Speakers
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Dr James TrewbyColumban Missionaries
James Trewby works for the Columban Missionaries as their ‘Justice and Peace Education Worker’. The Columbans are best known for their commitment to justice and peace, inter religious dialogue and the Far East Magazine (and its colouring-in competition!).
James has a PGCE, a Masters in ‘Education and training for development’ and a doctorate exploring life stories of activist-educators, forms of engagement and learning about justice and action. Having recently become a father and moved house he wonders if it might have been better to have studied DIY and babies-for-dummies.
In his role, James works with young people and educators, exploring the relationship between faith and action. Where possible he does this using experience and encounter – which were important for his own formation, with the Mill Hill in India, the Salesians in the UK, Kenya and the Philippines and involvement with Crisis at Christmas.
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Steph NevilleStories of Hope and Home
Location
- Online
Welcoming the Stranger? (Session 1 of 5)
Focus: Catholic Life
For: Headteachers
Description:
Session 1
One of Pope Francis’ major themes has been calling everyone, and particularly Catholic Communities, to challenge ‘indifference’ and act in solidarity with people forced to leave their homes. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have seconded this with their publication, ‘Love of the Stranger’. As Catholic educators and leaders we have been called to action, but do not always have the information, experience or understanding required – or indeed the time and space – to explore the issues related to ‘Welcoming the Stranger’.
This programme will include CST, prayer, reflection and a residential ‘Festival of Encounter’ together with people seeking safety in Britain.
Multiple Sessions:
This is a five session programme. All five sessions must be attended.
[1] Mon 22 September 2025
[2] Mon 29 September 2025
[3] Wed 8 October 2025 (Face-to-face)
[4] Tue 14 to Thu 16 October 2025 (Residential)
[5] Mon 20 October 2025
Please note: If you book one of these sessions, then we will automatically book you on the others. So you only need to submit one booking.
Only 12 places available.
Director’s Note:
This opportunity took place in 2021 and 2024, the headteachers who attended found it life changing. Only sign up if you are fully committed to being part of a new experience.
Feedback from last year’s attendees:
- The ‘welcome the stranger’ programme has been truly transformational and life changing. It has taken me completely out of my comfort zone and challenged my thinking. Yes, I’m a Catholic Head but this has given me a real sense of responsibility to make change. I am making a long-term plan for my school and staff.
- Definitely worth doing again and trying to persuade as many people to come on it as possible!
- It will help to broaden your outlook and think about what matters.
- The whole experience has strengthened my faith and brought a different dimension to my prayer life and reflections. It’s an opportunity to live the gospels and to ‘use and apply’ their messages.