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Bishop's Letters | Diocesan Consultation 1998
My dear people, In the fall of 1995 I established a committee of the Council of Priests to assess diocesan needs regarding parishes as we approach the third millennium. The Catholic population is growing rapidly in some parts of our Diocese and the number of priests available to serve in parishes has not kept up with this growth. We are aware that many changes have taken place in our society and in the Church during the past forty years. These changes have presented new challenges to all who minister in the Church today. They have also presented us with new opportunities to give witness to Jesus Christ. The committee established a plan of action, which began with meetings among the priests of the diocese to reflect on their ministry. Last winter the first stage of a consultation took place. Meetings with priests and parish representatives were held in each region of the diocese to consider three questions: >What draws people to your parish? >How have societal changes had an impact on your experience of parish life today? >What do you perceive to be the major needs of people within your parish today? There was good participation in these meetings and much helpful information was gathered. At this time, the committee is inviting each parish to participate in the second stage of consultation. Copies of a consultation instrument based on the abovementioned questions have been sent to each pastor. I am asking that each parish prayerfully reflect on this document and respond to the committee before the end of this year. At the direction of each pastor, the responses may be made by the parish pastoral council, representative groups of parishioners or by individuals. Once the results of this present consultation have been received, strategies for effective ministry in parishes and in the diocese will be developed and eventually implemented. I ask you to respond generously to this invitation to participate in our diocesan consultation. I also ask you to pray that we may remain open to the Holy Spirit as we approach the challenges and opportunities of a new millennium of Christianity. Sincerely yours in Christ,
BISHOP OF HAMILTON
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