Let the word of Christ in all its richness find a home in you.
(Colossians 3:16)
CEF’s activities in and for the Diocese
Ecumenical Study Days
CEF’s most popular events are the Ecumenical Study Days. Held about three times a year, they have been running since March 2008 and have covered such diverse and timely subjects as evolution and atheism, while staying well grounded in the Scriptures. The presenters have been biblical scholars and theologians, authors and lecturers, and they have come from a variety of religious and lay backgrounds. These events take place at the Cathedral Hall in Brentwood, include refreshments and a sandwich lunch and are entirely free of charge. The day is usually in two parts, starting at about 10:30 and finishing at 3:00, allowing time for those with longer journeys to get home in good time. Events are normally held in February or March, in June and in October. Read what is planned for the next Ecumenical Study Day and book your place now!
Gospel Reflections
The Word of God is the "fundamental element of evangelisation". Familiarity with the Bible lies at the heart of evangelisation. For this reason CEF supports and encourages engagement with the Bible at all levels.
CEF’s director, Rev Dr Adrian Graffy, is an author and lecturer on the Scriptures and he offers us his insightful and comprehensive reflections on the Gospels each Sunday. The one page reflection gives the gospel text, a short exploration of it and suggestions for prayer. You may have noticed the latest reflection for the forthcoming Sunday on the Brentwood Diocese Home page. You can also find reflections for the full three year cycle under CEF's Scripture Reflections.
We offer support to those running groups for Bible study and Bible prayer groups. The ancient practice of lectio divina, prayerful reading of the Scriptures alone or in a group, has been taken up with great enthusiasm throughout the Church in recent decades. Where Bible groups can include Christians of other communities this is to be welcomed.
Diocesan Pastoral Council Plenary Meetings
Twice a year representatives from every parish are invited to a plenary meeting at Cathedral Hall in Brentwood. It is always a worthwhile day offering two way communication between the Diocese and the individual parishes. Many topical issues are discussed and the Bishop always makes himself available to inform the representatives of the work of the Bishops’ Conference and to hear what the lay members of the parishes have to say. Read more under the Pastoral Services section and make sure your parish is represented in May and November each year.
Put Out Into the Deep
Looking onward from the Jubilee Year of 2000, the Diocese published Put Out Into the Deep, a vision document which suggested how we might grow as a Church and how we plan to move forward. Our Vision is of a modern church rooted in tradition, with support for clergy and laity, valuing our gifts and using our resources wisely. CEF plays a key role in implementing this Vision. Read a summary of the Vision Document here.