“With the help of God”
Yes, with the help of God we will do better; and so let us rely more upon that help. We had a very good get together with those who attended our first meeting in response to the issues raised by those who responded to the Synod questionnaires.
The reality of the age profile of the priests now in the church here in England and Ireland is beginning to be recognised and acknowledged. A great concern is the number of churches closing, and being sold; with this becoming a threat for other churches. For years our response has been too superficial, and of no help or benefit for a good outcome to the problems that are real.
With all my heart and soul I pray to God that this Synod will provide a great opportunity. I recall the great hope with which the 2nd Vatican Council was received. Equally there were many who were hostile to it. Life does not change, and so I am becoming more realistic. The first thing I can do in my response is not to set my hopes too high. Also to become more responsible and in the best possible way to help so that we can achieve the best possible outcome. Please God, St George’s church and St Wilfrid’s will flourish through God’s grace at work in us.
Structures have a good purpose and we made a good first response to the question raised by those in our parish to the Synod Questionnaire.
I brought to our attention some structures that worked very well in our past. The St Vincent De Paul Society and something parallel with this for the ministers of the eucharist. The Legion of Mary as a structure in support of the readers. Also many others as for preparation for the sacraments; for the liturgy for ecumenism. Beginning with core groups, identifying first points to help progress our response and in time our leaven groups will be up and running again. “Fit for purpose”.