The Why? Course, the Sycamore Sessions, and Sycamore Plus
The Why? Course consists of three informal sessions, with a meal, to explore the Catholic answers to the big questions: Why God? Why Jesus? Why the church?
The WHY? Course runs several times each year in Glossop.
Dates for this course in 2026 are:
1. Three Monday evenings, 1st, 8th & 15th June, at Bradbury Community House, Market Street, SK13 8AR. Each session from 7pm – 8.30pm, and starting with a light meal.
2. Saturday 25th July, at St Mary’s Hall, St Mary’s Road, SK13 8DN. All three sessions in one day, from 10am to 2pm with lunch included.
3. Saturday 29th August, at St Mary’s Hall, St Mary’s Road, SK13 8DN. All three sessions in one day, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm with lunch included.
The Sycamore sessions go into more depth about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today.
The sessions give you space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and think about questions that really matter. Each session includes breakfast, a short film and time for discussion.
This is what some of participants said after completing the sessions in previous years:
‘The discussions were enlightening’, ‘Sycamore has been very beneficial in my journey’,
‘This has provided me with the knowledge and awareness to begin the change I want’,
‘Even though I’m not a Catholic or a regular church-goer, I felt my opinions/views were treated with respect’,
‘Enriching & rewarding’.
The Sycamore sessions for 2026 – 2027 begin in September 2026, and will take place on Saturdays at St Mary’s Parish Hall. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. People who think they might want to become a Catholic attend the Sycamore sessions as part of their preparation. . The dates will be announced soon.
The full programme of Sycamore sessions is likely to follow this pattern:
| Part 1: | |
| Date to be announced | The Search for Happiness |
| Date to be announced | The Existence of God |
| Date to be announced | A God who Speaks |
| Date to be announced | Who is Jesus |
| Part 2: | |
| Date to be announced | The Holy Spirit and the Church |
| Date to be announced | The Bible |
| Date to be announced | Finding True Freedom |
| Part 3: | |
| Date to be announced | The Light of Christ |
| Date to be announced | Retreat Day: 10am – 3pm The Gift of Faith and The Power of Prayer |
| Part 4: | |
| Date to be announced | Creation, Fall and Salvation |
| Date to be announced | The Meaning of Love |
| Date to be announced | The Community of the Church |
| Date to be announced | The Social Teaching of the Church |
| Part 5: | |
| Date to be announced | The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation |
| Date to be announced | The Holy Eucharist |
| Date to be announced | The Christian Vocations |
| Part 6: | |
| Date to be announced | Mary and the Hope of Heaven |
| Date to be announced | Retreat Day: 10am – 3pm Forgiveness, Healing and Mission and How to Pray |
The videos for the sessions are available at: https://www.sycamore.fm/videos/
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
People who think they might want to become a Catholic attend the Sycamore sessions as part of their preparation.
For more information email us at: sycamore.enquiry@glossopcatholics.org.uk
Or phone us at: 01457 620213
Sycamore Plus continues the exploration of Catholic Faith and Life, and is suitable for those who have already enjoyed the Sycamore Sessions. We plan, God willing, to start Sycamore Plus in 2026. Watch this space for news!