what is illumine?

Illumine is a 6-part digital resource, created primarily for Sixth Form and University students. The resource is a direct response to the 2021-24 Synod exploring the current ‘barriers to faith’ that young adults are facing today.
Each session consists of...
​

• Two digital talks (+1 optional video)
• Session Plans, Teacher's Notes and PPT Presentations.
• A range of explorative activities.
• Discussion and moments for individual reflection.
• A Session Journal (this can be purchased at an additional cost)

​
The sessions have been created so that they can be easily adapted; ready to use to fit in within a school lesson timetable and easily modified for a more in depth discussion and additional time for reflection. They have also been created so that they can be used in any order depending on preference. 

THE SESSIONS & SPEAKERS

Sessions Summaries...
Science:
Science and Faith has been an area of intense debate and discussion since the birth of modern science. However, the Church believes that scientific evidence provides the how, but the why still belongs to God. Faith gives our life meaning and purpose. As Catholics, we believe that Science and Faith are complementary; issues can arise when Science claims to have all of the answers.
Suffering:
It is true that evil in the world is an obscure and painful mystery. Suffering even made Jesus become insecure for a moment. Shortly before his betrayal, he sweated blood and implored God to spare him of his suffering. The heavenly Father doesn’t give us an answer but a solution. God sent his only Son to suffer and die for our redemption. He never promised a life without suffering, but instead challenges us to offer it up in prayer.
AI & Tech:
The topic of AI & Tech has been addressed frequently by Pope Francis in recent years, urging for the protection and preservation of human dignity. The Church’s concern lies with the question of what it means to be human. Though positive about opportunities engendered by these developments, She remains concerned about it’s responsible, ethical usage.
Women in the Church:
The Church believes that men and women are equal in dignity, but there are differences in the roles they naturally play. We are all called to holiness, but the paths and means of following this call varies. Pope Francis acknowledges previous failings to fully appreciate and understand the value of women. He stated that “we need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church”.
Gender Identity:
The Catholic Church upholds that Gender Dysphoria is a very real and painful experience. It is out of love and care for the very nature of the human person and their inherent dignity, that the Church cannot validate or endorse the separation of two inseparable aspects of reality. Biological sex and gender can be distinguished but not separated.
Sexuality:
The topic of sexuality and same-sex attraction has been a huge area of hurt and isolation over the centuries. The Church rejects hatred in all forms. Every human being, without exception, is called to holiness. Every teaching is grounded in the simple fact that God is love and has created us for that purpose, to love.

A NOTE TO SAY...

Each session is rooted and built around the teaching of the Catholic Church. The resource explores sensitive themes that may prove challenging to some students and leaders. Before entering into the sessions with participants, it is important to ensure that there is a common understanding and acknowledgement of session objectives and content. Everyone taking part should feel respected and heard even if they disagree. Included in the pack is an information sheet on how to creat a safe space where everyone can be heard. The wellbeing of each individual remains of paramount importance before, during and after each session. Therefore, it is important that there is a conscious and intentional effort to ensure a comfortable and pastoral space for all. Each participant should be aware of the continuous support available for further discussion and accompaniment. We are confident that this resource will prove to be a valuable tool for the growth in understanding and faith of our young people. It will enable them to intellectually grapple with sensitive issues in a robust and engaging way.

for more information or to purchase the resource contact:

[email protected]