Diploma in Catechetics: Register by Sunday for discount!

The Diploma in Catechetics is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith in 2024.

And if you register before the beginning of Advent (3 December) we're offering a 20% discount on the cost! Click here.

Get ready to explore the richness and depth of the Catholic spiritual tradition with course leader Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM.

What students say

Here is feedback from some of our current 2023 students:

Incredibly informative. I have developed a much greater understanding of sacred scripture and liturgy, which has enhanced my faith and prayer life. Thank you! - Jimmy Adamson, Coaltown of Wemyss

This course has been a joyous learning experience about my Catholic Faith. - Hazel Kay, Kingussie

The Diploma has deepened my knowledge and has made His Holy presence alive and real. I wish this course was mandatory for all Catholics. - Gretta Bourke, Ireland

Read further testimonies from former students here.

Course leader

Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan is a Religious Sister of Mercy, of Alma, Michigan. She is based at St Margaret's Convent in Ravelston, Edinburgh. She is the Catechetics Advisor for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. She is joined by a selection of clergy and lay people who will deliver the course each week

FAQs

How much doe the course cost? The cost is £200. However, register now for a 20% discount (pay £160). If cost is preventing you from registering, don't worry! Contact Sr Miriam Ruth for a confidential chat - we want everyone to have access to the course. Bursaries available. srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk 

Do I have to sit an exam? No. Each module concludes with a one-to-one session with one of the course leaders. In the meeting, you’ll have a chance to talk about what you’ve learnt and ask any questions that weren’t answered in the lecture.

Do I need to buy course material? No. We do recommend you have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is available free online.

Do I need to be Catholic to take part? No, all are welcome to explore the Catholic faith in this course.

Is the course difficult? Like any course, some elements will be challenging. That's why we have gathered a range of speakers who are experienced in simplifying difficult concepts in an engaging way. Plus, each session has a Q&A section where you can ask the speaker to clarify any concepts.

Can I take part if I'm not in the Archdiocese? Everyone is welcome to take part regardless of where you are based.

What if I miss a session? No problem, each session is recorded and available online the following day allowing you to catch up.

How do I log in to sessions? The course leader Sr Miriam Ruth will send you a link by email each week that you simply click to enter the session.

I've never used Zoom! Don't worry, we can help set you up. It's a simple process.

How do I register? Register on Eventbrite here.

I have more questions! Please get in touch for a chat. Email srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk 

 

Reflection Day for Diploma in Catechetics Students

A day for students taking our Diploma in Catechetics to get together to pray and learn more about the Catholic faith in a relaxed informal setting. Time to be confirmed.

WATCH: Prepare for Pentecost (Week 2)

Watch Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM and Fr Kevin Douglas in our second talk on Preparing for Pentacost. See below or on YouTube.

The first session of the six-week talk series is available to watch below or on YouTube.

About

St Thomas Aquinas would often say that we can't love what we don't know.

Follow his lead in this six-week online course to explore the Holy Trinity.

Preparing for Pentecost (Exploring Pentecost & The Holy Trinity with St Thomas Aquinas) will help you get to know God better, allowing us to love Him and live in His presence day by day.

Each one-hour Zoom session will help you prepare for two feasts at the end of Eastertide: Pentecost (28 May) and The Most Holy Trinity (4 June).

Sessions are hosted by Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM, our catechetics advisor, and Fr Kevin Douglas, parish priest of St Theresa’s, St Philip’s and St Andrew’s (West Lothian).

It is designed for people without a philosophical or theological background, but who want to know the Catholic faith better or who are just interested in what Christians believe and why.

Registration

Please click here to register for the six week course. You will be sent a link to join each week (and helpful reminders)

Dates

Format

Preparing for Pentecost: Exploring Pentecost & The Holy Trinity with St Thomas Aquinas is organised by the Catechetics Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

Register now for the Diploma in Catechetics 2023!

Register now for our Diploma in Catechetics which begins in January!

It's a great way to explore the richness and depth of the Catholic spiritual tradition with course leader Sr Anna Marie.

She and a range of guest speakers bring you weekly lectures, with guided reading, conversations, retreats, and supplementary courses available.

Need to know

FAQs

Do I have to sit an exam? No. Each module concludes with a one-to-one session with one of the course leaders. In the meeting, you’ll have a chance to talk about what you’ve learnt and ask any questions that weren’t answered in the lecture.

Do I need to buy course material? No. We do recommend you have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is available free online.

Do I need to be Catholic to take part? No, all are welcome to explore the Catholic faith in this course.

Is the course difficult? Like any course, some elements will be challenging. That's why we have gathered a range of speakers who are experienced in simplifying difficult concepts in an engaging way with. Plus, each session has a Q&A session where you can ask the speaker to to clarify anything you might still have questions about.

Can I take part if I'm not in the Archdiocese? Everyone is welcome to take part regardless of where you are based.

What if I miss a session? No problem, each session is recorded and available online the following day allowing you to catch up.

How do I log in to sessions? Sr Anna Marie will send you a link by email each week that you simply click to enter the session.

I've never used Zoom! Don't worry, we can help set you up. It's a simple process.

How do I register? Register on Eventbrite here.

I have more questions! Please get in touch for a chat. Email sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Testimonials

Here's what previous students have said about the course:

“A life changer, I learnt so much and it really deepened my faith. I can’t recommend it enough.” - Margo Saliba, Edinburgh

“The diploma in catechetics is invaluable, there is no one who I wouldn't recommend this course to!” - Sarah Schuler, Edinburgh

“I recommend this course to anyone who will listen; it has given me a thirst for knowledge and, hopefully, has made me a better person.” - Peter McCaffery, Cowdenbeath

“Our faith explored. Go deeper with this highly enjoyable course.” - Janice Mary Evans, Falkirk.

“The Diploma in Catechetics really stirred up my faith and has given me a thirst to delve even deeper into the riches of our beautiful catechism.” - Brenda Drumm, Ireland

“Inspirational. You won’t want to miss a session. Please give it a go - it’s a course for everyone.” - Liz Brown, Edinburgh

“As a ‘cradle Catholic,’ this diploma helped to enable me to develop my Faith and deepen my understanding of scripture.” - Gwen Gemmell, Dunfermline

“So interesting that I wish there was a 2nd year of study. I can’t thank the presenters enough for their sessions. I urge all interested Catholics to give this a go.” - Ian Neilson, Glasgow

“Really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone. The classes are made very welcoming and inspiring, (even on zoom) by the wonderful speakers. The family of God has a whole new meaning now. Thank you to all involved.” - Anne Collins, Kilsyth

"The speakers' commitment, knowledge and delivery of the Catholic faith has been illuminating and transformative throughout a period that has challenged many of us. Sincere thanks." - Anne Marie Docherty, Linlithgow.

Register for the Diploma in Catechetics 2022 here.

 

Called & Gifted Workshop

Discover the unique work of love to which God has called you. Register for this free workshop here.

The Called and Gifted Workshop is for YOU.

God is calling you to a unique purpose in life, a work of love that only you can do.

We will help you identify your charisms (spiritual gifts) and begin to discern God’s call through the Called and Gifted Workshop. You have received gifts in Baptism and Confirmation through which God intends His love to reach others.

You will learn:

• The five steps of discerning the charisms that God has given you how they can change your life.

• how discerning your charisms can change the world and help spread the Gospel

• how discerning and using our charisms together can help transform and renew our parishes.

The workshop will also look at the fascinating ancient teachings of the Church on how the charisms of the Holy Spirit work in your life and in the life of your parish community. We will also delve into the signs and characteristics of 24 of the most common charisms of the Holy Spirit.

Come and discover these charisms in you! Register here.

This event is jointly hosted by the Archdiocese's Catechetics Commission and the Catherine of Siena Institute in Colorado. Queries? SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

Graduation ceremony for Diploma in Catechetics

Mass in St Margaret's Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, followed by graduation ceremony for students.

Register now for the Diploma in Catechetics 2022!

Get ready to explore the richness of the Catholic faith and help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with our Diploma in Catechetics 2022.

It's easy to take part. Lectures will be delivered each Thursday evening by Zoom - so you can learn in the comfort of your own home!

The Diploma in Catechetics lasts one year, begins on January 2022 and costs £200. Registration is now open at bit.ly/DiplomaCatechetics2022

When does it start?

What does it involve?

Who's running the course?

What did last year's students say about it?

Read more testimonials here.

Does it cost money?

Sign me up!

All Catholics are invited to take part, we also warmly welcome those who are not Catholic but who want to find out about the Catholic faith. The Archdiocese especially asks those who are involved in the catechetical work of the Church - children’s liturgists, RCIA team members, teachers, youth group leaders etc - to register.

Share the course information in your parish

WATCH: Fire & Water - The Power of the Sacraments

Rediscover the power of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Baptism in this video titled Fire & Water, from Sr Anna Marie McGuan, our Catechetics advisor. Watch on our YouTube channel here or below.

TALK: Gordon Brown

Archbishop Cushley invites you to listen to four renowned speakers who will give their unique perspective on the current pandemic.

Faith in the time of Covid is a new series of online talks beginning this month featuring Bishop Philip Egan, Dr Mary Rice Hasson, Professor John Haldane and the Rt Hon Gordon Brown.

➡ Rt Hon Gordon Brown
? Sun 21 Feb, 5pm | Register: bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

TALK: John Haldane

Archbishop Cushley invites you to listen to four renowned speakers who will give their unique perspective on the current pandemic.

Faith in the time of Covid is a new series of online talks beginning this month featuring Bishop Philip Egan, Dr Mary Rice Hasson, Professor John Haldane and the Rt Hon Gordon Brown.

➡ Prof John Haldane
? Sun 14 Feb, 5pm | Register: bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane