The Next Step ...

A dramatic decline in the number of vocations to the priesthood. That is what triggered a Southwark diocesan-wide consultation process launched by our Archbishop, Kevin MacDonald, a year ago. It was entitled ‘Towards a Vision for the Diocese’

As in all parishes, we here at St Columba’s were asked our views, ideas and suggestions. Following distribution of a questionnaire and open meetings in Selsdon, a report summarizing our responses and those of the 12 other parishes in our deanery of Croydon were given to Archbishop Kevin.

Now, the responses of parishes right across the diocese, including our own, have been collated, deanery by deanery, so that the Archbishop can draw up a plan of action for the future.

As well as summarizing the various responses that collated report, entitled ‘Summary of Conversations in Deaneries’, also identifies several key themes for future consideration. As with the original Vision document and consultations, those themes are divided into three groups.

1. Growing in communion
Five key themes for building up the life of the Church were identified. They are:

• Sacramental communities: at the heart of all we do as Church is coming together as a community in order to celebrate the Eucharist.
• Formation: opportunities for faith development are essential for growth in our communities.
• Participation: people need to be enabled to discern and use their gifts, with ongoing training being vital.
• Inclusion: parishes should be welcoming to everyone, whatever their situation.
• Communication: all available tools of communication need to be used to ensure that invitations and messages are delivered effectively.

2. Reaching out in mission
Four key themes for moving beyond ourselves were highlighted. They are:

• Evangelisation: we are all called – and need encouragement – to share the message of the Gospel with others.
• Formation: prayer and formation are essential if evangelization is to be effective.
• Other faiths: greater understanding and closer links with other faiths are vital.
• Service: work with the poor, oppressed and marginalized needs to be more widely developed.

3. Facing the future
Four key themes for going forward in hope were pinpointed. They are:

• Ministry: those in both ordained and lay ministries need support and training.
• Collaboration: there is much to be gained from working with other parishes in the deanery and across the diocese.
• Preparation: where significant changes in parish life are necessary, all those affected should be involved from the very earliest stages.
• Prayer: it is essential so that we are strengthened and guided.

So what is the next step?
Within past weeks, Archbishop Kevin has met with the heads of diocesan agencies and all the deans in Southwark. (One parish priest in each deanery, of which there are 20 in the diocese, is nominated as dean.) The objective: to identify priorities and look at ways of implementing changes in response to the consultation process. Following on from this, during 2008 the Archbishop plans to publish a vision statement for the future.

In the meantime, if you wish to find out more about what is contained in the ‘Summary of Conversation in Deaneries’, visit the diocesan website: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk.

Deacon Philip

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