Pathways – Adult Faith Development Programme 

With the approval of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and the Trustees of All Hallows College the Pathways Programme has been incorporated into the Archdiocese’s Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism, at the Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3 since September 2015. Pathways is part of the part-time adult faith development courses being offered by the Dublin Archdiocese.
Pathways is two-year, part-time programme and it takes place in Clonliffe College. The programme has been running successfully since 1985 in All Hallows College where it was developed. It has been continually updated over the years in line with ongoing developments in pastoral theology and spirituality. It is a non-academic programme designed to help adults explore, reflect on, and learn more about their faith. It is very much in keeping with Share the Good News the new National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland. 
Pathways takes place on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm – 9.30pm and runs from late September to late May over two years. A number of parishes have sponsored parishioners over the years and continue to do so. The current cost is €400 per year. Fees may be paid in full at the beginning of the year or in instalments throughout the year. Booking is now open for September 2018 and early booking is advisable. To reserve a place please phone Eileen Houlahan at (01)8379253 ext 294 or emailEmail Pathways  The next programme begins in Clonliffe College on Thursday 27th. September 2018 at 7.00p.m.
Background PATHWAYS
Exploring Faith as an Adult
The Pathways Programme is geared towards those who wish to explore issues and questions of: faith; ministry; the Church today and the nature of belief, in an environment appropriate to Adult Learning and Adult Faith Development.
The Course
The course for the next academic year will run from 27th. September 2018 to 24th May 2019 on Thursday evenings from 7.00p.m. – 9.30 p.m. in Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3. There are three optional Saturday sessions each year.

Who is the Course for?
This course is suitable for men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who are looking for an opportunity to consider questions about belief and Church today.

Course Aims
The course values the life experience which the participants bring and, accordingly, group sharing is an integral part of the learning process each year. The course also offers the spiritual and theological formation which will enable participants to explore their faith with greater confidence. It also helps assist people to prepare themselves to respond to the needs of the Church and community and to work in partnerships and parish teams. Participants have an opportunity to take part in various liturgies and times of Directed Prayer during the year.

Course Entry Requirements
The main requirements are: a desire to explore faith; openness to participation; a willingness to listen and an interest in new ideas and approaches to ministry. No academic qualifications and no previous study in theology or spirituality are necessary. There is no required written work and there are no exams.

Course Cost
Fees for the academic year 2018-2019 will be €400. Fees may be paid in a full at the beginning of the year or in instalments. Sponsorship may be available from some parishes.

Course Content
First Year – In the first year the emphasis is on the personal experiences and the faith journeys of the participants. Subjects include: How Adult Learn; Stages of Faith; Images of God; Introduction to Scripture; Celebrating the Church’s Year; the Person of Christ; Personal Journey; Sacraments; the Moral Life; Spirituality and Prayer.
Second Year – The focus of the second year is on Christian living, the gospel call and how we respond to it. Subjects include: Visions and Models of Church; Approaches to Ministry; Bereavement and Loss; Family; Pastoral Issues Today; Justice and Peace, Ecumenism; Ecology; Caring for Yourself. Note: There may be some content changes from year to year.

For further information please contact: 
Dr. Eileen Houlahan, CHF, PhD
Director, Pathways Programme, Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism, Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe Rd., Dublin 3.
Tel: +353 1 8379253 ext. 294
Email: ehoulahan@dublindiocese.ie; pathways@dublindiocese.ie