When you hear the word theology, what comes to mind? Is it a word that makes you think ‘not for me, leave that to the experts’? Does it make you think of figures such as Augustine of Hippo, Teresa of Ávila or the local religious sister, brother or priest that you may know in your community? Or does the word ‘theology’ sound like the fundamental human search “in the face of divine mystery” that everyone is called to take part in – a search in which you are also perhaps interested in pursuing further whilst acknowledging that is a journey which “never reaches final answers and definitive insights”?[1]
To help facilitate this exploration of theology and apply it to everyday life, the Mission Enhancement Team (MET) is offering a free short course on theology to adults of any age.
Entitled, “FaithLIFE Theology”, this formation opportunity will be led by Rev Dr John Collins – a married deacon in the Diocese who played a key role in our first Synod as a member of the Synod Writing Group.
Deacon John holds a PhD in theology and has experience working with Centacare Sydney, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) through the Catholic Enquiry Centre and experience lecturing on Practical Theology, Research and Professional Ethics at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, NSW College of Clinical Pastoral Education and Australian Catholic University. He also provides pastoral supervision for Catholic and Protestant clergy.
RELATED: Learn more about Deacon John’s journey to the diaconate.
The free FaithLIFE Theology short course runs across three Tuesday nights at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, from Tuesday 16 April to Tuesday 30 April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Register your interest today!
Other free-of-charge adult faith formation offerings produced by the MET, which are open to all parishes and the wider community in the diocese are:
- 15 May – Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Reflection Evening with Dr Michele Connolly rsj
- 7 June – The FaithFeed experience, led by those in their 20s 30s and 40s
- 14-16 June – Marriage Preparation Course
- 17 September – FaithLIFE Spirituality Short Course with Jeff Hood
If you ever want to have a chat about your own faith formation, please contact MET via met@parracatholic.org
[1] Gerard Collins and Edward G. Farrugia, “Theology,” in A Concise Dictionary of Theology (New Jersey: Paulist Press, 2013), 253, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/acu/reader.action?docID=4625701.
