Fit 4 Mission. The Parish Evaluation

In my previous blog I provided a detailed response to Feedback on the Parish Evaluation Form.

This is a summary of the main position statements I made:

1. We need to rethink the issue of women's role in the Catholic Church by undertaking positive , prayerful and firm but respectful challenge to current Papal policy.

I am suggesting a phased review with changes over 10, 15 and 25-year stages to widen and include women in vocations as priests .

I suggest that we need to reflect on current thinking and explore the facts. This is not a 'fad' issue but an issue which is has its roots in history the history of the Christian Church.

2. We need to develop new models for engaging with young people.
3. We need a new model for vocations, which provides for wider engaging of younger men (and women) in ‘funded’ secondments for 3/7 years to Youth Deacon roles.
4. We need to promote the excellence of Catholic education but link this to attendance at Mass as a gateway to admission into schools.
5. We need to re assess the numbers and locations of church’s and downsize by creating new super parish centres.
6. We need to make provision for independent housing for Parish Priests linked to new support and chapel centres in the community.
7. We need to rethink giving and ensure best value from Parishioners contributions improving accountability and transparency in accounting.
8. We need to develop and implement ‘green’ policy and practice for assets and consumables.
9. We need to provide personal coaching for Parish Priests to assist them in undertaking the newer and demanding roles, equipping them with personal development plans that reflect the aspiration of the Diocese.
10. We need to harness technology to communicate our mission and make our role as Christians easier and more effective.


Look at the previous entries to the blog to see the background detail.