Seeking the Face of Christ - First Meeting in Trowbridge
Over a hundred and twenty people made their way to St John the Baptist
Church in Trowbridge on Saturday (3 March) to hear Bishop Declan launch
the consultation which will result in pastoral guidelines for the
diocese.
After welcoming everyone and thanking them for taking time to be present Bishop Declan explained the purpose of the guidelines was to help identify priorities for the diocese for the next few years.
It was important that we considered the question of how we could best be "Good News" not only for members of the Church but also for society.
How could we best respond to the "hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties" of others.
The purpose of the day was to share the consultation document so that everyone present could in turn share it with other members of their parishes so that as many people as possible might be involved in the process. In that way guidelines wouldn't be the product of just a few individuals but everyone in the diocese would have an opportunity to contribute.
Those present were asked to divide into groups to consider the question of how they might involve everyone in their parish in the process.
People commented that, "It was an exciting feeling to be part of something that was taking place in every parish" and others that "they enjoyed the presentations which helped clarify their own ideas."
Many present commented how helpful they found the Bishop's explanation of why we were beginning this process and others that the enthusiasm of the Bishop was contagious and fired them with a sense of purpose.
Closing the meeting the Bishop expressed his thanks to those who worked so hard to provide refreshments for all who came and to Trowbridge’s Parish Priest Canon Liam O’Driscoll for his hospitality in hosting the event.
Bishop Declan was delighted with the response to the first meeting and looks forward to the others. The next meeting takes place in Taunton, St George’s Pastoral Centre on Saturday 10 March, beginning at 10.00 am.
Ann Fowler
Useful URL : http://www.cliftondiocese.com/seeking.php
After welcoming everyone and thanking them for taking time to be present Bishop Declan explained the purpose of the guidelines was to help identify priorities for the diocese for the next few years.
It was important that we considered the question of how we could best be "Good News" not only for members of the Church but also for society.
How could we best respond to the "hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties" of others.
The purpose of the day was to share the consultation document so that everyone present could in turn share it with other members of their parishes so that as many people as possible might be involved in the process. In that way guidelines wouldn't be the product of just a few individuals but everyone in the diocese would have an opportunity to contribute.
Those present were asked to divide into groups to consider the question of how they might involve everyone in their parish in the process.
People commented that, "It was an exciting feeling to be part of something that was taking place in every parish" and others that "they enjoyed the presentations which helped clarify their own ideas."
Many present commented how helpful they found the Bishop's explanation of why we were beginning this process and others that the enthusiasm of the Bishop was contagious and fired them with a sense of purpose.
Closing the meeting the Bishop expressed his thanks to those who worked so hard to provide refreshments for all who came and to Trowbridge’s Parish Priest Canon Liam O’Driscoll for his hospitality in hosting the event.
Bishop Declan was delighted with the response to the first meeting and looks forward to the others. The next meeting takes place in Taunton, St George’s Pastoral Centre on Saturday 10 March, beginning at 10.00 am.
Ann Fowler
Useful URL : http://www.cliftondiocese.com/seeking.php
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