about forward together in hope the purpose of forward together in hope is to help us discover how to...
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About Forward Together in Hope
‘The purpose of Forward Together in Hope is to help us discover how to be more committed disciples of Jesus Christ. It will also help us find a way of making best use of our resources in order to ensure we have a thriving and sustainable Catholic community into the future.’
Led by Bishop Séamus and the Diocesan BoardBuilt upon the foundations of our Diocesan Vision (2000)Overseen by a Development Group with lay and clergy representationSmall core delivery team……but an ambition to involve everyone in our Diocese.
About Forward Together in Hope
Forward Together in Hope is a personal invitation to everyone in our Diocese to take part in a journey of renewal. Whether you are…
Old or young – or somewhere in betweenAt home, in education, employed or unemployedClergy or lay personA regular church-goer or notFeeling included or feeling on the marginsOr ‘none of the above’
…you are invited to take part.
An Invitation
Firmly rooted in prayerClergy and lay people working together Open, transparent and fairExcellent communicationClarity of decision-makingInclusive and collaborativeCelebrating success Sharing good practice
Some Principles
Rooted in the Second Vatican CouncilIn Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis invites each of us to a renewed encounter with Jesus.He tells us ‘The Church is herself a missionary disciple; she needs to grow in her interpretation of the revealed word and in her understanding of truth’
Theological Context
‘I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter withJesus Christ’
Pope Francis is inviting us to become open minded and imaginative in how we become missionary evangelists.Key words to reflect on over the months ahead will be:
PrayerDiscipleshipViabilityFlourishingDiocese
Theological Context
‘Diocesan Facts and Figures’ SupplementDecreasing numbers of priestsReducing attendance at MassFairly static number of churchesDecreasing financial incomeAll of this provides a real opportunity to look at things differently
The Case for Change
The Case for Change
1951 1972 2014 2030?0
50100150200250300350400
Diocesan Priests
Active priests Retired priests
The Case for Change
19811983
19851987
19891991
19931995
19971999
20012003
20052007
20092011
201320000
40000
60000
80000
100000
Average mass attendance
Preparing the Way (Autumn 2014-Spring 2015 )Developing liturgies and prayer resourcesDeveloping and distributing information leafletsInforming everyone about the approach through meetings, documents and a DVDInitial meetings and training for clergy and laityBishop Séamus leads days of reflection
The 3 Stages of the Journey
Exploring the Way (Spring 2015-Summer 2016)Prayer and liturgies across the DioceseProviding unique data to each parish at PentecostExtensive consultation and self-evaluation process in each worshipping communityReturn of completed self-evaluation questionnaire and recommendations by AdventDetailed analysis and validation of responsesClarification meetings and on-going discussions
The 3 Stages of the Journey
Pointing the WayPrayer and liturgies across the DioceseConsideration of recommendations by Diocesan-wide group of clergy and laityInformation and analysis made available to Bishop Séamus to take decisions about the futureCommunicating these decisions and indicating the way forward for everyoneSupporting parishes in moving to the new arrangements
The 3 Stages of the Journey
What structures will you put in place to carry out the self-evaluation?How will you use the ‘Preparing the Way’ resources including the liturgy and spirituality resources?How can you ensure that particular groups, e.g. the housebound and young people, are fully involved?How might you engage with less regular worshippers?Perhaps parishioners could start to look at the 10 questionnaire headings and begin to assemble information.
How can we prepare?
Education and Continuing FormationActive Involvement of PeopleWorship and Spiritual LifeGeographic DistanceChristian FaithfulYoung PeopleLeadershipOutreachFinancesFacilities
Questionnaire Headings
8 minute DVDPreparing the Way bookletDiocesan Facts and FiguresOur Story So Far – A Brief History of the Church in this AreaPrayer and Liturgy Resources and IdeasAll items also on CD and website at: www.hope.rcdhn.org.uk
Preparing the Way Resources
Preparing the Way Resources
Preparing the Way Resources
• Ring binders in each parish– Documents, CD and DVD
• Lay contact in each parish to help communicate about the process
• All resources and latest news on the website www.hope.rcdhn.org.uk
• Email: [email protected]
Information and Contacts
I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is with us, giving us the courage we need to move forward together in hope.
