AWARENESS:

If you tuned into my weekly message, you will have noted that I shared some of my heartfelt message to the parents of those preparing for First Communion. I remain concerned that so many people have not seriously taken on board the huge challenges that lie ahead for all of us.

Vocations to the priesthood are not forthcoming to sustain anything like even the limited provision of the Eucharist and the Sacraments, which we have at present. We really are going to have to think carefully about how we build our communities so that they remain vibrant, life-giving and missionary.

The results of the Archdiocesan Synod are gradually being put into place, but I remain anxious that the process, which is the essence of the project, has not really touched the vast majority of the congregation. It is based on the experience of the disciples, who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Their eyes were opened and they “put the jigsaw together” to use one of my favourite images! We need to think of ways in which we can walk together and get our act together.

Hopefully, we can use the summer to reflect. Then, in the autumn we may be able to form teams in both parishes to plan the future.