There had been a very large response to the Larger Pastoral Areas Discussion Document launched at the end of January. All comments received had been read by at least 4 members of the Steering Group, and in the light of this feedback, there has been a significant number of changes to original proposals. Nicky refuted any suggestion that the exercise had been a cosmetic one and that the new Pastoral formations had already been decided. The PAs will be announced by Bishop Crispian in a 4-page special edition of ‘Portsmouth People’ on Pentecost Sunday – 4th June.
 

Work progresses on producing the Guidance Handbook for the PA Collaborative Leadership Teams which will comprise priests, deacons and lay people. This will be issued in September.
 

21st June will be the ‘Day’ for Diocesan administrative/secretarial workers - paid and unpaid. All priests had been sent the invitation.
 

Attention was drawn to the ‘Prayer Resources’ page on the Diocesan web site. This seeks feedback on how these resources are being used, and announces the establishment of a Novena and Pentecost Vigil. This web site has undergone a complete revamp –  which will be launched on Pentecost Sunday.
 

Relationships will be a strong theme in the new Handbook, delegates discussed recent experience of and future opportunities for building new relationships in deaneries (such as instances of parishes working closely together), and went on to explore ‘next steps’ for parishes once the shape of their Pastoral Area becomes clear – plus the kind of support they might need.
 

‘A Parish Summary’ has been produced (of which delegates were given a draft copy), this being a self-review tool to assist parishes in identifying and harnessing the resources, groups and activities found in a parish. The Steering Group would appreciate having a copy of completed reviews – and would also assist in setting up  groups/activities mentioned in the document where they do not already exist.
 

Delegates discussed draft guidelines for the organizational structures envisaged for the Pastoral Areas - viz the tiered PA Leadership Teams, PA Pastoral Councils and the Worshipping Community Pastoral Groups (this last parish based).
 

In the context of preparing for the new ways of working in the PAs, a course of ‘Leadership Training’ is to be introduced. This will be a mix of practical skills and theology.