Unit Three

Dates: Six evenings 7.30pm – 9.30pm: Omagh: Tuesday evenings (25 April – 30 May)

Maghera: Wednesday evenings (3 May – 7 June)

Theme:

Our third unit will explore the historical growth of Christianity and relationship between the Catholic Church and other Christian faith traditions and non-Christian faiths. We will conclude with a look at the meaning of Christian vocation and discipleship in the world of today.

Aim and Content of Unit Three:

In this unit we will begin by taking a very brief overview of the history and growth of the Church through the centuries. Having situated the growth of the Christianity historically, we will look turn our attention to other Christian faith traditions and to non-Christian faith traditions, looking especially to our Christian roots in the Jewish faith. Having reflected on what it means to be Church in Unit Two, we will examine the relevance of the Church in the world of today and the challenges facing it in the world of tomorrow. Since faith inspires us to be active in the Church we will reflect on Christian vocation and discipleship and the various ways in which we are called to be disciples and to minister in the life of the Church.

The following areas will be covered:

• The history and growth of Christianity and the Church
• Exploring other Christian faith traditions
• Exploring our roots in the Jewish faith
• The relevance of the Church in the world of the 21^st Century
• Being Church Today – Christian vocation and ministries
• My role in the life of the Church