Journeys with Celtic Christians Leader Guide

';The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of the faithcharacterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories,' Newman said. ';It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting a caringsociety, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers.' Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to describethe Christian life. What distinguishes this book and its development ofthat theme is its invitation to readers to experience their personalfaith journeys through Celtic lenses. Pilgrimage is part of the DNA ofCeltic Christians. The faith spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland,Wales, and Northern England between the 5th and 11th centuries becausesaints like Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively,preaching, teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups ofChristians began to go out from these locations and begin new Christiancommunities.By connecting historical information with theircurrent lives and concerns, readers will be encouraged to consider themany ways pilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discoverthe value and contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journeyand how they assist and shape that journey. By recalling how CelticChristians celebrated and marked significant moments in their lives offaith, readers will discover ways they can develop this practice. Theywill affirm the importance of both offering and receiving hospitality onthe faith journey, a discipline that was critical to the Celts. Theywill also have opportunities to deal with difficult life journeys suchas transitions and opportunities for forgiveness, and the importance ofblessing one another in a world that values polarization overcooperation and competition over community. With an introduction thatsets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related todistinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groupswhose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandingsand commitments. The Leader Guide is designed to help lead small groups. It includesquestions for reflection and additional prompts aimed to guide bothpersonal contemplation and group discussion.