Many members of the congregation at last weekend’s ordinations of seven men in St Mary’s Cathedral found themselves clapping along to the distinctive and uplifting music of the one of the newest and fastest growing movements in the Church today – even though many know little about it.
That’s because two of the seven new priests belong to that movement – the Neocatechumenal Way – which was founded in Spain in 1968 and has rapidly spread throughout the Church globally.
Catechesis – learning the faith, experiencing it
An opportunity to hear a series of talks on the Catholic faith presented by representatives of the Way, as it is often called, is on offer starting on 12 August in the parish of Baulkham Hills.
The Parish of St Michaels and Our Lady of Lourdes will be conducting a series of catecheses – teaching talks on the Catholic faith – for adults and teenagers given by parishioners who are members of the Way.
Discovering God’s love and mercy
Knowing and experiencing God’s love through the Lord Jesus Christ is at the centre of the series which will run twice a week in the evenings until October.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done in your life, organisers say: everyone will find something important through the talks.
“Whoever listen with an open heart will taste and discover the immense love God has for them,” said Lucas Neira, a member of the Baulkham Hills Neocatechumenal community.
Lives changed as people throw off their darknesses
“Some of the fruits we have witnessed – including in our own lives – from giving these catecheses in previous years include broken marriages and families rebuilt, young people rediscovering their life’s meaning, people reconciling with their history, forgiving those who have hurt them, and those addicted to vices like alcohol, drugs and gambling being able to lose their addictions.”
St Michael’s Parish Priest, Fr Wim Hokstra, is urging all people – whether of faith or none at all – to attend the talks.
“I would like to invite you to a series of Catecheses being held in the Parish this year. These talks will help whoever listens to discover the immense love God has for them,” he wrote in an invitation distributed to parishioners and those living in surrounding suburbs to the parish.
“I strongly urge you not to let this moment pass. Come and listen to these talks which have the power to transform your life, regardless of who you are, or the situation you find yourself in.”
The talks will run on Monday and Thursday evenings commencing at 7.30 pm in the Church hall downstairs at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, at 1 Canyon Rd, Baulkham Hills.
The Neocatechumenal Way was founded in Spain in 1968 by artist Kiko Arguello. It recognises that many in the Church are born and baptised as Catholics but know very litte about their faith. It offers people from all walks of life a path to discover what the Church really is and what the experience of real Christian faith is like.
Couples, singles and young people over 14 are invited to attend the talks at St Michael’s and listen to members of the Way give their own personal experience of the Church and how God’s mercy has changed their lives.
The talks are free. Transport to and from the parish is available, as is babysitting.
Inquiries can be directed to Lucas Neira on 0428 813 256 or Fr Wim on 9639 0598.
Short documentary on the Neocatechumenal Way
