Go Out and Bear Fruit     
A Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Portsmouth

  Brief summary of the Pastoral Plan

Supporting Each Other

Go Out and Bear Fruit: Supporting Each Other (from the Pastoral Plan)

Commentary: Nicky Stevens

It is by our love for one another that we are recognised as the disciples of Jesus. 

Jesus treated everyone he met as a gift from his Father, and had a particular care and compassion for those who were in any kind of need. He listened to people and welcomed those who were excluded. We are called to do the same.   

At every stage of life, each of us needs both to give and receive different kinds of support.  When this happens, the presence and action of the Holy Spirit is made visible in our communities. 

As Christians, we have a responsibility to value difference, recognising the God-given dignity of each person, regardless of their circumstances.

Each of us has a vocation within the community of the baptised - all our different vocations are vital to the life and mission of the Church.  As a Diocese, we will work to develop resources and initiatives to encourage everyone to recognise their distinct vocation: personal, professional, pastoral, and to support people in their unique vocation