Issue 29: Spring 2026

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The word ‘CATECHIST’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to echo’. As Catechists or teachers of RE we do not proclaim our own word. We echo the message of Jesus Christ our Lord. This newsletter aims at providing parish catechists and teachers of RE in schools some support in terms of reflections, ideas, useful resources they can use and so on. Feel free to share with other colleagues and friends. There is also a pdf version which you can download by clicking on the thumbnail below.

In this issue

Jubilee of Catechists

SDC in London

A New Doctor of the Church

Catholic News Online

Pope Leo's Key Message at The Jubilee of Catechists

The Jubilee of catechists took place In Rome at the last weekend of September 2025. Here are some points Pope Leo shared in his reflections. A lot of food for thought for anyone involved in the ministry of catechesis.

As you instruct others in the faith, keep in mind the importance of teaching them to cultivate a relationship with Jesus. May his love revive in all of us the hope that does not disappoint.

We have all been taught to believe through the witness of those who believed before us. From childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood, and even old age, catechists accompany us in our faith, sharing in this lifelong journey.

Catechists and everyone who teaches others by their example cooperate in the Church's pastoral work by listening and serving the desire for justice and truth that dwells in the human conscience.

At the doorstep of today's opulence stands the misery of entire peoples, ravaged by war and exploitation - Through the centuries, nothing seems to have changed." Even as many Lazaruses die while the rich ignore what is before their eyes, the Gospel assures us that God will do justice to both, putting an end to the poor man's sufferings and to the rich man's revelry.

As St.Augustine told the Deacon Deogratias, "Explain everything in such a way that the one who listens to you, by listening, may believe; by believing, may hope; and by hoping, may love."

SDC in London

Meeting for Parish Catechists

Two formation meetings were organised for catechists in nearby parishes and deaneries. The aim of these sessions was to provide an opportunity for parish catechists and others interested to come together to reflect on this important ministry. It was also an opportunity for some new catechists from other parishes to get in touch with SDC and our work. The first session focused on the role of the catechist while the second session focused mainly on the purpose of catechesis. These were hybrid sessions so those who were not able to attend in person were able to join online.

SDC Friends Group

On Friday 14th November, our SDC Friends group met at St Andrew's Parish Church, Thornton Heath. We visited the exhibition on St Carlo Acutis and his work on Miracles of the Eucharist. We then met for reflection time on these various miracles then spent time in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament using different prayers including the Coram Domino adoration written by the SDC Founder St George Preca.

A New Doctor of the Church: St John Henry Newman

Newman’s impressive spiritual and cultural stature will surely serve as an inspiration to new generations whose hearts thirst for the infinite, and who, through research and knowledge, are willing to undertake that journey which, as the ancients said, takes us per aspera ad astra, through difficulties to the stars.

From Pope Leo's homily at the concluding mass of the Jubilee of Education during which St John H Newman was declared Doctor of the Church. - 1st November 2025.

Catholic News Online

Have a look at these Church News websites

VATICAN NEWS (vaticannews.va)

News from the Catholic world including the Vatican itself and dioceses and Christians around the world. Also includes a direct link to the Vatican Radio.

THE VATICAN WEBSITE (vatican.ca)

The website of the Holy See - Vatican news, information, special events, pope's speeches, links to church publications, biographies of popes and more.

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