Parish Mission Group Statement
As members of the Catholic Parish Council, we share in the love of Jesus Christ through our baptism and commitment to the values expressed in the Gospel. Our aim is to support the Parish Priest, Father Rory, of St. Wilfrid’s Church in Hailsham and St. Georges church in Polegate. The group meets every 8 weeks to discuss, suggest and promote initiatives within the Parish.
Our Vision and long-term inspiration is to become an increasingly welcoming and diverse Catholic community, that is at the centre of parish life, united through prayer and action in the service of God.
We strive to make visible, God’s love and care, reaching out to those in need across our Parish and community. In creating a supportive parish family that fosters communication, celebrating the presence of Christ in our lives.
We stand and we dedicate our lives, witnessing to the unfailing love and friendship of God, through His beloved son whose heart of love we find daily strength for our journey.
How we do this:
Supporting and encouraging each other and anyone interested in finding out about the Word of God, making every effort to share the Gospel message (the ‘Good News’) and to reconcile those who have fallen away from the practice of the Catholic faith. Growing in our faith through prayer and receipt of the Sacraments of the Church
Nurturing the faith of our young people and their development into mature Christian men and women.
Supporting those who are sick, either in their homes, in hospital, or in nursing homes; ensuring that they are nourished with the Sacraments
Seeking out and supporting those in need, whether poor, hungry, homeless, lonely or bereaved, exiled from their homeland, or burdened with special difficulties.
Being ecumenical, fostering fellowship and cooperation with our local Christian churches and other faith communities, recognising that it is through praying together that the gift of Christian Unity will be achieved.
Whilst some aspects of our mission can only be fulfilled by an ordained Catholic priest, enabling our vision and mission is the shared responsibility of the whole parish, with the parish priest recognising and promoting the specific role which the lay members of Christ’s faithful (the ‘People of God)