Hope In The Future
Hope in the Future was a Diocesan Initiative, which began in October 2017, not because of a shortage of priests but to give the opportunity for individuals and parishes to take stock and ask:
- Who are we?
- What or who do we want to be?
- How are we going to do this?
- and Will we all accept this responsibility?
In putting together these few comments, several incidents and phrases came to the mind of one of our parishioners Mary from St Teresa’s, collected in the readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter:-
- The election of deacons in the early Church
- “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart.”
- Thomas’ doubt and Philip’s questions of the risen Lord. It is good to challenge and to question BUT we must wait and listen for the answer.
Now that we can come together again to celebrate Mass, it would be a really helpful to refresh ourselves with the Hope in the Future information sheets prepared by leaders at the Diocese of Salford.
This will help us to focus on a personal encounter with Jesus in our celebration of Mass. Each information sheet suggests ways in which each of us can prepare personally followed by some practical suggestions as to how we respond as a parish and how we can improve to become truly a Missionary community.
Hope In The Future: 12th July 2020
Hope In The Future: 14th June 2020
Hope In The Future: 9th February 2020
Hope In The Future: 8th December 2019
Both Churches of St Osmund’s and St Teresa’s made tentative starts in Stages 1 or 2 to look at this process but with no firm or lasting outcomes.
On January 23rd 2020 people from Blessed Dominic Barberi Parish came together, the first initiative of our newly formed Parish, to look at Stage 3- Living the Sunday Eucharist, the heart and soul of parish life. The group looked at what they had in each Church and how this could be continued/changed to meet the needs of our Parish. Unfortunately, Covid 19 interrupted and changed all our lives for the present and maybe for the future.
I hope that once our Parish contacts and life can be re-established, we can come together again in small groups (dependent on our particular interests and talents) to look more closely at our parish, what we want/need and our relationships with our Deanery and the Diocese.
To prepare for this I suggest that we consider the following:-
- How does my relationship with Christ enable me to take an active part in my Parish?
- What do I want from my parish, personally, the life of the parish community, relations with others in my area, people in the wider community, outside of this Country?
- How do we maintain our Parish buildings and finance any initiatives?
We will then be truly ready to follow Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Blessed Dominic Barberi
A great idea from Mary was to use the initial letter of the name Dominic Barberi, and think of the characteristics of our parish.
Perhaps others could do the same and e-mail in their suggestions using our Parish Name. These can be gathered for the next Hope in the future meetings?
What do we want to be the characteristics of our Parish?
Dominus; the Lord is the centre and heart of our personal and parish life
Open; to the needs and desires of all our Parish
Missionary; we need to reach out to all of God’s creation
Inspiration; of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide
Needy; we are all in need of help but especially those who are particularly vulnerable
Inclusive; we welcome all, we make sure that no-one is left out
Charitable; we are aware and respond to all who need help, in word and deed
Belief; in the God who calls each of us by name
Approachable; we do not have all the answers but we are willing to try to find them
Responsibility; we accept our role to serve the Lord,
Blessing; the many gifts given to us by God to enable us to share in His work
Eucharist; the centre and heart of the whole of our lives, not just Sunday Mass
Repentance; we are not perfect but our God our loving Father always welcomes us back
I; little me but it is my responsibility to do my best, do not leave things to others.