CATECHESIS
Dutch
Since many years Brother Kees Gordijn is working in catechesis. He writes the following to explain his involvement: "Listen! Once a sower went out to sow ..." With these words the General Directory for Catechesis opens. Seeds that have to be sown, a word that has to sound. Catechist pay attention to the soil in which the seed will fall, will swell, in order that the Word will sound. With this aim in mind there has been established a centre for formation and sharing in the deaneries of Schagen and Den Helder, called 'De Paraplu' (The Umbrella). One of the most important activities in the Centre is the two years refresher and updating course. This course is meant for adults who, first of all, want to deepen their own faith.
Evaluation and closing celebration	This course offers an environment in which the old stories can sound again and where church history shows the adventures of these stories till today. Then it is a blessing when you may discover that all this also has to do with you and with me.
At the same time it is encouraging when you discover that in all times people have struggled with these stories because, sometimes, they are really 'at right angles' to our feeling and knowing! Besides of this general formation this course also gives a broad support to persons who, as a volunteer, have accepted a task in the faith-community.
Next to the previous course 'De Paraplu' centre offers a wealth of other meetings of different kinds. One important example are the so called 'silent days' for meditation and reflection, offered in the course of the year. Attention for 'the inside' can also be found in the spirituality-courses. Here people are helped to try to find out and become aware of what energizes me, and even more, what invites me to continue my way through life - and to try to give words to that.	Ritual handwashing during Pesach meal
In this way the soil is prepared. The sower can sow his seeds. And then the seed can make roots and finally flourish and bring forth fruits in abundance. top