Cathal BarryA group of 30 parishioners from the Diocese of Elphin have graduated from a novel three-year catechetics course.
The graduates are the first in the West of Ireland to complete the Maryvale Institute’s three-year Adult Studies in the Catechism of the Catholic Church course, co-ordinated by Justin Harkin, Director of Pastoral and faith Development in the diocese, with the support of Fr Pat Lombard and Cluster Catechist Colette Furlong.
Elphin diocese introduced the programme in 2012 and are expecting another thirty participants to graduate next year.
Commending the course graduates and all who are currently participating in various adult catechetical initiatives in the diocese, Bishop Kevin Doran referred to the hope that the Diocese of Elphin would introduce a three-year Volunteer Parish Catechist Formation programme for Volunteer Parish Catechist next year.
Separately, six students of The Newman Institute, Ballina in Co. Mayo graduated from St Angela’s College, Sligo, with degrees recognised by the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG).
The students were awarded the degree of Bachelor in Theology and Community Involvement at a ceremony in Sligo at the weekend.
Speaking after the conferring ceremony, the Bishop John Fleming of Killala said he was “particularly happy that the degree course taken by our students is in the area of theology”.
“Adult faith formation is a vital element in the future development of our Catholic faith. Without it many people will fail to discover the richness of our Catholic tradition; through it, an energetic Catholic faith can become a feature of life in Ireland in the future,” he said.