Seeking the Face of Christ

Bishop Declan began the consultation process ‘Seeking the Face of Christ’  in 2006.  The aim of the process was to ask “what is it we need to do to be more effectively church in the 21st century?”  Everyone was asked to think about what strategies we need to put into place individually, as a parish and as a diocese as a whole to help us evangelise more successfully and live more faithfully the Good News.

The majority of people chose to respond as part of a parish group although some people submitted individual responses. Discussions ranged from youth, to the structure of our deaneries, from family life and spirituality to the environment.

Many people spoke of how fruitful they found these discussions in their own parishes.

Responses were collated and draft guidelines produced. Bishop Declan shared these guidelines and his vision for the future of our diocese in a series of meetings around the diocese during January to March 2008.

In addition there were gatherings for clergy, Diocesan Pastoral Council and schools and colleges, which will focused specifically on their role in the life of the diocese.

The draft guidelines were  not the final word. After people heard the Bishop talk about the guidelines and had an opportunity to study the proposals, they were invited either as a group, parish or individual to make a further response. You may not like some of the proposals, you may feel that there is a key area missing or you may consider the financial cost of implementing some of the proposals would be too high. Whatever the thoughts people had a further opportunity to make them known. People could respond to the guidelines until May 2008. Then the final document was compiled.

The ‘Seeking the Face of Christ’ team would like to thank everyone for your commitment to the process, and the time, enthusiasm and support you have contributed. In a world which is often struggles to be a place of hope and sometimes seems beset with suffering, it is more important than ever that we are able to witness to our faith in all that we say and do and in every aspect of our lives. Working together we have an opportunity to be the change we want to see.    

Ann Fowler

Email the ‘Seeking the Face of Christ’ team or write to St Ambrose, North Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PW.

Previous 'Seeking the Face of Christ' reports on cliftondiocese.com:
Opening of process, first meeting, Somerset meeting, Gloucestershire meeting, Bristol meeting, students contribute, pastoral council involved, collecting contributions and togetherness.