Booking now: 15th National Conference for Rural Catholics

If rural prompts a first thought of farming, please think again. Most Catholic parishes include rural areas, often packed with commuters and retirees, with farmers increasingly rare. Those responsible for training priests and deacons may like to note this year we include a presentation on Sarum College's rural ministry training programme.

Why? Most of each diocese is rural, yet most parishes are based on a town. We try to bridge the gap. Small congregations are not failed larger churches, but God's design for rural ministry. 2019's conference takes place from 25th - 27th February 2019 at Sarum College 19 The Close Salisbury Salisbury SP1 2EE.

Speakers includes the MP who chairs the EFRA Parliamentary Committee, The Changing World of Farm Machinery, The Paper Farmer, Rural Post Offices, Re-introducing the Great Bustard, Sarum College's rural ministerial training programme, plus an option to visit a fish farm.

Sarum College has beautiful accommodation, set in Salisbury's historic cathedral Close. Book soon to be sure of a room.

The Conference begins at 3.30pm on Monday, February 25th, 2019 and ends with lunch on Wednesday, February 27th.

All Catholics - clerical, religious, lay - interested enough to come are welcome.

Attendees come from assorted dioceses. Behind this conference are Fr Harry Doyle (Lancaster) & Fr Robert Miller (Clifton). The CBCEW Bishop for Rural Issues is the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.

Cost: Single rooms £235.00, double £402.00. Non residents £25.00 per half day includes lunch or dinner. Your booking form must be accompanied by your deposit, which is non returnable if you cancel within 30 days of the conference. Some people who attend are subsidised by parish or diocese.

For information contact Fr Robert Miller (01747 870228, or e-mail rwhm274@btinternet.com).

An extra! Sarum College is also offering a study day on Rural Ministry on Thursday 28th February and invites anyone interested to stay over and attend - contact The Rev P Burden (pburden@sarum.ac.uk).