Just over a hundred Priests and lay people, from the length and breadth of the Diocese, recently packed English Martyrs’ in York for the “Travelling the Borderlands” workshop. All Parish Priests had been invited to attend along with a small group of their Parishioners who are engaged in implementing change within the Parish. Also members of the Diocesan Trustee Board were present, along with personnel from our Pastoral Centres.
The majority of parishes sent just two or three representatives, most of them active in various aspects of Adult Formation including many members of Parish Pastoral Councils. However the largest groups were from St Vincent de Paul’s in Hull, represented by Father Michael White and nine members of their Parish Forward Planning Group, and from Pocklington with Father Frank Gallagher and eight parishioners.
The theme of the workshop was the dynamics of transition, which explored the nature of the changes we are currently facing in the Church, as well as how and why people react as they do when confronted with change. The two fascinating speakers were Father Chris Fallon and Doctor Brendan Geary, both of whom work at Ushaw College and have huge expertise in management of change issues in Parish life.
Father Fallon examined how Parish life is changing, beginning with a fascinating history of the Catholic Church in England over the last two centuries, leading up to the contemporary setting and vision of our own Diocesan Pastoral Plan. From this he identified and focussed our thoughts upon three key issues 1) What is a parish and what is its mission? 2) The place of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic Christian community, and 3) The role of the priest and the relationship of ordained and lay ministry.
Doctor Geary examined the psychology of transition, including how we make sense of change. We looked at how we deal with aspects of loss, at the threats and opportunities presented by new beginnings, and at changing Parish structures.
The presentations were superbly illustrated with contemporary examples with which many people present could easily identify and empathise. The discussion sessions amongst participants were highly animated, with many people expressing real passion for the subject and the desire for further initiatives in this field.
Father John Lumley and myself were overwhelmed with positive comments about the day, with many people expressing the view that the workshop should be repeated for a wider audience throughout the Diocese. Father Fallon and Dr Geary have agreed to return to the Diocese to facilitate further events – so please look out for adverts for “Travelling the Borderlands” which will be held both in the north and south of the Diocese early next year.
Jane Cook July 2007
“Challenged by The Borderlands” Catholic Voice July 2007
Just over a hundred Priests and lay people, from the length and breadth of the Diocese, recently packed English Martyrs’ in York for the “Travelling the Borderlands” workshop. All Parish Priests had been invited to attend along with a small group of their Parishioners who are engaged in implementing change within the Parish. Also members of the Diocesan Trustee Board were present, along with personnel from our Pastoral Centres.
The majority of parishes sent just two or three representatives, most of them active in various aspects of Adult Formation including many members of Parish Pastoral Councils. However the largest groups were from St Vincent de Paul’s in Hull, represented by Father Michael White and nine members of their Parish Forward Planning Group, and from Pocklington with Father Frank Gallagher and eight parishioners.
The theme of the workshop was the dynamics of transition, which explored the nature of the changes we are currently facing in the Church, as well as how and why people react as they do when confronted with change. The two fascinating speakers were Father Chris Fallon and Doctor Brendan Geary, both of whom work at Ushaw College and have huge expertise in management of change issues in Parish life.
Father Fallon examined how Parish life is changing, beginning with a fascinating history of the Catholic Church in England over the last two centuries, leading up to the contemporary setting and vision of our own Diocesan Pastoral Plan. From this he identified and focussed our thoughts upon three key issues 1) What is a parish and what is its mission? 2) The place of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic Christian community, and 3) The role of the priest and the relationship of ordained and lay ministry.
Doctor Geary examined the psychology of transition, including how we make sense of change. We looked at how we deal with aspects of loss, at the threats and opportunities presented by new beginnings, and at changing Parish structures.
The presentations were superbly illustrated with contemporary examples with which many people present could easily identify and empathise. The discussion sessions amongst participants were highly animated, with many people expressing real passion for the subject and the desire for further initiatives in this field.
Father John Lumley and myself were overwhelmed with positive comments about the day, with many people expressing the view that the workshop should be repeated for a wider audience throughout the Diocese. Father Fallon and Dr Geary have agreed to return to the Diocese to facilitate further events – so please look out for adverts for “Travelling the Borderlands” which will be held both in the north and south of the Diocese early next year.
Jane Cook July 2007