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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?