrickSW2017@catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk

Link to the overall Catholic People’s Weeks 2017 programme: www.catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk/