6th July, 2005

Parish Feedback

To better proclaim the Good News

In his Apostolic letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte Pope John Paul II reminded us that the answer to the question: "What must we do?" (Acts 2:37) lay not in inventing a "new programme" but rather in the local churches translating the Gospel programme into pastoral initiatives adapted to the circumstances of each community. The responses to our recent questionnaire contained many hopeful signs that parishes are active in adopting initiatives aimed to better “enable the proclamation of Christ to reach people.”

Returns were received from almost 40% of parishes spread well across regions and deaneries. A feature was the number that demonstrated collaborative input drawn from different groups across the parish community. Our task now is to analyse the returns to ensure the insights they contain are fully captured. The working group was, however, keen to acknowledge the work of parishes rather than waiting until the full analysis was complete. This also provides an opportunity to share some of the early insights offered with all parishes.

Emergent themes

The clear themes that emerged from a first review of responses have been summarized below using the headings provided in the questionnaire. Worth noting is that whilst these summary observations convey the general message, they do so at the cost of losing the sense of energy, hope and commitment that stood out in specific responses.

Worship

• The central focus of worship recognizes that we are a Eucharistic people
• There is a strong emphasis on developing inclusive and relevant liturgical celebration
• Prayerful opportunities are provided in liturgical expressions which reflect the spirituality of the local community

Proclamation

• Key partnerships are built involving priest and people, school and church, parish and local ecumenical groups
• Both priests and people are involved in collaborative leadership and ministry
• Formation and faith development of parishioners (both young and adult) is an important endeavour

Community

• A strong spirit of welcome is fostered
• Ethnic and cultural diversity is cause for celebration and a source of community building
• Special support is accorded to youth, the elderly, families and immigrants
• Diverse small groups are fostered and supported in response to the identified spiritual, practical, community and social needs of the parish

Service

• Caring groups are in place to address the identified needs of the parish community

There were some other aspects which also rate comment:

• For the majority of parishes, the service commitment tended to be mainly inward, addressing the needs of the parish members rather than outward to the wider community.
• Only a few parishes nominated an active social justice commitment as something they do well.
• Engaging and retaining the commitment of youth and young adults was commonly identified as a difficult task for most parishes.

What next?

The immediate task is to analyse the responses and to integrate them into a comprehensive view of what parishes themselves see as their pastoral priorities. As a next step, it is intended that the information be used as source material in developing the questions for a proposed series of focus group interviews. The insights obtained from the questionnaires and the focus group work will shape the way in which further engagement with parish communities will develop. While this process is underway, we will continue to take opportunities as they present, to maintain an ongoing dialogue with parish communities.

The insights gathered in this manner, will form the basis of a submission to the Archbishop and his advisers, setting out a recommended way forward in the preparation of a Pastoral Plan. The process of detailed planning for future parishes / deaneries / pastoral units will commence only when there is an endorsed process for moving forward across the archdiocese.

In closing

In my closing remarks, I would like to recapture the spirit displayed in the parish returns. Their clear and hopeful witness demonstrates the active acknowledgement that it is our task in the church not only to proclaim the “good news,” but to do so in a manner which recognizes the baptismal dignity of all members. With both priest and people together actively contributing to the evangelization of our society, then the Church will be better able to “ensure an even better announcement of the Good News of the Lord in our time.”

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Rev Monsignor Les Tomlinson VG
CHAIRMAN