Countdown to our Centenary Celebration
Preparation has taken place, and a lot of work has to be done for what I am sure will be a very important event for our parish. The time and the date was dictated by the time that the first Mass was said in a church here in Hailsham 100 years ago. The implications has been that it is not an ideal time, an inconvenient date for priests and ministers. But I am sure that the outcome for our parish will be well served in that it prepares the way for a new generation.
When I was in the seminary fifty years ago, we thought that a time of great hope was on its way. It did provide a window of great opportunity, with the emphasis of Pope John 23rd to open up the windows and let in a lot more light. Unfortunately we find that the great majority of young people have lost touch with the church and are distanced from it. They do not see it as a challenge with a great lot to offer. The shock of scandals and especially the paedophile crisis has afflicted many, it is a great stain upon the church. Unless there is a great response from our church, attitudes are not likely to change anytime soon.
But for us the great truth is “to whom shall we turn, you have the message of eternal life”. Preparation for the Synod. Many years ago we were presented with Renew. We were in our parish with a team ministry, trying to put into place what I hope we now can do. As a parish team we took on board the renew process with the renew “Acorn – Oak Tree” which all parishes received after a ceremony in Brighton & Hove Football Ground. Ours is flourishing outside the church where we were serving i.e. St Paul’s Church in Haywards Heath. I have yet to see another, but I am sure there must be some in our diocese. Please God, with all my heart and my soul, I pray that we can do better this time.