Summaries of the Consultations - Homepage

Archbishop Kevin's Pastoral Letter - October 2007

Summary of Deanery Clergy Conversations
 

 

SUMMARY OF CONVERSATIONS IN DEANERIES


CONTENTS
 

1.
Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Kevin
 
p.1.
2.
Deanery Responses
 
p.3.
   
Growing in Communion
 
p.4.
     
Key Themes
 
p.14.
   
Reaching out in Mission
 
p.15.
     
Key Themes
 
p.23.
   
Facing the Future
 
p.24.
     
Key Themes
 
p.35.


 


Page 1

PASTORAL LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP KEVIN
 

My dear people,

            In 2006 I published a document called Towards a Vision for the Diocese in which I proposed a process of reflection on the future of the Diocese.   A year later I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed so generously and enthusiastically to this process.   We have considered together three issues that are central to the life of the Church today:  Growing in Communion, Reaching Out in Mission, and Facing the Future.   Clergy discussions took place as well as discussions among the laity.   These came together in deanery meetings in which a composite report was prepared, drawing the fruits of the conversations together.   I know this involved a lot of work and I would like to express appreciation to all those who gave their time and talents to it.   The next stage was for the reports from the deaneries to be collated so that we could get a picture of what was said through the diocese as a whole.   This process has now been completed and I offer for your consideration a summary of what was said in response to the invitation to reflect together.  Some copies will be available in parishes and it can be accessed online (www.rcsouthwark.co.uk).    It is important that people feel they have been heard and I hope you will find that your thoughts and ideas figure in the summary.   Not included in this present publication are submissions from other groups but I wish to acknowledge them and to offer assurance that the fruits of their deliberations will be taken forward to the next stage of the process.   It is important to acknowledge that this process has already borne fruit in the life and work of some parishes and deaneries that have engaged with it.  This document should help to further that development.   But more work has to be done at diocesan level.

So, where do we go from here?   Before Christmas I will be having two important meetings.   One is with the heads of diocesan agencies who do great work for our diocese.   The purpose of this meeting will be for them to “receive” the fruits of the deanery meetings, identify priorities and seek to develop a shared vision for the future.   The report contains helpful indications for the future of the diocese, including the work and priorities of our agencies.   The other meeting is one with the deans at which, in the light of what has emerged so far, we will begin to look at issues of practical implementation especially in relation to Facing the Future.   In my initial document I mentioned the fact that in Southwark we are in a different position from some dioceses where the British and Irish communities, who were the traditional back-bone of the parishes, are now severely depleted and drastic decisions about closures, amalgamations, and new pastoral areas, have to be made.  Of course, we have suffered from reduced attendance at Mass, too, but our congregations in many parts of the diocese have been swelled and enhanced by the arrival of Catholics from overseas.  Our overall Mass attendance is stable.   Our diocese is complex and diverse and there can be no one-size-fits all solution for the challenges we now face.   At this stage, it seems to me that the deanery, not in isolation but in collaboration with neighbouring deaneries, is the most obvious framework for discerning and implementing the changes that will be necessary over the next few years.

Page 2

It is my hope and intention, therefore that a Vision statement for the future will emerge next year.   But we must take things step by step and a number of issues will need to be considered, such as the question of what expertise or what special groups we may need to take things further.  

It is not possible or, indeed, appropriate to summarise the report in this letter but I would like to highlight a few themes from the consultation as a whole that struck me as particularly important for our future work.

In first place there was the centrality of the Eucharist and the importance of building up community around it, an open inclusive community characterised by a real spirit of welcome; the need for groups, like Parish Pastoral Councils, but also groups where people can pray and break open the Word of God together.   In terms of outreach and mission there was a clear sense that this is a complex and multi-faceted task which involves dialogue with those outside the Church and outreach to the marginalised and those in need.   Looking to the future there were real fears but also a desire to prepare constructively.   There was also a strongly felt need for coordinated adult formation that is accessible and, indeed, for a good theology of the laity.  Likewise there was a strong call for a real drive to discern and foster vocations to the priesthood and diaconate.   The question of supporting our young people figured significantly as did a desire for greater integration of schools and parishes in the one communion of the Church. As well as concern that clergy should be more free of administrative burdens, there was a recognition that our lay people are also under pressure and not always able to give as much time to parish work as they would wish.   And there were many other things that were said and proposed in a very positive and constructive way.   Of course, it goes without saying that future plans and projects will be fully in accordance with the teaching, practice, and discipline of the Church.   But there is scope for creativity and development and I commend this report for your reflection and prayer. 

Once again, I appeal to you to bring this whole matter before God in prayer.   The Liturgy Commission is preparing some resources for use in Advent when we open ourselves afresh to the action of God in our lives and in the Church.

Let us be open to the Holy Spirit in these days and have real hope in all that the Lord is doing in our times.   As in my first Vision statement, I invite you to turn confidently to the Lord and particularly to the Cross where blood and water still flow from the side of Christ to give life to the Church and the World.

 

With my blessing and the assurance of my prayers.

            

   

Archbishop of Southwark                                       

 

Given at St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark,

on 1st October 2007,

the Memorial of St. Thérése of the Child Jesus

 

Page 3

DEANERY RESPONSES

 

The following pages contain the summary of the deanery reports presented to area bishops through May and June 2007.

Thousands of people participated in this important initiative. Their responses, borne out of the prayer, reflection and discussions on the questions posed, were recorded in parishes and summarised into deanery reports. These reports have been collated here to form a working document for future planning and development.

The aim of this stage in the Towards a Vision process is to collate and present the collective thinking in the diocese. There is now the opportunity for parishes, deaneries and diocesan agencies to consider the content of this document and reflect on the lessons it offers for the future.

Aspects of parish, deanery and diocesan life that were frequently mentioned are printed in bold type.

There is some repetition. This is inevitable as the questions were set down as part of a process and discussions evolved through Growing in Communion and Reaching Out in Mission through to focusing on Facing the Future. The repetition is included here to more faithfully represent the documents presented to the area bishops and to give the sense of the organic nature of this process.

Some key themes have been listed at the end of each of the three sections to stimulate further discussion.  These lists are not exhaustive. Different people will inevitably focus on different aspects of this summary depending on interests, locality and circumstances.

This document is one stage in an ongoing conversation across the diocese. Everyone is invited to continue to participate in any practical responses to enable growth and development in parishes, deaneries and the diocese.

Page 4


GROWING IN COMMUNION

Building Up the Life of the Church
 

1          What do we already do really well in our parish community?

 


LITURGY


Recognise and celebrate the Eucharist at the centre of our community

Have lively, inclusive liturgies

Have the opportunity to attend Mass daily

Sunday Mass is celebrated in different styles appropriate for different groups of people

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Preaching relevant to life today

Eucharistic adoration

Opportunities for prayer and devotions

Our church is always open for prayer

Parish Missions

Deanery Corpus Christi procession
 

 
SACRAMENTS

 
Preparation to receive sacraments

All catechetical programmes

RCIA – Journey in Faith

Deanery Marriage Preparation, RCIA and Confirmation Programmes
 

 
WELCOME

 
Friendly and welcoming parish

Welcome newcomers

Welcome to migrants
 

Page 5  

 
RELATIONSHIPS


Clergy – we have dedicated clergy, excellent relationships between clergy and laity, clergy empower laity, priests from overseas contribute to life of community

Parish – committed laity , generosity of spirit, offerings, time and talents, great range of people involved, good tradition of volunteering

Schools – excellent relationship with our local schools

Local churches – good ecumenical links, participation in Churches Together activities

Other Faiths – seek conversations with those of other faiths
 

 
COMMUNITY


We have a sense of community

We love our own parish

Parish is recognised as the place where we first identify with the Church

Celebrate contribution by young people

Youth Council

Excellent youth group

Involvement of young children

Participation of uniformed groups

Social events

We celebrate diversity

Inclusion of those from minority ethnic groups

Good access for those with disabilities
 

Page 6

 


SUPPORT FOR OTHERS

Justice & Peace Groups

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

Ministry to the sick, housebound and those in need

Ministry to bereaved

Pastoral Care groups

Twinned with parish in developing world
 

 
Additional notes

Parish must be centred on a personal relationship with Christ and the Mass

Catholic Bookshop

Ethnic chaplaincies contribute much but we need to maintain unity as well as celebrate diversity

Since Vatican II we have moved from a fortress mentality to inclusion and participation in the local community
 


2          What needs to be developed in our parish community at this time?

 


ONGOING FORMATION FOR ADULTS


All deaneries called for structured, flexible easily accessed programmes, information and publications for formation in faith for adults.

Knowledge of the Catechism

Opportunities for spiritual development

CaFE and Alpha have been helpful but more is needed.

This formation is vital so that catechetical programmes can be sustained and developed.

Opportunities for parents to become more informed about scripture and Church teaching to pass on to their children

More diocesan events e.g. Day on the Eucharist at Aylesford in 2005

An understanding of the role of a Permanent Deacon
 


Page 7
 


LAITY INVOLVEMENT

 


Need to raise awareness that through Baptism and Confirmation we are called to serve God and the Church

Collaboration between clergy and laity needs further development

Laity can be involved in all areas of parish life including preaching

Need strategies to enable people to identify gifts and use them

All ages can contribute

Ways to enable laity to take responsibility

Need to explore ways of unburdening priests from parish administration

Priests need to let go

J & P, CAFOD, Life, Churches Together , Integrity of Creation etc often left to a few enthusiasts – a deanery approach could help here

Greater sharing in the deanery

Involvement of the elderly as prayer partners etc
 

 
YOUNG PEOPLE

 


Need to develop the whole area of Youth Ministry

How are we listening to young people?

How do we enable our young people to participate in PPCs, SVP, social life etc?

Young people are part of our family not an add on

Involve the Southwark Catholic Youth Service (SCYS) more

More post-Confirmation opportunities

Young People contributing to sacramental preparation programmes

Catechesis for children at non-Catholic schools
 

Page 8


TRAINING FOR MINISTRY

 


Clergy –
more training for clergy in leadership, delegation, team-building and managing change

Develop homilies to include Church doctrine

A shared understanding of management – clergy & laity

What do we mean by collaborative ministry?

Laity – Training for all ministries essential for confidence and competence

Training needs to be accessible, flexible and appropriate
 

 
WELCOME

 


Need to be more welcoming and inclusive

Welcoming to newcomers

Welcoming migrants

Need to celebrate ethnic diversity in our liturgies and social activities

Need to develop the way we welcome those who are divorced, separated or living together

More support for those who have recently joined the church

Be aware of those for whom English is a second or other language

Each Mass can have its own community – need to have a wider picture of the local church and get to know other parishioners

Have more social events to enhance community

Develop a sense of belonging – communities not just a random gathering of individuals
 

Page 9

 
LITURGY

 


Liturgy formation for all ages

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Develop more prayer groups

Develop healing liturgies

Encourage other forms of worship as well as Mass

Regular adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
 


SCHOOLS

 


Stronger working relationships needed with our Catholic schools.

A strong school provides growth in Communion

Parishes need to know how faith formation is approached in schools
 

 
COMMUNICATION

 


Need to develop our whole approach to effective communication

Websites, newsletters etc use the best media available

Use of technology, webcams / short wave radios, to enable housebound to participate in liturgy

Learn from other parishes

Be a listening church

Have a diocesan newspaper
 

Page 10  


SUPPORT GROUPS

 


Need to develop Parish Welfare Groups

Encourage membership of  SVP and Legion of Mary

SVP excellent witness of faith – they need to give some feedback to the parish

Need to forge stronger links with local Voluntary Sector organisations to reach more effectively out to local community

Better support needed for marriage and family life

Support families – especially parents

Justice & Peace groups

J & P groups could be a model for developing other groups in parishes – often ecumenical and work in partnerships with others
 


PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

 


Need to develop PPCs as effective collaborative communicative groups

PPCs have a mixed response – some are very good others less so

Members of the PPCs form the parish leadership team

PPCs to envision and prioritise as a result of Towards a Vision
 


FINANCIAL
MATTERS

 


Promote a stronger sense of Stewardship

Gift Aid

Financial support for projects e.g. Wandsworth Refugee Group

More information about where parish money goes
 


ROLE OF DIOCESAN AGENCIES


Review role of these agencies in the light of Towards a Vision

Develop a forum to share best practice
 

Page 11  

 
Additional notes


An understanding that the Church is people not buildings

The challenge is where there are differing emphasises and priorities for developing aspects of liturgy or content in catechesis.

For many Mass is at the time and place of convenience and we need to be sensitive to this, recognising the pressures on modern family life

Need to develop spiritual qualities of charity, conversion, hope and humility

Review the role of the Permanent Diaconate
 

  
3          How could we share our gifts with neighbouring parishes in our
            deanery?

 


LITURGY

 


Have deanery Youth Masses

Joint choirs

Co-ordinate and collaborate on shared celebrations and services
 


CATECHESIS AND FORMATION

 

 
Joint RCIA programmes

Joint training for catechists

Share formation programmes like Evangelium
 

 
EXPERTISE


To share expertise we need to be aware of what other parishes have to offer

Have joint projects to support the needs of the poor, sick or housebound

Share Child Protection responsibilities
 


ACTIVITIES

 


Shared social activities

Need to improve communication so that all know what’s on offer in other parishes
 

Page 12  


FACILITIES


A team of deanery business managers could look after premises

Share halls and rooms for meetings and events
 


Additional notes


Establish a Deanery Mission Team to support and affirm communities

Share a deanery Youth Ministry Team

Some parishes are too parochial – need to encourage a new focus on deanery not just parish

A larger parish could partner a smaller parish – partner not take over!
 

 
4          What resources do we need to develop our parish communities?

 


SPIRITUAL

 

 
Prayerful discernment

Confraternities

Prayers for vocations to the priesthood

Need more priests
 

 
FORMATION

 


Resources for formation of all in our communities

Joint sacramental programmes

Preaching and information on the moral teaching of the Church especially Humanae Vitae and the promotion of the family

Make better use of Christian Education Centre

Training in Leadership skills

Accessible training and resources for all areas of lay ministry
 

Page 13  

 
STRATEGIC

 

 
An active Deanery Pastoral Council

A recognition of existing strengths of neighbouring parish communities

A Co-operation and Collaboration Strategy for a variety of ministries e.g. visiting sick

A plan for transport to Mass and other activities for those who need it

More volunteers

More widespread involvement of deacons

A paid Deanery Youth Worker

Share facilities – large worship space, halls, fields etc
 

 
ADMINISTRATION

 
Secretaries for clergy

Funding for formation at all levels

Share HR responsibilities across deanery
 

 
COMMUNICATION

 
A Communication Strategy

Parishes equipped with technology and skills

Deanery website, newsletter
 

 
Additional notes

 
Need a clearer understanding of Deanery and Diocese

Deanery Resource Centre

A deanery library for books and equipment
 

Page 14  

KEY THEMES
 

1.                  Sacramental Communities – Our communities recognise and celebrate the Eucharist as the centre of all we do through, with and in Christ. Celebration of the Eucharist and other opportunities for worship bring people together in prayer. The programmes that we offer, at all stages of faith development, support and enable people to experience a deeper and more complete membership of the Church.

2.                  Formation – Opportunities for faith development are essential for growth in our communities. There is a wish for more structured, flexible and easily accessed programmes, information and publications for ongoing formation in faith for adults. This formation will equip adults to pass on the faith more confidently and participate more fully in parish life. Formation and training could be offered in deaneries and provide opportunities for parishes to work together.

3.                  Participation – We have committed clergy and laity in our parishes working together to support our communities. As we consider the future we need to find ways to enable all people to discern their gifts and use them in service of God and the Church. Ongoing training for leadership and for the variety of ministries in our communities is essential so that all can be confident in their responsibilities.

4.                  Inclusion – A welcoming parish welcomes everyone. There are many ways in which we seek to do this and are successful. Areas for development are many too and there is concern that we might not always include young people, the elderly, the divorced and separated, single people, migrants and newcomers as effectively as we could.

5.                  Communication – We need to make best use of all the communication tools available to ensure that invitations and messages are delivered effectively in parishes, deaneries and across the diocese. We need to consider how we might harness the expertise in our parishes and ensure that we are reaching everyone in our communities in ways that are exciting and appropriate for 21st century.

Page 15  

REACHING OUT IN MISSION

Moving Beyond Ourselves 

1                    1      How do we reach out beyond the boundaries of our own parish
         community to believers and non-believers?

 


EVANGELISATION

 


The challenge is to evangelise in an increasingly secular society

To be a spiritual community in and for the community

Needs to have a higher profile in our community – not seen as a priority

We’re not sure how to do this – we’re diffident about sharing our faith

Need to be true evangelists – not just talk need action too

Lay teams could visit those who want to talk about faith

We need to look inward and outward

The family is the greatest place of evangelisation

We need to come out of the dark and make our presence felt

We witness by our example – in the home, workplace, in local community and wherever we are

Live Simply

Be welcoming to all

Offer and publicise Alpha, CaFE, RCIA

House groups

Learn from other churches
 

Page 16  


FORMATION

 


Priority should be our prayer life as individuals and as a community

We need to be informed and active Catholics

Need training for all ministries including evangelisation and catechesis

We need to be firmly rooted in our own faith before we can reach out to others

Need to understand scripture and Church teaching

We need training to be confident in talking about our faith – and have the courage to do so
 


PARTNERSHIP

 


Ecumenical links – some places very good other places patchy

Active membership of Churches Together variable

Week of prayer for Christian Unity – attendance patchy

Do we really desire Christian Unity?

Actively support hospital, prison, university chaplaincies

Participation in the de Paul Trust

Working with ecumenical and inter-faith groups to meet local needs e.g. Working Together for Wimbledon – keeps Catholics in the ‘market place’.

Link with local campaigns

Share projects with other churches

Clergy Fraternals
 

Page 17  


WITHIN PARISH

 

 
Need to stress dismissal at the end of Mass i.e.  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Identify our gifts for ministry and mission

Opportunities to welcome and evangelise at Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings, Funerals, Christmas, Easter etc

Parish Missions

Welcome programme reaching out to the lapsed Catholics

Open days – come and see evenings

Invite people into our church

Hold flower, music, art festivals – be welcoming to all who cross the threshold

Offer language teaching / conversation classes for immigrants

Ensure deanery / parish website has invitation to find out more

SVP

Support CAFOD
 


ACTIVITIES


Write to our M Ps on major issues

Encourage Christian comment on political decisions and global issues in local papers, websites etc

Use the local media to promote activities and participation in community

Seek opportunities for dialogue with those of other denominations, other faiths and those of no faith

Attend inter-faith meetings
 

Additional notes

 


Need to respect other people’s beliefs

Celebrate ethnic minority groups

Celebrate diversity
 

Page 18  

2                    How do we bring the Good News to those without faith? How do we

            reach out in dialogue and collaboration to other Christians

            and to members of other religions?

 


OTHER CHRISTIANS

 


Support opportunities for shared prayer

Work with others and share prayer groups, chaplaincies

Greater participation in walks of witness

Adopt the  symbol to show solidarity

Encourage Catholics to join Street Pastors
 


OTHER FAITHS

 


We need to be more informed about other cultures and traditions

We need to encourage informed debate

Take part in local meetings and activities e.g. South London Interfaith Group

Our schools could be a resource as they teach about other faiths

Visit other places of worship
 


THOSE WITHOUT FAITH

 


Have Open Church Weekends and invite people in for tea and a chat

Join local projects e.g. Nightwatch in Croydon

Accept people where they are

Be excited and pro-active about the Good News
 


CHURCH TEACHING

 


Be clear about Church teaching on

-         Inter-Communion

-         Homosexuality

-         Role of Women
 

Page 19


Additional notes

 


Closer liaison with schools – how do they support young people in their mission to evangelise?

Need to learn how to speak out about our faith

Have booklets explaining the Mass available in all parishes

Demonstrate tolerance

Encourage membership of SVP and Legion of Mary

We need 4 things – Awareness, Contact, Dialogue and Collaboration

Need to work with the media to promote faith
 

 
3          How could we enable our parish to be a more welcoming home?

 


FAMILIES

 


Offer more support for families

Encourage Catholic Families Group

Address the challenge of co-habitation, divorce and remarriage
 

 
COMMUNICATION

 

 
Advertise events more widely

Consider better use of notice boards, posters and newsletters

Mass and notices in different languages

Design newcomer packs
 

Page 20

 
OPENNESS

 


Everyone is a Welcomer

Develop the Ministry of Welcome

Have teams of greeters

Have churches open

Avoid cliques

Meet people where they are – without judgement

Pastoral Care of  divorced and remarried

Reaching out to the homosexual community

Care for prisoners and those with addictions

Welcome immigrants, asylum seekers and those in minority groups

All parish groups should foster an ‘open door’ policy

Celebrate diversity
 


ACTIVITIES

 


Hold Open Days

Offer conversation to lapsed Catholics at major celebrations and events

Hold social activities that are inclusive, open and welcoming

Announce new births, birthdays, anniversaries etc

Occasionally have one Mass for the whole parish in hall or school so that everyone can meet

Form neighbourhood groups to visit and support

Hold multi-cultural services

Have parish meals celebrating food from countries of origin
 

Page 21  


Additional notes

 

 
Make churches warm and inviting

Masses are sometimes too family orientated

Celebrate good joyful liturgies

Encourage post-Confirmation participation

Single people, of all ages, need welcoming and including too
 

 

 

4                    Aware of the joys and sufferings both within our parish community

and beyond it, how do we connect with those in greatest need?

 


PRAYER

 


Have books / notice boards for prayer intentions

Have regular healing / reconciliation services

Have a Parish Mission
 

 
ACTION

 


Live simply

Identify where the needs are

Work with established agencies locally e.g. House of Mercy – Gravesend and Nightwatch in Croydon

Work with national and international organisations e.g. CAFOD

Support diocesan agencies

Establish Justice and Peace groups

Speak out against injustice

Organise food parcels and clothing for refugees

Sustain and develop SVP groups – strong in some places and ‘not off the ground’ in others

Extend home visit teams

Support family life

Organise deanery support rather than every parish feeling it has to establish projects on its own
 


Page 22  
 
 


Support Fair Trade, Make Poverty History & Refugee

Networks

Reach out to E U farm workers

Involve and listen to young people

Offer financial advice to those who are in debt

Twin parishes with those in developing world

Have bereavement befriending groups

Support The Beginning Experience for divorced, separated and bereaved

Organise transport to liturgies and events

Work ecumenically offering respite care
 


COMMUNICATION

 


Have an effective Deanery Pastoral Council

Have lively websites

Design information leaflets so people know how they can help

Network our response to those in need

Have a deanery database of parent and toddler groups, bereavement support, facilities for the disabled
 

Additional notes

Do not assume someone else will do it!
 

Page 23  

KEY THEMES

 

1.                  Evangelisation – We are all called to share the message of the Gospel. We need to be encouraged, affirmed and supported in this mission so that we can reach out in love and confidence to those around us. We could work more actively with other Christians and join in local and national initiatives.

 

2.                  Formation – It is only through prayer and formation that we will be more firmly rooted in our own faith and then be able to evangelise more effectively.

 

3.                  Other Faiths - We need to be more informed about other faiths, cultures and traditions. We could create opportunities for dialogue and sharing.

 

4.                  Service – There are many ways in which we serve the needs of our community. Our work with the poor, oppressed and marginalised could be more widely developed by sharing good practice.

 

Page 24  

FACING THE FUTURE

Together in Hope

 1.                  What fears do we have about the future?

 


SPIRITUAL

 


Loss of Eucharist

Fewer Masses

Not being able to practice faith could lead to people lapsing from the Church altogether

Fear that new translation of the Mass could undermine achievements since Vatican II

Who will pass on the faith?
 


CLERGY

 


Fewer priests

Priests may lose touch with the people

Priests might lose their pastoral leadership role

That workload may become excessive for priests

Rising age profile of priests

Priests not letting go

We need to pray for vocations to priesthood and diaconate

Seminarians need to have a higher profile in parishes and deanery

Priests will come from overseas without adequate understanding situation, language and customs
 

Page 25  


LAITY

 


A shortage of committed people in all aspects of Church life – people not willing to do their bit

Need to develop a culture of vocation of all baptised

People feel stressed and over committed already

Fear of volunteering – will I be in over my head?

Laity must affirm and support their clergy and help them manage any changes

Rising age profile of laity

Falling Mass attendance means fewer people to do things

A growing indifference to Church teaching

Difficulty of some in accepting change especially over Mass times

That there won’t be enough appropriate training offered to laity
 


PARISH

 


Closure of our parish church

No resident priest

Parishes might close without consultation

Small parishes getting lost

Being absorbed by another parish

Mergers swallow up smaller community

If we collaborate with a parish next door it will lead to a merger

Lose sense of community

Dwindling numbers mean less in donations so parishes will find it hard to maintain buildings etc

Aging premises

Fewer religious to assist in parishes

There will be more rigid divisions into separate ‘Mass-time’ communities
 


Page 26  
 

 
PASTORAL

 

 
Lack of support for families

Lack of transport for those without cars

Loss of close relationship with priest

Lack of people to minister to lonely, sick, bereaved etc
 

 
SOCIETY

 

 
Secularisation

Active media promotion of secularisation

Hostility to religion

Church seen as outdated

Breakdown of society and family values

Competition from other faiths and denominations
 

 
YOUNG PEOPLE

 

 
That there will be no young people in our churches

We need to ask young people what they need

Ask SCYS, CEC and other groups such as Youth 2000 and HCPT for advice on involving young people

How do other churches minister to young people?
 


SCHOOLS

 

 
Closure of Catholic schools

Our schools becoming ‘less Catholic’ – i.e. fewer priests and therefore no access to Mass and sacraments

How do schools encourage Vocation?
 

Page 27  

 
Additional notes

 


Maybe no fear if we trust in God

There is a fear about loss but also a readiness to face the future in hope

A fear of the unknown

A fear of change

A fear that we will become inward looking

A fear that the hierarchy is out of touch

We need to adhere to basic principles of Subsidiarity, Collaboration, Co-operation & Co-ordination

We need to adhere to the Code of Canon Law

That we will have inadequate Christian education

General apathy

Too much central control

Alienation of women

Fear that the Church will not consider ordination of women and married men

A fear that we might succumb to pressure to adopt short term unwise measures as solution to shortage of priests

Need to know what’s happening in the wider Church
 

Page 28  

2.                  2.           What forms of shared collaboration could be developed now at

a.      Parish level

b.     Deanery level?

 

 
PARISH

 


Encourage a sense of Church and not be too parochial

Re-connect PPC to DPC

Joint meetings of PPCs to share expertise

Develop home / neighbourhood groups as cells to support people and parish life

Take administrative tasks away from priests

Have stronger collaborative clergy / laity partnerships

More services led by lay people

We are NOT in competition with neighbouring parishes!

Parishes and priests need to ‘loosen up’ and support each other

Needs to be equal partnership on projects between parishes
 


DEANERY

 


Need to rediscover a sense of Deanery

Need to identify role of Deanery – what is the vision?

What is / could be the role of the Dean? Visitations?

The Deanery Pastoral Council (DPC) needs a relaunch in the light of these conversations

The DPC needs to be an Action Team

Combine churches in the deanery – we are a community of people not buildings

Shared Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Teams

Collaboration across deanery for youth ministry

Shared teams for parish visits to sick etc

Parishes with a lot to offer should avoid doing so in a domineering or patronising manner

Deaneries could widen experience of church music

More multi-cultural activities
 


Page 29  
 
 


Language skills could be shared across the deanery

We need to organise funding for a deanery structure to support collaborative initiatives

Deanery priests to circulate around parishes

Could collaborate more effectively with regard to catechesis and formation

Deanery could organise retreats, pilgrimages and large celebrations

Maintenance of buildings should be managed in deanery e.g. use of same solicitor, surveyors etc
 


SCHOOL

 


Need stronger parish / school links

Where young people are Eucharistic Ministers at school allow them to minister in parishes too
 

 
LEADERSHIP

 

 
Needs to be a focus on lay leadership and ministry

Need to affirm leadership of priests

Make best use of the management skills already in our communities
 

 
COMMUNICATION

 


We need to know what’s going on

Set up deanery websites, newsletters etc

Up to date information about life at a seminary

Audit time available / skills / talents in our communities and publish a directory for use across parishes

Where are the I T skills? Invite people to use them

Share publicity – collaborate on newsletters, posters etc
 

Page 30


Additional notes

 


The diocesan agencies need to model collaboration

Deanery often seen as invisible and the Diocese as remote – identity and clarity needed

Collaboration is important to enable priests to concentrate on being priests

Need to collaborate more with Churches Together and have stronger inter-faith links

How can we collaborate with religious more effectively? What is their role in any revised structure?

Parishes should be consulted before the appointment of a new parish priest to ensure continuity of life and mission of the parish
 

 
3.          What special areas of pastoral provision could deaneries share? E.g. schools, hospitals,                 prisons, chaplaincy etc...

 

 
SPIRITUAL

 


Planning and celebrating liturgies

Planning and sharing retreats

Hold a deanery mission

Develop a deanery music ministry

Share choirs etc

Need to emphasise the spiritual dimension to our lives as Christians

Celebrate joint Confirmations

Hold big-screen Masses

Celebrate Masses for those with particular needs – sick, young people, ethnic groups, special needs
 

Page 31  

 
CLERGY

 


Deanery to encourage time off for clergy - holidays, days off and sabbaticals

Encourage discernment for the permanent diaconate

Priests to celebrate Mass across the deanery so that they become well known
 


CHAPLAINCIES

 


Greater support and co-operation in chaplaincies for schools, hospitals and prisons

School chaplains to be a resource for the deanery

Develop the chaplaincy to residential care homes – residential care homes are a huge responsibility

Develop and co-ordinate strategies for supporting major events e.g.  Olympics, The Dome and Peninsula Development
 


PASTORAL

 


Care of immigrants

Support of those who are divorced, separated and living together

Develop lay focus groups

Form deanery SVP, Legion of Mary, CAFOD, J&P groups rather than one in every parish

Opportunities for people to learn sign language

Parenting classes
 


YOUNG PEOPLE

 

 
Co-ordinate youth ministry expertise

Co-ordinate provision for young people

Adults to avoid over organising young people

Offer appropriate spiritual input for young people

Hold a deanery rally

Support young people post-Confirmation

Form a Deanery Youth Team/Youth Council

Appoint a deanery youth worker
 


Page 32
 
 


Consider an ecumenical youth ministry

Give young people experience of the wider Church through World Youth Day, Youth 2000 etc

A deanery approach to supporting school governors

A deanery approach to working with and supporting our schools
 

 
FORMATION AND CATECHESIS

 


More lay volunteers being encouraged to use their gifts

Deanery co-ordination of training for lay ministries

Plan programme for formation across deanery

Deanery catechetical programmes

Develop a Deanery Catechists’ Centre
 

 
Additional notes

 

 
Need to look further than just parish

Easier to be ecumenical if we had a deanery approach

Develop ways of sharing good practice

Develop a deanery lay team to co-ordinate joint activities and pastoral provision

Needs to be well publicised and transparent strategic planning at diocesan, deanery and parish levels

Offer honorariums

Need more reliable volunteers

Let people know where they are needed

Hold deanery social events

Deanery not always the most natural group, parishes could work where more geographically appropriate

Think BIG and sell all the churches and build a deanery super church
 

Page 33
 
 
4.                  What forms of co-ordination and collaboration could be developed in
              our area if our own parish or a neighbouring parish did not have a
              resident priest?

 


SPIRITUAL

 


Prayer needs to be integral to the life of all

The Holy Spirit calls us to renewal and growth

Review and co-ordinate Mass times across deanery

Rationalise the number of Masses

The number of Masses we have is a luxury – we need to move to fewer Masses

Some parishes could cut their number of Masses to support a neighbouring parish

We should be able to organise transport to all Masses – have a deanery minibus

Encourage more deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to lead Eucharistic Services

Make better use of internet for prayer, worship and fellowship
 


CLERGY

 


Encourage more men to come forward for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate

Encourage clergy from overseas – but is this at the expense of the home country?

Establish standard of English necessary for a priest from overseas before they take up a post in a parish

Encourage priests studying in this country to participate in parish life

Any shortage of clergy in this country is our problem and we should be dealing with it

The Church needs to hear what people are thinking with regard to the ordination of married men and the ordination of women

Rethink celibacy - We already have married men as priests who were formally Anglican clergy

Encourage ordination of women to the permanent diaconate – women are doing significant ministries in parishes
 


Page 34
 
 


Encourage different models of ordained ministry

Raise the age of entry into our seminaries

Encourage vocations - especially by our schools

Need to be clear procedures for contacting a priest in an emergency

Remove inequalities in priests’ workloads
 

 
ORGANISATIONAL

 
Whatever happens, people must still be able to relate to an accessible priest

Have a Deanery Strategy for any changes

Parishes could be clustered with ‘mobile’ priests – this must have safeguards so that the priests do not take too much on

Need clear guidelines for Lay Leadership

Laity need to be given and accept responsibility

Laity to do administrate work

Appoint a paid Deanery Co-ordinator / Pastoral Assistant

Parishes need ongoing consultations before any major changes are implemented

Close small churches if necessary – but have clear criteria for doing so

Be aware of feelings

Beware of any loss of community identity

If the deanery is too big – develop pastoral zones

Deanery could hold a study day to discuss implications of this process

Archbishop Kevin to empower the church – for mission not just maintenance
 

Page 35  

 
Additional notes

 

 
Expectations are that action will follow this Towards a Vision process

Must not always go to ‘the worse case scenario’ – optimism is needed

Refer back to National Pastoral Congress and Easter People as a resource

Be aware that one size does not fit all

Adopt a professional approach to management and change

Celebrate the ministry of women

A deacon could oversee a parish without a resident priest

The role of our schools needs to be explored

Consideration needs to be given to any groups who were missed out in this process
 

  

KEY THEMES

 

1.                  Ministry – To collaborate most effectively we need to ensure that we understand, celebrate and support ordained and lay ministries. Consideration of the expectations, role and responsibilities of priests needs to be given a priority. Training in leadership, community development and enabling change needs to be provided for clergy and laity.

 

2.                Collaboration – There are many ways in which we could be more creative in the ways in which we work together in deaneries and across the diocese and still maintain a sense of community. There is much to be gained from listening and co-operating with one another. Small and large parishes have strengths to be shared and areas for development to be supported.

 

3.                 Preparation – Where significant changes in parish life are necessary all those involved need to consider the most effective way to prepare for the changes. Consideration should also be given to reviewing roles and responsibilities in any revised structure.

 

4.               Prayer – Above all, it is clear from all these responses, that we are a community of prayer. The Holy Spirit is calling us to renewal and growth. It is through prayer, reflection, retreats and pilgrimages that we will be strengthened and guided so that all we do is for the glory of God.

 


 
Return to the Southwark Diocesan Website homepage