In the first Epsom Deanery Newsletter last Autumn, I wrote about the initial steps we were taking in response to Bishop Richard’s Call to Mission, as we committed ourselves to putting his Pastoral Plan into effect in this area. In this issue, you can read about some of the meetings that have happened, some actions that are taking place in the coming weeks and months, and about plans that are beginning to form for the longer term; and, most importantly, about how each person can get involved.
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But before you read on, let’s take a moment to hear again from the Pastoral Letter Bishop Richard wrote for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: the renewal of our parish structures is to enable us all – lay faithful, religious, deacons, priests and bishop – to take our proper place in the great Mission that the Lord has given to us… It is Bishop Richard’s hope and prayer that the renewal to which we are all called, and the willingness to find new ways of serving and witnessing, will help communities join together in prayer, in formation and in the mission that will develop from these foundations.
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Prayer “Prayer is the necessary foundation for every step that we take.” To this end, everyone is invited to a monthly Holy Hour, dedicated to praying for the Deanery and the Pastoral Plan; this is in addition to the opportunities for praying together that are already in place across the Deanery. The Hour will include a Scripture Reflection, the Holy Rosary and Benediction; Mass will follow at 6pm. It would be lovely to see people from across the Deanery coming together to pray!
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Formation “Every person in the Diocese has the right and responsibility to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the faith.” Formation is life-long and for everyone; it’s about becoming more Christ-like. Jesus says, everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher [Luke 6:40]. Each of us must ask: What formation or training do I need to be more like Christ the Teacher? What formation or training will help us help each other develop the gifts God has given us for the service of the Church and her mission? In this constant ‘becoming’ more like Christ, the Eucharist plays a central part: grant that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ [Eucharistic Prayer III]. What a beautiful vision! But it doesn’t happen automatically, only when we engage in the Mass with open-hearted generosity and a willingness to share in the sacrifice.
Mission “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” [Mt.28:19] This is our Mission, to bring the good news of salvation to the whole world. As we progress together towards becoming a new single Parish, we must never lose sight of this purpose. Bishop Richard reminded us that, in this Jubilee Year, the Holy Father has called us to be Pilgrims of Hope: our Hope is the Kingdom to which we look forward and our Mission is to make this Hope our gift to the world. This
Mission is for everyone and encompasses everything about the way we live our lives as Christians.
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Reflecting on all this, there is much to do. I pray that each one of us will use this season of Lent to reflect on how we can best support these efforts, and I invite everyone to commit both prayers and practical support to the work that will be needed. Please get involved. Look out for opportunities listed in this newsletter or in your parish newsletters. I know some people are finding this a challenge – please feel free to use the mailbox address below to let me know directly about your concerns – but I look forward in hope as we continue our journey together.
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Fr Chris Bergin