CAST Conference 2019

The theme of the conference was new wine – inspiring the head teachers, RE leaders and chaplains to find the drive and passion to inspire young people in our Diocese schools. Four guest speakers provided much food for thought. The conference was lead by the CAST CEO Raymond Friel.

Caritas – Canon John Deeny

Canon John Deeney presented a talk about the efforts of Caritas Plymouth, part of the global initiative from Pope Francis.

Caritas Plymouth’s goal is to spread Christian love to all people, with a particular special emphasis on domestic needs from helping support immigrants and migrants newly situated in the Diocese to providing help to those you have found themselves homeless. Caritas is encouraging young people especially those in our CAST schools to get involved whether that’s starting there on own Caritas campaigns to even becoming a school ambassador there is always a way to get involved.

Want to learn more about Caritas they launch in May so keep an eye out for there launch update on our newsfeed soon.

Pupil Chaplaincy – Sr Judith Russi

The always inspiring Sr Judith Russi talked to our leaders about Pupil Chaplaincy an initiative aimed at addressing both the shortfall in chaplains in Catholic schools and the need for spiritual guidance/direction of students.

The initiative which has seen massive growth and success across the UK, puts enthusiastic students at the forefront of the spiritual development and leadership within their schools, being supported to go out and preach the good news. The initiative has shown that having peer to peer/skin to skin contact can truly be an even more hard-hitting tool for evangelization.

RE and Catholic Life – Sarah Barreto + Emma Wilson

Sarah and Emma two of our amazing Diocese Head Teachers looked at the article ‘Christ at the center’ about how to use gospel values in our schools – Linking also to the national school of formation (NSF) which offers to deepen RE leaders, Head Teachers and Governors connection with faith and learn ways of teaching and living faith, creating a stronger sense of mission. Head Teachers from the Diocese called the retreats and entire NSF experience “life-changing” for both themselves personally and their schools’ curriculum.

Additionally, they explored the changes over the coming year including initiatives in Caritas, prayer groups, day to day running and responsibly for schools performance.

Lastly, visiting speaker Jep of Migrante Intentional a civil rights advocacy organization in the Philippines, spoke about the struggles and oppression in his country, which is the 3rd largest population of Catholics in the world, and how we within the Diocese can help.

Want to learn more a Migrante International and Jep’s mission click here

CAFOD – Westminster

Next, a representative from CAFOD Westminster looked into the effect of Pope Francis’s Laudato Si, in the piece Pope Francis speaks to the entire globe and implores people to care and share responsibility for our common home and God’s creation. Looking at everything from climate change and consumption to our relationship with God. Look at questioning ourselves – of what potential is…and seeing the love of God in everything.

Want to look into the Laudato Si yourself click here.

  • To access more schools materials about Laudato Si as well visit the CAFODThey have resources for both secondary and primary level.

Christian Mediation UK – Roz Stockley

Roz from Christian Mediation UK spoke with the conference looking at the idea of Focused mediation and the teachings of Benedictine Monk John Main. The power of being silent to listen to what the Lord he has to say, as we are constantly bombarded with stimulation we need to know the comfort of silence. Silent is where we find God and hear his word, being completely inclusive to all children or anyone that wants to try mediating is vital.

Want to learn more about mediation for both Children and Adults visit the website.

Want to learn more about CAST or find out where schools are across the Diocese follow these links.

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