As part of the Diocesan Report on the Synod process, there were commitments to further listening on key topics. The listening will take the form of working parties.
These groups will be trained in spiritual conversation, and will create opportunities for further listening on their topics. They will produce a reflection paper for the diocese, including the current pastoral reality, theological and mission focussed reflection, and proposals for change. These will be published in June and presented at the Diocesan Assembly.
The groups are just beginning to form, and opportunities to be in conversation will be posted below:
- The role and life of the priest in the post-pandemic Church, especially workload, vocation and pastoral care: chaired by Fr John Udris frjohn.udris@northamptondiocese.org
- An open conversation about finances, numbers of priests and parish life as we become more missionary and community minded: chaired by Tony McNiff, Chief Operating Office and Majella Meehan, Finance Manager tony.mcniff@northamptondiocese.org, majella.meehan@northamptondiocese.org
- More lay participation in the decision-making structures at all levels of the diocese, including the establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council and synodal structures at parish level (including parish councils): chaired by Avril Baigent, Synod co-lead avril.baigent@northamptondiocese.org
- What women’s ministry exists and how this might develop, including the new roles of Catechist, Lector and Acolyte: chaired by Helen Burgess, National Catholic Women’s Board representative helen.burgess@northamptondiocese.org
- Outreach to marginalised groups to hear their recommendations for better engagement: chaired by Fr Kevin O’Driscoll (Catholic Handicapped Children’s Fellowship) frkevin.odriscoll@northamptondiocese.organd Deacon Jim Hannigan, Director of Caritas Northampton deaconjim.hannigan@northamptondiocese.org