Advent is a time of grace to free ourselves from the false belief that we are self-sufficient, to confess our sins and welcome God’s pardon, and to ask forgiveness from those we have offended.
Pope Francis
Bishop Richard has issued a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, marking an important new stage in the development of diocesan parish structures, creating new pathways for apostolic mission and meeting the challenges of an increasingly secular society with renewed confidence and openness to the Holy Spirit.
The Call to Mission focuses on the significant potential of diocesan parish communities to act as “beacons of light… not in an era of change, but in a change of era” consolidating the work already undertaken across the diocese to place prayer, formation, and mission at the heart of diocesan parish and school community life.
The plan reorders the diocese in a radical way: in the coming months, the present 11 deaneries will be re-configured as 11 parishes; priests & deacons will work together, with one of the priests appointed Moderator for each parish.
The new, updated Pastoral Plan is available on the diocesan website: https://www.abdiocese.org.uk/news/bishop-richards-new-pastoral-plan
(for links to each episode, see Live Stream on this website)
Our Invited Mission began last year, bringing people from across the Diocese, and far beyond, together in faith, online.
Season I allowed us to explore the basic message of the Gospel; that we are created by a God of love, for a perfect relationship of love with Him, but that sadly our brokenness, weakness, and wounded nature means that we often turn away from Him – struggling to find our own paths to the peace and joy that only He can bring.
Season II of Invited, ‘Growing in Faith’ was all about our day-to-day experiences, the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, exploring what it really means to be a follower, or disciple of Jesus.
Season III – there are four weeks of this Invited Season which coincide with the four weeks of Advent, and as you work through these resources, we hope and pray that you and the guests you are journeying with, will grow n faith as well as friendship.
Each Invited Season III film is accompanied by a range of downloadable resources on the theme of the Incarnation. The programme is designed to be accessed by individuals and groups – with everyone, regardless of age, depth of faith, or involvement in the parish very welcome.
Hot on the heels of our Advent season, we are delighted to bring you the fourth season of our Invited digital mission this Lent. Invited Season IV will offer an important opportunity to take a deeper dive into our faith, and is designed to help us grow as disciples of Jesus by offering a richer level of formation – with some practical challenges along the way.
Taking part is easy, you simply watch each week’s film – available on our Invited webpage, via email if you sign up, and on social media – and use the accompanying resources to help you watch, reflect, and pray. The Lent season is aimed at those who have already said ‘yes’ to Jesus and are looking for concrete ways to conform their lives more closely to Christ. It will help you understand who Jesus is, and just how much he loves you.
(see Diocesan Website for further information)
MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING COURSES Would you like to understand more about the challenges and reality of mental health on those around you? We continue to run courses focused on raising awareness of symptoms and the impact on people’s lives along with ways to signpost those who are struggling. For more details see the Diocesan website or email Simon South, Formation Advisor E: simon.south@abdiocese.org.uk
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH? As part of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies, different subjects are taught in depth over Saturdays in Crawley. These include the Scriptures, the Person of Jesus Christ, the Church and its sacramental life and moral understanding. The modules can be attended separately or can build as part of the Certificate. Course runs October to April and suit anyone who is interested in developing knowledge of their faith, whether personally or to support a ministry. More info E: jon.harman@abdiocese.org.uk
Thinking of the Priesthood – In our Diocese we have a St John Vianney Group meeting 4/5 Sundays each year. It is a group for men aged 18-45 who wish to explore whether they have a calling to the priesthood. If you would like to find out more or just chat generally about vocations contact our diocesan vocations director, Fr Tristan Cranfield: tristan.cranfield@abdiocese.org.uk
Have you ever thought about being a priest, or know someone who has? Our diocesan vocations director, Fr Tristan Cranfield, is planning several days of reflection for men to start discerning God’s call in earnest. It’s not always easy to know if God is calling you to priesthood; these days will aim to explore some simple tools for finding out, time for prayer and an opportunity to learn more about the diocesan priest, along with other men following the same path. Certainty is not required – the day may be just a chance for you to start your thinking, pray and ask questions. Please contact vocations@abdiocese.org.uk to find out more.
21st September – Catechists’ Day 11.00-4.00pm
CCRS SOUTH Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies: Beginning Tues 24 Sept 2024 3.45pm – 5.45pm Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove. The CCRS will be run on Tuesdays, 3.45-5.45pm. With modules delivered over two years. £20 registration fee, plus an additional £30 for each of the 8 modules. More information from Jon Harman, Formation Advisor: E: jon.harman@abdiocese.org.uk
12th October – Marriage Anniversaries Mass 11.30-2.00pm
6th November – Grandparents’ formation Day 11.00-3.30pm
To find out about and book events hosted by the Diocese please visit our website events calendar : https://www.abdiocese.org.uk/diocese/events
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The Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Trust is a Registered Charity No. 252878.