During the Diocesan Congress 2013, when our Diocesan Pastoral Plan was launched by Bishop Treanor he said: ‘We must ensure that everyone within the diocese has support for their Christian journey and this will require an increase in collaboration among neighbouring parishes. We must pray and discern about our future, recognising that we are called together as parts of one body.’1
In Spring 2014 the Living Church carried out a comprehensive Review of the pastoral activities of all of the parishes of the diocese. The information from this Review was collated with the help of Mr Séamús Cleary and it will be a useful resource as the diocese engages in meaningful planning for the future. Some of this information was presented last May in meetings in each of the twelve Vicariates. After further consultation with the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Priests, Bishop Treanor is now inviting the diocese to move to the next stage of the process entitled Creating Pastoral Communities. The work of Creating Pastoral Communities will have three phases:
- Phase 1. Creating Pastoral Community Boundaries
- Phase 2. Formation
- Phase 3. Establishing Pastoral Community Structures
We are now implementing Phase 1. Phases 2 and 3 will come later and will develop and overlap with one another organically. Please take some time to read the report here: DIOCESAN PASTORAL COMMUNITIES
The Bishop is very keen that parishioners respond to the Consultation on creating pastoral communities. It is therefore suggested that every parish group at its next meeting discuss the document. and reply to office@livingchurchdc.org