FORMATION FOR PASTORAL COUNCILS

jointly hosted by the Dioceses of Hexham and Newcastle, Liverpool and Northampton
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The following webinars have been designed to help us grow together as a synodal Church. Whether you’ve been guiding a pastoral council for years or are just beginning to explore the idea, these sessions will offer practical insights, helpful tools, and real-life resources.

1. Setting the Scene: What Are We Here For? – The Nature & Purpose of the Council

Unpacking the language and exploring what councils are meant to do. 14th October 2025, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Avril Baigent, Director of Pastoral Development, Diocese of Northampton

2. The Importance of Relationships and Keeping the Meetings Spiritual

Good meetings, honest hearts, and healthy relationships. 11th November 2025, 7pm-8pm with guest speaker Fr Shaun O’Neill, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

3. Roles, Remit and Recruitment

Who does what (and why it matters) – finding your place without stepping on toes. 16th December 2025, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Sarah Adams, Director for the Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation, Diocese of Clifton

4. Culture: Constructive Behaviours and Agreed Ways of Working

The way we work together – culture, behaviours, & not being a thorn in one another’s side. 13th January 2026, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Danny Curtin, Catholic speaker and facilitator

5. Letting the Holy Spirit Lead and Really Listening

Letting the Spirit lead, proper listening – see what’s going on, hear what God’s saying. 10th February 2026, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Fr Matthew Nunes, Archdiocese of Liverpool

6. Discerning and Casting a Vision that Responds to Local Needs

Casting a vision that fits your Patch – discernment that’s down to earth & led by love. 10th March 2026, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Jordan Kelly, UK Lead, Divine Renovation

7. Discernment, Decision-making and Decision-taking

Decisions, decisions…making choices that serve others, knowing where the line is. 21st April 2026, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker Austen Ivereigh, Catholic speaker and writer

8. Disagreeing Well and Conflict Resolution

We don’t always agree – and that’s alright – conflict that doesn’t hurt. 12th May 2026, 7pm – 8pm with guest speaker David Wells, Catholic speaker and writer

9. Not Forgetting to Celebrate, Evaluate and Give Thanks

Join us for the final session of our pastoral councils webinar series — a chance to pause, give thanks, and reflect on the journey together. We’ll celebrate what has grown, name what remains challenging, and discern what we want to carry forward. A prayerful and hopeful close to nine sessions of learning together.