Next steps for Parish Mission Renewal

THE Becoming New in Christ Diocesan Support Plan for the six Common Directions for parish renewal will be rolled out to parishes over the next 18 months.

An early step in this journey is about mission-focused parish leadership and planning (Common Direction 1).

This will be the main agenda for two imminent events: the annual Priests’ Inservice (June 28-29) and the Parish Leadership Summit (July 15-16), bringing together priests and key people from each parish to explore the sort of leadership required to lead mission-focused parishes today.

A key tenet used to date has been: ‘Leadership is the gift that opens to all other gifts.’

It is important for all to understand that being in charge is not the same as leadership.

Being in charge is an appointment but leadership is both a charism and a capacity that is developed through knowledge, skills and attitudes.

However, every person in charge needs to exercise leadership and one of their main tasks is to encourage, bring forward and develop other leaders in parishes - otherwise, the parish and Church as a whole will not be able to carry out its mission.

Geoff Gowdie, Director of Diocese Mission Services, will assist with the co-ordination of the two events and will be joined by Richard Mcmahon and Lisa Bright of Synodal Consulting

Richard and Lisa bring together deep knowledge and vast experience in leading parish mission renewal in various Dioceses and parish communities.

Priests and parish members will then return to their communities to plan a timetable for renewal around the Common Directions, to be operational by December 2023. The Parish Mission Advisors will assist with the plan and work with parishes on implementation and delivery.