Faith Formation

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
— St Jerome

Scripture Class

The Scripture Class seeks to nourish and foster an appreciation of Sacred Scripture. Led by Fr McCaffrey, the class explores the Bible through the lens of traditional and current biblical exegesis. Books studied previously include the entire Gospel of Mark, the Letter of St Paul to the Romans and the Letter of James. The class is well-known for its interactive and engaging teaching style which promotes discussion and in-depth exploration of the scriptural passages; as such, there are no set deadlines for when the study of each book will be completed. Particular attention is paid to the cultural and religious customs held at the time the works were written, which serve to add a rich background and context to the interpretations.

The Scripture Class meets on most Monday evenings from 7:30pm-9pm in the Holy Name Meeting room. Please bring a Bible, although some paper copies of the text will be available.

If you have any questions or wish to join, please contact Fr McCaffrey.

More Information

Meetings

WHEN: Classes are held most Monday evenings of the year.
TIME: 7:30pm-9:00pm.
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No Cost.
AGES: Over 18.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a Bible, although paper copies of the text will be available.

There is a break over Easter and the Summer Holidays.
Classes will still generally be held during School Term holidays and Public holidays.
Please see Bulletin to confirm about meetings.

For Enquiries
Fr Michael McCaffrey FSSP

Fr Michael McCaffrey FSSP

Chaplain
Contact Fr McCaffrey here.

Fundamentals of The Faith

All men desire happiness, and yet perfect and lasting happiness can only be found in God, who is infinitely good and lovable. All men have been created for an eternal destiny―everlasting union with God in Heaven! This is a happiness which begins even in this life.

In the hope then, that a greater knowledge of God will foster in us a greater love of Him, this course seeks to present a systematic and thorough summary of the Catholic Faith. It is tailored both for those desiring to be Catholics as well as those Catholics who simply want to know more. The importance of knowing one’s Faith well must never be overlooked. For, in the words of Sr Maur Woodbury, “a simple proclamation of the Gospel message without … an understanding of the rational grounds for … [one’s] beliefs in God, in Jesus Christ and in the Church He founded, cannot withstand the confusing currents of ideas and hostile attacks in the modern very secular world.”

This course will largely follow the work, Living the Truth, by the esteemed philosopher and theologian Rev. C. P. Bowler. Over three semesters the main aspects of Catholic Doctrine will be presented, beginning with fundamental philosophy and rational grounds for God’s existence. Subsequent topics will then include the advent of Christ, His teachings and the Church He founded, the life of virtue and sin, the Commandments, the Sacraments, and the Last Things. It is hoped that this course will ultimately foster in all participants a greater love of God, who Has given us all―even Himself.

“Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you…”
— 1 Peter 3:15
More Information

Meetings

WHEN: Thursday Evenings (in school term time).
TIME: 7:30pm-8:30pm.
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No Cost.
AGES: All welcome; recommended ages 16+.
WHAT TO BRING: Notebook and pen; course text: Rev. C. P. Bowler, Living the Truth (Timaru, NZ: Beynon Printing).

For Enquiries
Fr Thomas Sofatzis FSSP

Fr Thomas Sofatzis FSSP

Assistant Priest
Contact Fr Sofatzis here.