About Forward Together in Hope ‘The purpose of Forward Together in Hope is to help us discover how to be more committed disciples of Jesus Christ. It will also help us find a way of making best use of our resources in order to ensure we have a thriving and sustainable Catholic community into the future.’

Led by Bishop Séamus and the Diocesan Board Built upon the foundations of our Diocesan Vision (2000) Overseen by a Development Group with lay and clergy representation Small core delivery team… …but an ambition to involve everyone in our Diocese. About Forward Together in Hope

Forward Together in Hope is a personal invitation to everyone in our Diocese to take part in a journey of renewal. Whether you are… Old or young – or somewhere in between At home, in education, employed or unemployed Clergy or lay person A regular church-goer or not Feeling included or feeling on the margins Or ‘none of the above’ …you are invited to take part. An Invitation

Firmly rooted in prayer Clergy and lay people working together Open, transparent and fair Excellent communication Clarity of decision-making Inclusive and collaborative Celebrating success Sharing good practice Some Principles

Rooted in the Second Vatican Council In Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis invites each of us to a renewed encounter with Jesus. He tells us ‘The Church is herself a missionary disciple; she needs to grow in her interpretation of the revealed word and in her understanding of truth’ Theological Context ‘I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ ’

Pope Francis is inviting us to become open minded and imaginative in how we become missionary evangelists. Key words to reflect on over the months ahead will be: Prayer Discipleship Viability Flourishing Diocese Theological Context

‘Diocesan Facts and Figures’ Supplement Decreasing numbers of priests Reducing attendance at Mass Fairly static number of churches Decreasing financial income All of this provides a real opportunity to look at things differently The Case for Change

Preparing the Way (Autumn 2014-Spring 2015 ) Developing liturgies and prayer resources Developing and distributing information leaflets Informing everyone about the approach through meetings, documents and a DVD Initial meetings and training for clergy and laity Bishop Séamus leads days of reflection The 3 Stages of the Journey

Exploring the Way (Spring 2015-Summer 2016) Prayer and liturgies across the Diocese Providing unique data to each parish at Pentecost Extensive consultation and self-evaluation process in each worshipping community Return of completed self-evaluation questionnaire and recommendations by Advent Detailed analysis and validation of responses Clarification meetings and on-going discussions The 3 Stages of the Journey

Pointing the Way Prayer and liturgies across the Diocese Consideration of recommendations by Diocesan- wide group of clergy and laity Information and analysis made available to Bishop Séamus to take decisions about the future Communicating these decisions and indicating the way forward for everyone Supporting parishes in moving to the new arrangements The 3 Stages of the Journey

What structures will you put in place to carry out the self-evaluation? How will you use the ‘Preparing the Way’ resources including the liturgy and spirituality resources? How can you ensure that particular groups, e.g. the housebound and young people, are fully involved? How might you engage with less regular worshippers? Perhaps parishioners could start to look at the 10 questionnaire headings and begin to assemble information. How can we prepare?

Education and Continuing Formation Active Involvement of People Worship and Spiritual Life Geographic Distance Christian Faithful Young People Leadership Outreach Finances Facilities Questionnaire Headings

8 minute DVD Preparing the Way booklet Diocesan Facts and Figures Our Story So Far – A Brief History of the Church in this Area Prayer and Liturgy Resources and Ideas All items also on CD and website at: Preparing the Way Resources

Ring binders in each parish – Documents, CD and DVD Lay contact in each parish to help communicate about the process All resources and latest news on the website Information and Contacts

I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is with us, giving us the courage we need to move forward together in hope.