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Appendix 2 to Derry Report 2006
MINISTRY AND CHANGE REPORT
Derry Diocese 2003
In this time of change within the church, we share many of the doubts
and fears the Apostles had as they too faced the unknown. In facing this
challenge, we call upon God for his blessing on us as we strive to
spread the reign of his love.
****
In 1996, a committee was formed by the priests of the Diocese of Derry
to look at the issue of change and how it would affect them. They were
concerned about fewer vocations, fewer priests, later retirement and
heavier workload.
This committee soon realised that change would affect every member of
the Church. Each person would need an opportunity to discuss and share
worries, fears, hopes and dreams relating to the future of the Church.
A process of consultation was begun. Up to one hundred and fifty people
participated, and from this a Diocesan committee evolved.
This now comprises 11 laity, 1 priest and 2 religious.
Initially the committee spent time on clarifying an aim that they could
work towards.
Aim
To assist the Diocese in positively engaging in the changing ministry in
the Church.
Vision
Rooted in prayer and scripture and centred on Jesus Christ, we are
aspiring as a Diocese to value all people as equal in dignity, and we
are striving to become an inclusive church where laity, clergy and
religious - in a spirit of respect, dialogue, shared responsibility,
support for each other and reconciliation - are working together to
realise the Kingdom of God on earth.
In our wish for change we want to remain faithful to the values of the
Kingdom, which at times may be counter to the values of society. We are
aware that as a Church we need to take into account the rate of change
in society today.
Special attention will be given to communicating with youth, with people
who are perceived to be outsiders, people not availing of the
sacramental system within the church and people currently excluded from
the sacraments.
Over the last five years the Ministry and Change Group has tried to stay
faithful to the above aim and vision.
Occasionally, we have been discouraged at the apparent slowness of the
pace of change and by an awareness of the enormity of the task. However,
at this stage from the valuable experience we have gained and from what
we have learnt, we wish to share the benefit of that experience.
Disappointments
1. The group felt that there is:
A feeling of uncertainty as to whether leadership within the life of the
Church is ready to acknowledge the need for a renewal of its thinking in
the area of Collaborative Ministry and the need to initiate a programme
to implement it.
A lack of a long term Ministry plan at Diocesan level. This has
presented a difficulty in regard to any planning to further the
recommendations in this report.
2. There is apparent apathy among Church leadership and membership which
sometimes hinders the work of renewal and change.
3. The reality of the human weakness within the Church as seen in the
issue of abuse has not resulted in a new approach to ministry, which we
had hoped for.
Achievements
1. A vision statement with excellent values and worthwhile objectives
was drawn up.
2. The approach to working in the Ministry and Change Group, which was
to value respect for one another, to share our experiences of faith
using the word of God and to collaborate in all the tasks we engaged in,
resulted in an enhanced sense of the need for a renewal of thinking in
the area of Collaborative Ministry.
Processes and Methods of Work that We Found Helpful
* Group meetings (small groups and large groups)
* Outreach work in various parishes
* Use of external facilitators
* A Diocesan Conference on Collaborative Ministry
* Attendance at Conferences in other Dioceses
* Access to documentation on similar type work done by groups in this
area of ministry.
* The compilation and distribution of a Ministry and Change Leaflet and
Prayer throughout the Parish Priests and Administrators of the Diocese
* Commissioning of group by the Bishop
* Distribution of Press releases
Recommendations
1. Recognition of the critical need for better communication within
the Diocese at
all levels.
Proposal: That Listening Days be arranged when the Bishop or a group
delegated by the Diocese would visit a parish to hear the views of the
parishioners to prioritise future diocesan policy.
Proposal: That Diocesan/Parish communication affecting the people of God
be carried out in a setting that is respectful and caring of those who
are primarily affected by the decision.
2. Recognition Of the urgent need for a renewal of Spiritual Life and
Ministry,
involving the sharing of responsibility by all the baptised.
Proposal: Education/Faith Formation for all members of the Church in the
Church as Communion, the Church as People of God and a Spirituality of
Ministry based on our common Baptismal dignity.
Proposal: That a sense of ownership of our Church by all its people be
nurtured and that the task of leadership be seen to facilitate such
ownership.
Proposal: That authority be seen not simply as the prerogative of any
individual office holder but is given to the whole community listening
to the Spirit.
3. Recognition and acknowledgement of the desire and readiness among
many
people for ministry relevant to today's needs.
Proposal: That any ministry today focuses on promoting the values of the
Kingdom of God (dignity, respect, equality, service etc.) That such
ministry be sensitive to and appreciative of the many signs of the
Kingdom that exist in today's society - that its stance be one of
encouragement.
4. Recognition of the urgent need for Parish and Diocesan structures
that would
ensure Collaborative Ministry and continuity in the life of the Parish.
Proposal: That Diocese/Parish put in place Diocesan/Parish Leadership
Team with decision-making powers.
Proposal: That good group practice be exercised in Diocesan/Parish
committees and that leaders be chosen on the basis of giftedness and
ability.
5. Recognition of the critical need for a Diocesan Pastoral Plan to
help achieve the
above objectives.
(Return to Derry Report)
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VOTF™
Mission Statement
To provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit,
through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance
and guidance of the Catholic Church.
Our Goals
1. To support
survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
2. To support priests of integrity
3.To shape structural change within the Catholic Church.
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