The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament is pleased to introduce Bread of Life, a major new catechetical resource based around the Eucharist and created in partnership with SPCK as a gift to meet the needs of communities in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England.
Bread of Life is a multi-media resource consisting initially of six different modules which broadly follow the structure of the Eucharist. The modules have been designed with flexibility in mind so that they can each stand alone or be delivered in different orders or over several sessions per module to suit the needs of different communities. It is envisaged that Bread of Life will be ideal as preparation for confirmation and first communion, as a refresher course in the Christian faith, or as a course for Lent or Advent. It is expected that further modules will be commissioned over time, but the initial six modules are as follows.
- “I am the bread of life.” This module introduces the Eucharist as the central sacrament of the Christian life by looking at its history, its meaning and its importance to the contemporary Church.
- “He has reconciled us to God.” This module looks at what it means to be reconciled to God and why we participate in repentance and absolution as preparation for receiving the Eucharist.
- “The word of the Lord.” This module examines the importance of Scripture, giving an overview of the arc of Scripture, and looking in detail at the Biblical passages that inform our understanding of the Eucharist.
- “Hear our prayer.” This module looks at the role of prayer in the Christian life, specifically at the Lord’s Prayer as the prayer of the Eucharist and as a pattern of prayer.
- “The body of Christ.” This module looks at what it means to receive Christ in the Eucharist.
- “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” This module explains why the Eucharistic life is missional and outward-looking
Each teaching session follows a structure of Gathering (welcome and optional opening liturgy), Word (teaching supported by video, audio, slides and writing), Communion (discussion among the group) and Sending Out (practical applications and optional closing liturgy) Videos, podcasts, PowerPoint slides and theological background material for each module will be available on breadoflifecourse.co.uk
The course has received considerable investment from CBS and across the Church, which is reflected in the quality of the videos – which have been specially commissioned and filmed in Biblical locations such as Jerusalem and across the UK – and in the attractive, illustrated Guest Book, which will accompany the participants throughout their journey with Bread of Life and their ongoing faith journey.
The material has been delivered by an editorial board chaired by Fr Matthew Cashmore, trustee of SPCK, and overseen by an advisory board chaired by Bishop Roger Jupp, Superior-General of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.
