Please note that not all titles are available on every course, and are subject to change.
Group Living
To begin the course, the resident staff welcomes everyone to Hawkstone and sets the scene for our time together, introducing participants to the main themes of the course. We then take time as an international community to reflect on the dynamics of group living.
Our own Story as a Source of Spirituality
The course of these lectures extends an invitation to us: firstly, to be more grounded in our own humanity, and secondly, to appreciate that our authentic human living is closely linked to a deepening relationship with Christ. We will look at the ignored text in so many people’s lives: their own story as a ground of wisdom and growth.
Where does the Jesus Story Begin?
This week reflects on the four different beginnings the Gospels provide to the life of Jesus; also on the four different frames of understanding each story is set inside. Understanding these offers the readers keys that open up each of the Gospels. Alongside this, there are two personal questions. Given who you are today, where did that story really start? What kind of world do you live inside?
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
We reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus as the central Christian message. How did the early community move from the historical Jesus to the formation of the Gospels? We move on to focus on the person of Jesus of Nazareth; how his mission, his stories, his values had a profound effect in some people's lives, to become good news for so many.
The Beginnings of the Public Ministry
Following the preaching of the early church, the evangelists committed to writing the great narrative of the Jesus story. All four agree that at the beginning of the public ministry stands the wilderness figure of John the Baptist. What was his influence on Jesus? Why is Jesus’ beginning noted for being “after John”? We reflect on that emergence and also the beginnings of discipleship.
The Spirituality of True Self-Esteem
Our attitude to ourselves is shaped and formed by our spirituality, and self-acceptance or self-rejection is the fruit of that spirituality. A healthy spirituality is vital for our personal happiness and well-being. The spirituality of true self-esteem is based on the word of God and is our response to God's life affirming word to us and within us, to have a high regard for ourselves and to live accordingly.
The Parables
One of the most interesting aspects of Jesus' ministry is how much he communicates his most profound truths through the medium of fiction and storytelling. Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why did he choose coded language to communicate? We look at the parables as Jesus' subversive way of challenging people to think and act differently.
Christian Spirituality for Everyday
In past times, spirituality was understood largely in religious terms. More recently, spirituality has been spoken of in broader terms, involving a way of viewing and experiencing God, ourselves, others, and creation. We explore the consequences of this dynamic vision, and we will pay particular attention to the spirituality of the everyday, especially the family.
Christ: an Unfinished Portrait
This week examines traditional images and concepts of Christ, and invites us to look again at the way we understand Christ and his saving work. We look at what marked the ministry of Jesus as unique, particularly his stubborn offer of divine indiscriminate welcome to all, one which set him apart from other popular movements of his time.
Spirituality and Sexuality
This course explores some of the ways in which our sexuality is central to our lives as men and women open to the power of the Spirit. Using imaginary first-person stories to create a "safe space" forpersonally effectivesmall-group discussion, it also provides some input on patterns of psychosexual development, as well as exploring problems that might be experienced.
Questions Facing the Church Today
Throughout its history the church has always been faced by new and challenging questions, the answers to which can define its future and missionary effectiveness in the changing world. What are the new challenges facing the church today? How do we meet today's questions honestly? We explore ways of doing this with confidence and hope.
Living in Your Own Body
This new week on the Hawkstone course will reflect on wholesome living. With the help of invited health professionals, we will reflect on issues such as stress and burnout that affect people’s ministry and their level of performance. We will pay attention to the signals our bodies give us, and we will look at some tools to help us improve healthy living into practice.
Going Forth in the Power of the Spirit
During this final week we are invited to reflect upon and celebrate all we have received from our time at Hawkstone and the people we have encountered during the course. These days also mark a time of closure when we draw our course to a creative conclusion and accept the challenge to go forth in the power of God's energizing spirit.
“I enjoyed the beauty and peace of the surroundings and the interaction with so many different people from different cultures. The lectures were superb. The whole course was a great time to review my life and focus on positive goals.”
Fr Damien, a missionary from the Congo
