Archbishop Longley has prepared a Pastoral Letter, which has been to sent to all parishes in the archdiocese, to be shared with their communities detailing his latest plans for the archdiocese.
In it he explains, “The present moment offers an opportunity to focus on renewal here in our Archdiocese – being open to change. I want us to look at how we can each respond to God’s call to be missionary disciples in the Church and in our local communities, working joyfully together to spread the Word and undertake the work of God. How are we to unfold God’s plan for our Church?”
He continues, “Our vision is to be a Catholic diocese which is faithful to the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, full of missionary disciples who work together co-responsibly in vibrant communities of faith, joyful in their service of God and others.”
Bishop Longley then goes on to invite us to consider four essential aspects of our diocesan mission, these being Evangelisation, Formation, Liturgy and Worship and Social Outreach. He explains what actions he will be taking to further develop the mission of the Church which will enable it to grow- “‘like a mustard seed which…is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all.'”
Spirit of God,
descend on me this day.
Grant me the Spirit of joy, to lift me,
the Spirit of hope to inspire me,
the Spirit of love to surround me and
the Spirit of truth to enlighten my path.
Holy Spirit,
I pray for a new outpouring of your grace,
so that I may grow in worship of your name
in love of you in my prayer
and in my actions towards others.
Come Holy Spirit into my life to guide me.
Strengthen and defend me,
so that I may be drawn ever closer to you.
Help me this day and always
to be a channel of grace
in all I say and do
and invite others into relationship with you.
Amen
Bernard Longley's Pastoral Letter June 2021