Comments, Endorsements and Testimonies
“Having experienced three or four ‘Courses for Catholics’ run on the exact same lines described in this website, I can attest to its value as a pastoral resource for adult formation in the faith. From the starting point in prayer, through the technology of DVD projection and the important shared discussion it provides an effective teaching, revising and renewal resource for any parish or group. The participants find it enjoyable, instructive and non-threatening. The drop-out rate is very low. All the steps are important especially the shared discussion part. The website gives the whole process involved in setting up your own DVD catechetical series… it answers questions, quietens anxieties, overcomes hesitancy. Follow it and establish your own faith formation course programme” (V. Rev. Fr. Diarmuid Connolly, Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock, Dublin 15).
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“The course encourages us to refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church on all issues and thus be confident that it is under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium… The format was excellent. It was good to hear and discuss other people’s views on the DVD presentations.... it was well worth attending” (Patricia Nulty, participant at Catholicism series, St Mary of the Servant’s, Blakestown, January to Easter 2013).
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“I highly recommend Fr. Barron's 'Catholicism' series for anyone eager to do something by way of evangelisation during this Year of Faith. My parish ran it as a ten week course (January to Easter 2012) and forty to fifty people took part. The facilitator arranged a half-hour recapitulation for the groups of participants each week and the responses revealed just how much the Catholicism series had gripped everyone's attention and how thoroughly the course was being enjoyed and the catechesis impacting on memories. The choreography (on the DVD) was a feast for the eyes as the universality and diversity of the Catholic Church was revealed week after week by Fr. Robert Barron who traveled the world to bring it into our homes and meeting places, to revitalise our faith” (Sr. Helen Weston, Mount Sackville Convent, Castleknock, Dublin 15).
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"I thoroughly enjoyed Fr Robert Barron’s life giving 10-part film presentation course on the Catholic Faith ['Catholicism']. His love and enthusiasm for the beauty, goodness and truths of the Catholic Faith is highly contagious! This visually beautiful, faith filled, informative presentation transports the participant to the heart and soul of the Church, making this course an invaluable opportunity for personal Faith renewal, adult Faith formation, and for those seeking a deeper meaning in their lives.
It is a refreshing approach to evangelization, to “Sharing the Good News” of the Gospel. One feels drawn, renewed and challenged towards a personal intimate relationship with the loving Mysterious Trinitarian God, and attracted to participating or re-engaging in the family of a vibrant faith filled community. Our course was “the streamline” option, consisting of 10 two hour sessions. We started with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, followed by the DVD presentation on the theme for the night (1 hour - approx) followed by refreshments and discussion" (Carol Brady, Group Facilitator at the Catholicism series, St Mary of the Servant’s Parish, Blakestown, January to Easter 2013).
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"As someone who studied Theology, I was amazed by the fact that so many of the main authentic teachings of the Catholic Church (contained in the Creed, the Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and Encyclicals etc) were condensed into these ten (hourly) presentations in such an informative, educational, and inspirational way. The overall experience was greatly enhanced by the personal faith sharing, (in small facilitated discussion groups) which followed on from the topic of the evening. It was a blessing to question, clarify, and share our experiences of joys, sadness and the challenges of our pilgrim journey along “the way”. My heartfelt thanks to all, especially for all the graces and blessings received. I felt renewed, illumined and empowered to “Share the Good News of God’s Love” with others" (Carol Brady, Group Facilitator at the Catholicism series, St Mary of the Servant’s Parish, Blakestown, January to Easter 2013).
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“When I first facilitated Fr. Barron’s 'Catholicism' series forty three people turned up to a packed venue on the first night. When we finished ten weeks later we still had forty three. One woman told me ‘I went home on a high last week (after episode 1) and I couldn’t wait to get back here tonight for more’ ” (Course Facilitator at the Catholicism series, Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock, January to Easter 2012).
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“Tony and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to others… things we learned long ago in school became more meaningful… Fr Barron’s presentations were brilliant and the discussions afterwards really enhanced the whole series… all in the wonderful atmosphere which was created in the church in Blakestown. I will be sorry when it ends and would at some point like to do it again”. (Maura Clarke, participant at the Catholicism series, St Mary of the Servant’s Parish, Blakestown, January to Easter 2013).
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