BOOKING NOW: 16th National Conference for Rural Catholics

image ICN/JS

Source: National Conference for Rural Catholics

It's the main event of the year for clergy and parishioners living in rural areas - whether they are farmers, retirees or commuters. The 16th National Conference for Rural Catholics takes place from January 27th - January 29th at the Best Western Country Hotel & Golf Club in Garstang, Lancashire PR3 1YE.

The Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick will be opening the conference and there will be range of speakers from around the country looking at different aspects of country life. Subjects include: Britain after Brexit; Cattle Breeding & Genetics; and Today's Rural Vet. Fr Peter Newsham, Episcopal Vicar for Sussex will be speaking on Rural Ministry;The Rev Dr Mark Betson will give a talk on The Role of the C of E National Rural Officer; Adrian Hill is speaking on The Village Agricultural Show and Fr Robert Miller will give a talk entitled: A Mare's Nest - Rural Catholic Statistics.

Besides the talks and exhibits, there will be daily Masses and prayers - as well as time to relax and socialise. There is also a coach trip to Chipping, an ancient site of Catholic worship, and the recently opened Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst with its extraordinary collection of treasures - including the crucifix of St Thomas More, medieval vestments and relics from Penal times.

The visit is included in the conference fee - but please let the organisers know before you arrive if you wish to join.

For more information and to book please e-mail Fr Robert Miller on rwhm274@btinternet.com

(image Hook & Hatchet Inn, Hucking, near Maidstone, Kent - JS/ICN)