The Wider Church

We see ourselves as part of both the local and national Church, and also of the long and extensive tradition of Catholic theological education. The Institute is becoming known as a resource for local parishes and the diocese, both as a facility and a source of specialist theological knowledge:

As the Diocesan Centre for the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies, we welcome groups of teachers and catechists for training and discussion through the year, especially for those with little background in Catholic theology.

We run our own Quiet Days, Study Days and Public Lectures open to all, and are often invited to participate in events for the diocese organised by others;

Over the years, several prayer groups have met regularly in our oratory – for example, Youth 2000 local groups, Catholic Charismatic Renewal and Franciscan third order community – and we are always happy to provide hospitality, as in the case of Christian Life Community – a multi-denominational group that meets around a model of Ignatian spiritual life.

Academic staff play a full part in the life of the wider Church as teachers and researchers, policy advisers, preachers and retreat givers. Staff are members of the: