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February 2007 The Future
Model of the DPC
Francis
Connolly, Chair of the WG commissioned by the DPC to examine the future
role and membership of the DPC in the context of the new Pastoral Areas,
presented final draft
proposals to Members. (This was the follow-up to the interim report
presented at the last DPC meeting). Subject to a few minor revisions, the
Report was accepted by Members for implementation. Particular points
included: method of selection of Representatives from the Pastoral Areas
is not prescribed – it’s a matter of having the right person; the need
to develop standardized terms and common vocabulary to aid clarity of
meaning was highlighted; members of religious orders are not excluded from
being representatives. The timescale for introducing
new arrangements was subsequently covered under the next Item. Pastoral
Plan
Mgr John Nelson led discussions on the Pastoral Plan. Nicky Stevens (Dept for Pastoral Formation) briefly surveyed what had been successfully achieved by the Pastoral Plan Implementation Group over the last busy twelve months. Stephen Morgan (Dept of Finance/ Property) stated that the Diocese will make a formal commitment to adopt the principles of Christian Stewardship as the means of implementing the Pastoral Plan. This is felt to represent the only sensible and practical way of pulling together all the different project elements, such has been the immense workload generated. The loading will result in a total re-marshalling of Curia resources to meet the challenge. Using ‘Stewardship’ as the vehicle for implementing the Plan will not change any of the enshrined principles; it is the approach that has altered – the means of bringing everything to fruition. In developing this theme, it was agreed that to harness the current impetus and good-will, the May meeting of the DPC will be cancelled and instead effort will be devoted to progressing and refining ‘Stewardship’ thinking. Timescales will be advanced, so that the October meeting will be the first meeting of the re-constituted DPC – in line with the recommendations of Francis Connolly’s Report (see Item above). Effectively, therefore, this February DPC meeting is the last one under current arrangements. Contemporary
Issues and Catholic Concerns Jan Guiboboni introduced his paper addressing a personal theme which has been a concern for him – his perception that the Catholic Church is the subject of adverse comment in the media. He was seeking clarification on what our stance should be and where theological guidance is to be found that instructs us in what it means to be Catholic and what it is we believe in. In the ensuing discussion, many sources of guidance (eg Vatican 2, the Gospels among many others) were identified. The feeling was that the Church does speak out on issues of significance, but it was important to address the right issue and tailor the response accordingly. Justice and Peace, Fair Trade, CAFOD There were three linked presentations relating to the Church’s teaching on the growing poverty and social injustice in the developing world. Catherine Waters-Clark spoke of what J&P means to her: it is about respecting basic humanitarian needs, having good will and taking action to do God’s will. This can take many forms – buying Fair Trade products, supporting CAFOD activities, welcoming strangers in our parishes etc. John Foley in his Fair Trade progress report spoke of the impressive achievement over the past 12 months whereby 73% of Diocesan parishes (based on 2006 Handbook) had now registered as a FT Parish. (NB 46% when expressed in terms of the new LPAs). John urged all parishes/ Worshipping Communities to vigorously commit themselves to FT principles, and to register. (It was known that many Parishes use FT products but have neglected to register). Anne Dodds spoke about CAFOD’s work in being a ‘voice for the voiceless’ and led members in discussing simple, practical ways in which we all can help to support Pope Paul VI’s ‘Populorum Progressio’ encyclical on ‘The Development of Peoples’ - which, in practical terms is a plea for us to ‘live simply’. Dates
of Next DPC Meetings 19/20 October 2007, 25/26 January 2008, 16/17 May 2008 Joe
Golden DPC Minutes Secretary |
