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Pastoral
Letters
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Pastoral Letter for the Feast of Christ the King 2001Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The Feast of Christ the King speaks to us of ultimate things. Most immediately, it marks the end of the Church's year but, more importantly, it points us towards a vision of the definitive establishment of the Kingdom. The feast challenges us to explore the meaning of the kingdom of Christ. He insists himself that it is not a kingdom of this world. On the contrary, it is a kingdom in which the authority of the King himself is seen most powerfully when he is nailed to the Cross, vulnerable, mocked and scorned. His kingdom needs no armies or violence because it is rooted in truth and life, in holiness and grace, in justice, love and peace. It is especially a kingdom for today, living as we do in the midst of violence and war. As the gathered disciples of Christ the King, we play an integral part in the building the kingdom. Our life in the diocese is sharply focussed on communion with God and with each other. It is from within this communion that we find the strength and courage to proclaim and live the kingdom. This is the task that faces us all - bishop, priests, deacons and lay people. To be equal to the challenge, we need to change and grow constantly in faith as individuals, as parish communities and as a diocese. Formation - particularly adult formation - and training have a vital part to play in this growth. They need to be priorities in the life and structures of the diocese. As I visit parishes and communities, I am constantly struck by the real and widespread desire of countless people to know faith, to know of the faith and to pray. It is very clear that the need for this ongoing formation is just as necessary for priests and deacons as it is for lay people. As clergy, we must continue to develop our skills, to grow personally and spiritually, and to keep abreast of modern trends in theology and in the world around us. No one could put it more strongly than John Paul II when he wrote, "The priest's commitment to his ongoing formation is an act of love for Jesus Christ and love and duty to the people of God." In 1998, the clergy and I spent several precious days together in Bournemouth and it was an enormously encouraging and worthwhile time. As a result of the sharing that took place then, there was a strong request that a survey be made of clergy needs for ongoing formation and support. This survey took place last year. A report has been published and a number of important recommendations are currently being implemented in the diocese. Reading this report, I became more and more aware of the huge commitment and concern that our priests bring to their work. It is hard and the road for some can be very lonely. There have been scandals that have distressed and hurt us all - especially when our sacred trust towards children has been betrayed - but the whole picture is one of exemplary devotion and daily dedication from our priests and deacons. As bishop, I could do nothing without such dedicated ministry. I am deeply grateful. We have learned from the survey that personal and human development, theological and pastoral skills, and spiritual nourishment are all-important to the life and ministry of the priest. Priests and deacons need and value the affirmation and support of their parishioners, families, friends and fellow clergy. In addition, we are setting up schemes for structured professional support of clergy, including supervision and appraisal, which can nurture our ministry. It is clear that, like all human beings, many priests have suffered from loss and bereavement in their lives. This can be deeply personal through the death of parents, family and close friends, but it also occurs when they are changed from one post to another. When a priest moves from a parish, both he and his parishioners find this difficult and we must find more compassionate ways of managing these transitions. Change and variety in ministry is welcomed by some while others find it difficult and painful. However we see it, we need support and formation to cope with it. There is a real necessity for us to undergo the cultural change involved in accepting that ongoing formation is both indispensable and a duty. If we are to make a proper commitment to this, both individuals and the diocese will need to invest resources to enable it to happen. It will mean priests spending time away from parishes to attend courses and retreats - and it will cost money. I hope you will be understanding of this. Change can cause fear, and even anger in some, because it means letting go of a comfortable and secure past. It means putting out into deep water. Christ was able to let go, even of his own life, because of his confidence in a future of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love and peace - a kingdom worth giving up everything for. I too believe in this future and I want to do my best to lead you to it. I cannot do it alone but I know I am supported. I want to thank you all for your constant love and encouragement. May God bless you all,
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