Summer School goes to Ampleforth

Booking for the 'Living Theology' 2009 Residential Summer School is now open.  And this year, for the first time, it will be taking place at Ampleforth in North Yorkshire.

The Summer School will take place at Ampleforth College, near York, from Monday, 27 July to Saturday, 1 August.  The topical theme of the keynote lectures this year will be THE PARISH, with keynote speakers Sr Anne Codd PBVM (Resource Person for the Irish Catholic Bishops' Commission on Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development) on the subject of The Parish as a Living System: Perspectives on Communion and Collaboration, and Sr Helen Costigane SHCJ (lecturer in Pastoral and Social Studies, Heythrop College, University of London) who is speaking on Ethics and the Parish.  In addition, the Ampleforth Community will be presenting 'Ampleforth and its Parishes'.

From the ten options offered this year, participants choose two courses which they follow throughout the week.  Subjects are varied, some of which will feed into the keynote theme.  But the week is not all about sitting in a classroom, as time for worship, relaxation and socialising are also considered important.

'Living Theology' has been described as 'somewhere that feeds mind, body and spirit'.  Mass is celebrated daily and there are many opportunities for prayer.  Old friendships are renewed, and new ones made over a coffee or glass of wine, or whilst strolling in the grounds.  To quote Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Course Director of the Living Theology 2009 Summer School:
'Living Theology is very special because, far more than lectures and courses, it is an experience of living our faith together.  We do this through the study, but also through the Liturgy and prayer, and through the community formed during this special week.'

Ampleforth, world famous for its Benedictine community, abbey and school, will be an exciting new venue in the history of Jesuit-run 'Living Theology' which in 2006 celebrated its 40th anniversary.  Over the years, Christians of varying ages (and mainly, but not exclusively Roman Catholic) have come to 'Living Theology' from all over the UK or further afield.  Many return each year, but 'first-timers' will find a ready welcome and an atmosphere of sharing and warmth in which no one should ever feel excluded.  Young people are particularly welcome.

Full details including lecture titles, names of lecturers, cost, and a downloadable application form and poster can be found on their website (link below).


 Living Theology

 Ampleforth College