Diocesan Pastoral Council

The Diocesan Pastoral Council will meet next Saturday 15th October to discuss the Diocesan Ten-Year Mission Plan (with a particular focus on Lay Formation). As a key part of the gathering, I have invited 30 participants from deanery, pastoral area and parish evangelisation strategy teams  to join me. The purpose of the DPC is to enable the Bishop, and those with responsibility for the life of the Diocese, to consult the Diocese, especially the laity, to listen to their advice and suggestions. The Bishop convokes the Council and approves or proposes the topics to be considered (cf. CIC 561-2), while a core team meets through the year to prepare for the plenary meetings and to enact the arrangements. The core committee has proposed an agenda for this meeting: to consider the draft Diocesan Ten-Year Mission Plan (‘You Will be My Witnesses’). The council will take place at St. Peter’s, Winchester on Saturday 15th October, the Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, beginning with Mass at 9am and ending at 1pm. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the meeting and fill our Diocese with grace and strength.