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Sycamore: The Catholic Faith Explained

  • Anita Boniface

How can I find true happiness? What is the meaning of life? Does God exist? Who is Jesus Christ? - these and many more questions are explored in 'Sycamore: The Catholic Faith Explained', a new book by Fr Stephen Wang - former University Student Chaplain at Newman House in London who has recently become Rector of the English College in Rome.

Sycamore was launched at an online event on Wednesday 22 September, facilitated by Sycamore Mission Development Manager Susan Longhurst, with Fr Philip Miller, presently Newman House Chaplain, Fr William Pearsall, from Sacred Heart Jesuit church Edinburgh, and many others present.

Describing Sycamore as "a beautiful book for anyone who is searching," Fr Stephen said Sycamore has its roots in the early Catechism groups for students at Newman House, that flourished over the past decade developing into courses that are being used around the world.

Fr Stephen described it has having three underlying principles: "Truth" - that is the truth, goodness and beauty of the Catholic faith, "accessibility" - that is the openness, welcome and friendliness that our Catholic churches and communities should always show, and "honesty" - that is - the ability to engage in and encourage courageous, authentic, and real sharing of the faith and lived experience.

Underpinning these principles is the core belief that when sharing or instructing someone in the faith, it is imperative to allow them freedom. "Giving people freedom allows them to grow," Fr Stephen said.

Sycamore can be used in parishes, schools, colleges, prisons, and anywhere in the community or home that people are thirsty to learn about Jesus and Catholicism. Within parishes, Fr Stephen wants to encourage catechists to share Sycamore holistically and in a multi pathway approach - introducing it to parents of children to be Baptised or couples about to be Married, or Confirmation candidates - so that everyone can be helped to refresh their faith and understanding of Catholic teaching.

Sycamore is very carefully structured, and consists of Scriptural quotes, discussion questions, references to the Catechism and YOUCAT, plus, links to the Catechism. It also contains many beautiful and carefully chosen images and illustrations.

Fr Stephen's vision is that every Sycamore Parish Team in the country will work with their Parish Priest and fundraise so that Sycamore can be given out to church visitors at Good Friday, Easter, Christmas, or at Parish Projects for example, to encourage those people who may not ordinarily attend Mass to learn more and revive their faith.

Andrew and his wife Jacinta attended the launch and said that Sycamore has helped him and Jacinta enormously. "Sycamore has helped us come closer to God", said Andrew. "It has helped deepen our faith greatly."

Paula who was in attendance and who is part of a Sycamore parish team said: "People often come to Sycamore afraid of sharing. However, I see them flourish and grow and discover their faith and discover mercy in their lives and in their community."

Pope Francis received his very own Sycamore book when Fr Stephen was invited to speak with the Holy Father at General Audience on the day of the Launch. Fr Stephen was able to explain to Pope Francis that the book is a project of Evangelisation and borne of passion to share the beauty and the truth and goodness of faith.

You can order a Sycamore by visiting the CTS website. www.ctsbooks.org/product/sycamore/

Multiple purchase discounts are available. A Kindle version is available on Amazon.

Learn more about the Sycamore course here: Sycamore www.sycamore.fm/about-sycamore/what-is-sycamore/

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