Each meeting began at 4.30pm on the first day and the participants were welcomed.

It was noted that all were there at the invitation of Archbishop Kevin in order to develop and build a sense of unity in the diocese; a time to pray, listen, talk and relax together, rather than a time of planning for the future. Such a gathering offered the opportunity to look for a deeper understanding of the presbyterate of Southwark, to share struggles and fears, joys and hopes. The wealth of experience and expertise in the groups was noted, and all were invited to take the opportunity to talk, listen and learn, knowing that each would be heard. ‘It is good for us to be here…’

At each Gathering, Archbishop Kevin opened proceedings by addressing the participants.

Time was then given to discuss the following questions. A summary of responses from the Group discussions is then given. (NB. Throughout, key words and concepts are in italics).

At each meeting the conversation was wide-ranging. The context of the life of the diocese is within a secular culture. This does not imply negativity - some aspects of such a culture lead to God. The reminder was shared by some that a challenge is frequently also an opportunity.

The importance of looking at the identity of the priest today, and a need for a sense of direction was expressed, as well as confidence in the priesthood.

The importance of focusing on the Gospel, on Christ, as being at the heart of the priesthood (ref. Hebrews 5:1) was noted. Within this context the centrality of prayer, of contemplation of Christ, was underlined, and also that the priest is called to grow in relationship under Christ and to encourage this growth in others - sustaining people spiritually as they witness to Him.

The following points were also noted:

These and other aspects need to be addressed in order for the priest to fulfil his ministry.

Some considered that there is a crisis of identity for the priest. He brings to his ministry his own strengths and weaknesses: it is important to use and develop these strengths. The question of where energy for the individual comes from and where it goes was raised, and also a concern about individual burn out.

In general it was noted that:

The priest is called to empower people already empowered by the Holy Spirit (importance of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation. There is need for a growing awareness of the action of the Holy Spirit in people, in different cultures, and in society in general: to be alert and to listen to the One who guides us. This activity offers both challenge and opportunity to the presbyterate of the diocese.

Much was said about the priest in relation to the laity - a relationship that lies at the heart of priestly ministry and of parish life. Living in a multi-cultural society, which takes time to understand, there is need for the priest to:

In order for the priest to move in this way, there is a need to find:

Several spoke of the parish as a school of prayer, and the importance of forming community in the parish - of people and priest praying together. A reminder was given that Christ formed a community of people around him, and this too should happen in the parish.

The importance of encouragement and education of the laity was stressed including:

People may experience themselves as starved of formation, but not always hungry for it. There is an urgent need to educate people in the faith, as well as to develop collaborative ministry and to empower the laity. The question was posed: Have we lost our nerve in speaking out regarding faith?

Regarding adult education and parish - other possibilities were discussed, such as:

Communication was considered in all its forms especially in effective use of the media.

Recognition was given to the work of the CEC at Tooting Bec, and the recommendation made that it be used more fully.

Catholic education of children and young people was spoken about - both positively and negatively, including the problem of broken family life. It was noted that the breakdown of family life weakens faith and its handing on to a new generation. Several spoke of the family as being the place where faith is developed. The break-up of families, unemployment etc. were seen as weakening a sense of faith.

Formal education was discussed at length, especially the question of Catholic Schools and Secondary Education in particular, with questions raised about its role. Some considered that a lack of coherent catechesis presented some difficulty.

The importance of chaplaincy work in its various forms (Schools, Hospitals, Prisons, Care Homes etc) was noted.

The needs of particular groups of people were mentioned. For example:

It was noted that people live very busy lives and the support given to the parish is limited - but the desire to support remains.

The following points were also raised:

It was also noted that:

There were some further important reminders and requests raised:

Priests are challenged to begin where people are, offering them the opportunity to be Christ in the world and in society today; they are challenged by secularism and materialism. They are, at times, challenged by the involvement of the laity - while having faith in people and in the work of the Holy Spirit.

It was noted that there is need for a theology of ministry and hence of mission. The mission is to be Christ in the reality of the world in which we live: the now of today.

Within the whole of this context the need for new structures and structural change will become evident. We have inherited models and structures that suited the past (eg parish/diocesan structures; Mass times etc). There is a need now to look afresh at structures. There are new ways, new movements and new energies among people that may be drawn on. Institutions and structures, as such, should not be saved for their own sake.

In the search for new structures, there is also a need to hear the cry of the poor coming from the wider society around us. There is a need to remember that the Church is the Church of the poor, of those who are marginalized in our society.

At each Gathering, the first day’s programme concluded with Evening Prayer. The participants were encouraged to continue discussions informally over the Reception and Dinner that followed - and afterwards in the bar.

After Morning Prayer of the day, Dr Judith Champ was introduced by Archbishop Kevin. She presented a paper that reflected on the historical context of the Church in England, with particular reference to the Archdiocese of Southwark. The following question was then discussed.

Dr Champ’s presentation was very well received at each Gathering. Matters arising from the discussions generally grouped into the categories of priesthood, diocese and parish. There were also some general comments.

A need for greater care of priests was noted, and it was underlined that support and care of priests is part of pastoral provision for the future. Focused on Christ, the light of the world, and contemplating Christ - all are called to deepen their relationship with Him, both personally and within a parish community. This relationship is helped by deepening an understanding of Scripture - leading to greater flexibility and unity.

The importance of priests living a well-balanced life was noted, and the question arose: are we about mission or maintenance? Within this context there needs to be:

The importance of the on-going care of priests was stressed, rather than waiting until a crisis occurs. A programme of in-service care, from ordination continuing into retirement, is considered helpful. Such a programme offers support in every way.

Some clergy are suffering from exhaustion, and have a sense of being unable to do any more. Many are experiencing an increase in work-load as they age, and are fearful of the consequences of the lack of priests, the burden of administrative work in the parish, and the development of new technology. Such priests are looking for greater support, and possibly to be released from administrative work.

Help from using the appraisal system being introduced in the diocese was recommended.

Appreciation was shown for priests from other countries who serve in the diocese, reflecting the diversity of the Church. A particular system of support for such priests was recommended, addressing how best, within the cultural context of this country, these priests relate to the people.

The important subject of vocations was raised and particularly those from immigrant communities. The question was also posed as to whether a study of the ordination of married men and women priests should be undertaken.

There was a call for a renewed look at structures on every level within the diocese, and the importance of examining available resources. Generally, existing structures at both diocesan and parish level have been in place for over 100 years. While they are lived out with a post-Vatican II sense of mission, such structures have been inherited as they are. Such questions were posed as:

It was said that we have been living in a cocoon, and that there is a need now to move out. No one looks for change as it always presents difficulties. Most - both priests and laity - wait until they are forced to change, but change can be a positive factor. The point was made that in talking of change and future change, we should use the language of life and not of death. Whilst not neglecting the darker issues related to change, it is important to remember that change may be an opportunity for renewed life. It was noted that should there be a lot of change, there would also need to be some provision made for the security of stability.

It was stressed that the whole question regarding structures needs an in-depth study, and action taken.

It was recommended that within the diocese deaneries and parishes be re-examined, remembering that the possibility is there of looking at other dioceses in order to learn from good practice.

The possibility of using the deanery structure in a different way, for example:

Questions were asked as to the nature of the parish today and what defines a parish. People go to their place of choice. What does this mean in relation to structures? The parish has provided a sense of belonging in the past and still does. Some noted that mobility between parishes may be good - underlining a sense of the global Church, while others saw people crossing parish boundaries as a problem.

The question was asked: how do priests relate to people in the parish? Is it through delegation, partnership or collaboration? Within the parish there is a need for:

Other proposals made were:

It was suggested that the following areas also be examined: financial concerns - both parish and personal - and whether buildings are being put to their best use.

Within a parish locality there is a need for care of all people. The importance of working with various ethnic groups, and with the marginalized, was under-scored. All are called to be bridge-builders. All people within the parish - both priest and laity - need encouragement to be open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and to allow the Spirit to work and form the community.

A study was requested regarding the nature and place of chaplaincy (schools, hospitals, care homes, prisons etc.) and the structures needed for such work to be more effective.

There was a call for deepening of relationships between bishops, priests and laity and to build on and develop confidence in the priesthood and laity - which is helped by having great trust in people. The expression was again used several times of priests being called to empower the laity.

It was stated that God is present, already present, among all people, including those who are not apparently religious, but are committed to Gospel values. We need to:

Particular mention was made of the importance of ecumenical and interfaith activity.

The Church is called to be part of the conversation going on in society. This is true for both laity and priests. Such conversation goes on at all levels, and in many different groups; hence the importance of listening very attentively to people, and to society as a whole, both within and outside the Church and diocese.

Opportunities for further thought and development were discussed and some were pin-pointed, such as working alongside young people, families etc.

It was noted that the concept of the mission of the Church needs to be unpacked and explored. Central to such a study is the present meaning of evangelisation.

It was said that all that had been heard offers a message of hope, and that it is important to encourage and affirm each other, and to help people to receive this message with joy and hope. This is the time to plant for the future.

Overall the need was expressed to listen: priests listening to each other, to the people of the parish and to society. The priest is called to work alongside the laity and all people of good will, in order to build on what is already there, and to build up the community. ‘Let him who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit is saying….’

Throughout these discussions, the importance of developing the concept of subsidiarity at all levels in the Church was stressed. From the Vatican - that the Pope would delegate to Bishops the national planning of their own pastoral strategy; to the diocese - that deaneries and parishes, priests and people, might use their gifts more fully for the good of the Church and the building up of the body of Christ (Eph.4); and finally, that we remember we are a Church of the poor, at the service of the poor.

At the conclusion of this section, time was given for any further comments. The following points reflect something of the flavour of these:

Dr Judith Champ was invited to participate in these periods of discussion. In addition to remarking on some of the above points, she also noted:

Dr Champ further commented on the observation that the diocese has been, and is, enriched by the presence of men and women religious. She noted that in the past, religious offered, particularly women, a model for their role in the Church. This has been largely lost to younger generations. Social determinates among other things have shaped decline. However, the Church could look to women religious particularly for creative ways of facing change.

Archbishop Kevin also took part in this time of discussion. In response to a specific request, he expanded on inter-faith questions. He replied that the Catholic Church has a particular contribution to make to this multi-cultural society. The Government tends to lump all faith communities together: eg chaplains are seen simply as counsellors. Catholics contribute especially to the concept of dialogue, as our evangelisation is dialogical in nature. There is a huge need for teaching, but this has to be balanced with listening: there is a need to address the questions people pose, and not those we think they have. Catholics have a theological framework that is relational - belief in the Holy Spirit and in Christ as Lord. We have to proclaim this belief, for soft-pedalling is actually detrimental to dialogue.

At the end of each meeting, Archbishop Kevin drew some points from the discussions that had taken place. His remarks included the following. He noted:

The Archbishop also spoke of the importance of ecumenical dialogue. He noted that in some ways the issue had been avoided during the discussions. He briefly reviewed ecumenical work, and underlined the importance of continuing ecumenical collaboration, even when difficult. He spoke of the intrinsic relationship between mission and dialogue, and the dialogical nature of Christian mission.

Each Gathering closed at midday with the celebration of Mass, followed by lunch.

Drawing the Gatherings to a close, Archbishop Kevin said that in all three meetings he had been struck by the realism about the current situation. He further commented that collaborative ministry worked well when there were plenty of priests, but not when there were few. At the same time he underlined the importance of a process of networking in order to respond well to current needs. All is undertaken from the vantage point of confidence in the Holy Spirit at work. If we overly focus on the present reality we can panic. Pastoral planning needs to be faith and not anxiety driven. There is a need for patience and for focusing on the risen Christ.

The Archbishop concluded by saying that he wished to take time to digest the insights given. He hoped to reflect on them in continued discernment, in order to move forward in the diocese in calmness and confidence.

The Archbishop expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the positive tone of the conversation during this time together. Now the question is how to bring the conversation forward. It is an important moment, and the hope is that we may not only see and judge, but also act.