Luton Pastoral Area Discernment Process
New Wineskins
Luton is changing rapidly, but our Catholic structures date from the 1890s /1960s. Bishop David is asking everyone to reflect on our community life and mission into the future. The Luton 2040 plan offers a local vision to which we can contribute as Catholics. Combining Bishop David’s hopes for our area and the Luton plan challenges us:
- To support the local Catholic community to thrive through good stewardship of people, property, and finances.
- To empower everyone to deepen their faith and reach their full potential, including both practicing members and those in need.
- To prioritise children, young people, and families.
- To address the climate emergency by caring for our common home and planning for a sustainable future.
This vision is achieved by supporting a strong, diverse, and empowered Catholic community, driven by local decision-making, shared identity, and collective discernment of the Holy Spirit
PHASES OF THE Discernment Process
Prepare
Working with clergy
Training listeners
Gathering data
Listen
Listening groups held across parishes, schools, Catholic organisations and groups, engaging as many people as possible.
All voices are welcome.
Discern
A small local discernment group will develop key themes and scenarios from the listening. These will be turned into plans through ongoing consultation.
Act
Bishop David enacts the plan locally
Resources
If you would like to hold listening in your area, here are all the resources you need:
