Our Parish Mission

Our aim is to be a parish of Missionary Disciples, helping everyone to realise that they have a call through their Baptism, finding and sharing the good news, and seeking Christ together.

As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22

Our programme of parish renewal has been inspired by the book ‘Divine Renovation: From a Maintenance to a Missional Parish’ by Fr James Mallon.

Much work has already been going on in the parish, but not always in a connected way and perhaps without realising that respective groups were already fulfilling the Mission.

As part of this programme we have defined our parish vision…

To be a welcoming, active and outgoing Parish community which recognises and benefits from our God-given gifts and talents, empowering each one of us, individually and collectively,  to spread the Good News to  others, whilst deepening our own relationship with Christ our brother, irrespective of the point we are at on our journey.

Understanding that we are all part of a Parish Renewal Programme makes us appreciate that we are not just a few amongst many. It means that we benefit from mutual support and so with confidence go out and encourage others. Conscious that there are those who no longer practise, part of our Mission is to reach out so they know they are not forgotten and are very much part of our community.

In 2019, a Mission Development Team was formed to discuss and debate the content of ‘Divine Renovation’ and ultimately plan the best way forward for the parish. The work has been significant, with many hours spent analysing, rationalising, and planning the way forward.

In 2022 a new Parish Pastoral Council was formed consisting of four members elected by parishioners and four appointed by Canon Anthony.  Four more members were appointed in late 2023. The purpose of the PPC is to advise and make recommendations to the Parish Priest on the spiritual, pastoral, and social life of the parish. This is a huge responsibility, which will be achieved by developing the parish goals that have been set, refining and introducing new ones as they become apparent, and deciding on the priorities to lead to the realisation of the Parish vision.