posted on 15th January 2022
What's Happening in St Ann's and St Quivox?
Although we had originally intended to invite parishioners and others to meet in the hall and respond personally to the ten questions asked over the past few weeks, rising levels of Covid have made us cautious of arranging public meetings whenever they can be avoided. Instead we would ask every parishioner, whether they attend church or not, and anyone else interested in participating in this dialogue to complete and return one of the questionnaires the Synod Team have made available.
The responses to this first phase will help identify the topics that appear to be most important and will shape fututre questions that we will be asked in a few weeks. It is important therefore that as wide a variety of opinions are recieved, not just one per family but from every individual who wishes to have their voice heard.
SYNOD TOPIC TEN - FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY:
Synodality, that is journeying together, involves ongoing learning, and being open to change. What do we need to help us to be more capable of 'walking together', listening to one another, participating in mission, and engaging in dialogue? What training do lay leaders need to ensure they exercise their authority in a synodal way - i.e. that every member of the community is welcomed, respected and listened to? Fr. Stephen Latham has created a short video reflection, which is available on the diocesan webpage at gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod-news, or here to help you consider these questions. The diocesan team will be pleased to receive all feedback on these questions at synod@gallowaydiocese.org.uk, which will also be addressed during parish synod encounters in the coming weeks.
Next week: Summary of Synod responses so far.
posted on 15th January 2022
There will not be the usual 10am Mass this Thursday, instead mass will be at 12.15pm and will be for the funeral of Carole O'Neill.
posted on 8th January 2022
SYNOD TOPIC NINE - DISCERNING AND DECIDING:
A synodal Church makes decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying through our whole community. How well do we promote participation in decision making and how well do we make decisions together? How can we improve our methods so that everyone's voices can be included? How can we grow in communal spiritual discernment? Fr. Stephen Latham has created a short video reflection, which is available on the diocesan webpage at gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod-news, or here to help you consider these questions. The diocesan team will be pleased to receive all feedback on these questions at synod@gallowaydiocese.org.uk, which will also be addressed during parish synod encounters in the coming weeks.
Next week: Synod topic ten - Forming Ourselves in Synodality
posted on 8th January 2022
Mass on Sundays is celebrated at 9.45am in St Quivox, Prestwich and at 11.30am in St Ann's, Mossblown. Starting this Sunday, 9th January, the 6pm Sunday evening Mass will resume at St Quivox.
posted on 30th December 2021
Parents who wish to register their children with our primary school should do so during the week starting 17th January. For more details please see the letter St Ninian's has prepared and which is available to read here.
posted on 30th December 2021
SYNOD TOPIC EIGHT - AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION:
A synodal Church is a Church where everyone participates and everyone shares responsibility. How well do we identify our goals and how to reach them? What good examples do we have of governance, teamwork and shared responsibility? How do we promote lay ministries and the responsibility of lay people? What fruitful experiences can we share of lay leadership? How can we develop fruitful participation and leadership? Fr. Stephen Latham has created a short video reflection, which is available on the diocesan webpage at gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod-news, or here to help you consider these questions. The diocesan team will be pleased to receive all feedback on these questions at synod@gallowaydiocese.org.uk, which will also be addressed during parish synod encounters in the coming weeks.
Next week: Synod topic nine - Discerning and Deciding
posted on 11th October 2021
As you will know, the Synod on Synodality was launched at the weekend, with the diocesan phase commencing next weekend. A diocesan team are planning, developing resources, and organising training to carry out the participatory phase of the Synod. They will soon begin sending short, weekly bulletin inserts which will help us understand what a synod is, introduce people to the language of synodality, and explain the purpose and practicalities of this first, diocesan phase.
We have been asked to identify one or two people who may be willing to work with the diocesan team for the participatory phase, the bulk of which is likely to take place in January and February, both in person and online.
These "coordinators" will be provided with training in November, and will be asked to facilitate leading prayerful discussions in their own parish/parish cluster and then feed back to the diocesan team. It is not necessary for coordinators to feel comfortable running online sessions, as the diocesan team will be able to assist with these. We have been asked to respond to this request by Monday, 25th October with the names and contact details of any parishioners identified as willing to assist in this role.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.
