Catholic People's Weeks Programme launched

Catholic People's Weeks has launched its brochure for 2018, with the first event happening next weekend. Eight events in 2018 will be held around England and Wales. Some are adult-only and others are geared towards families. Themes range from 'Boundaries, borders and identity' to 'The gift of ministry' to 'Keeping ourselves fuelled and aflame'.

Boars Hill Carmelite Priory near Oxford will host several days 16-18 February on the theme 'Sharing Gospel Joy'. A Columban team will lead the weekend, using stories of people who have crossed boundaries to share Gospel joy. The theme also resonates with 'The Joy of the Gospel', the 2013 Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, 'Evangelii Gaudium'. The Pope reminded that the vast majority of the People of God are lay people, and called for a Church reaching out to the poor and vulnerable, and lending its voice to their causes.

Weeks have a daily Mass and participants help to prepare liturgies. On family weeks children and teenagers enjoy programmes led by young helpers. Afternoons are free, with opportunity for rest and visiting local places of interest.

Around 350 Catholic People's Weeks have been run since 1945, providing the opportunity for lay Catholics to study theology and deepen their understanding of faith. The weeks are open to anyone and there is a Friendship Fund to assist those who would not otherwise be able to afford to go.

To read more see: www.catholicpeoplesweeks.org.uk