Andy Drozdziak
Leeds Trinity University is hoping to tackle hostility and indifference towards the Church in an upcoming landmark conference.
The Trinity Conference: Reawakening the Catholic Vision will take place at Leeds Trinity University on 17th February 2024. Inspired by the groundbreaking book, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, co-authored by Monsignor James Shea, Leeds University’s Coordinating Lay Chaplain Hannah Hayward explained the premise of the conference.
“The western world in general is indifferent at best, hostile at worst, to the truths of the Faith and new pastoral strategies are needed to meet the demands of our post-Christendom culture,” Hannah told the Universe.
“This conference will explore some of these strategies, and offer a hopeful vision for mission in a post-Christian, apostolic age. We believe Monsignor Shea’s book, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission, is a prophetic word for the Church in our time.”
Monsignor James Shea, President of the University of Mary (North Dakota, USA) will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship in the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Dr Hannah Vaughan-Spruce from Divine Renovation, Claire Fernandes from Celebrate UK, Chris Martin, an inspector for the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, Dr Gregory Stacey from the University of Leeds and Dr Ann Marie Mealey from Leeds Trinity University.
Hannah Hayward outlined how the conference can help everyday Catholics.
“All Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel to the culture they live in, and therefore understanding that culture is an essential task of the missionary,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter if you are raising a family, teaching in a Catholic school, serving in a parish, or just having dinner with friends- Catholics today find themselves in a mission field.”
Issues tackled throughout the conference include how the Catholic Church can understand and respond to the post-Christendom era, the future of Catholic parishes, schools and homes, and the mission of the Church for justice in the world.
A ‘mission marketplace’ will be available where delegates can look through stalls and speak to people involved in evangelisation initiatives from across the UK. The day will also include a time of Eucharistic Adoration, led by the Youth 2000 Mission team.
Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am pleased to see that such an exciting programme has been curated for the Trinity Conference 2024, and I offer my thanks to those who have worked hard to organise this event.
“Leeds Trinity University is guided by its Catholic identity and faith foundation, so it is important that we stay informed of current context and changes to the landscape.”
Tickets cost £45. The price includes access to all the talks, lunch, refreshments and a hard copy of the conference publication including written papers from all of the speakers.
For further information, see: www.trinityconference.co.uk
Picture: Monsignor James P. Shea will be keynote speaker