Diocesan vision

Dear Sisters & Brothers

In order to grow as a synodal Church it is important that we all have a chance to pray and discern how the Holy Spirit is inviting us to grow in mission in our parishes and communities. To facilitate this, I together with others, offer an initial Diocesan vision for your prayerful reflection. Our discerned Diocesan commitments are: To Walk with Jesus and Enable Others to Encounter Him; To Grow as One Diocesan Family – Rebuilding Relationships; Forming and Developing People for Mission; Living Justly and Caring for Our Common Home. Each of these commitments are developed in the vision. It is not my intention to impose this vision. It is offered for further reflection and I invite all of our parishes and communities to prayerfully reflect on them. We offer accompanying resources and support to enable this reflection. Please contact your parish office if you would like hard copies of these materials which are all available on the Diocesan website.

With assurances and prayers,

Bishop Stephen

We entrust the future of our diocesan family to our patron, Blessed Lady Immaculate, pray for us.

Read more on the Diocesan website

Bishop Stephen’s Response to the Listening Exercises

From the Diocesan website.

Summary of Listening Exercises, Result of Questionnaire and Bishop Stephen’s Response

Below you will find all of the summaries from the various listening exercises that have been running since the summer of 2023, and the results of the Questionnaire for the Dicastery of Bishops Report from March 2023. These are together with Bishop Stephen’s response to what has been presented to him. He reflects on the past, present and our future together.

Bishop-Stephens-Response-to-Diocesan-Listening-Exercises.pdf

Download PDF • 425KB

From the Diocese - Days of Reflection/Courses

The Diocesan Liturgical Formation Team will be offering the following Days of Reflection and Courses this coming Autumn:

Days of Reflection:

• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

(Fr. Gero McLoughlin SJ):

Saturday 23rd September 2023 (10.30am - 3.00pm),

St Joseph's, Gateshead.

View here

• Liturgical Leaders of the Celebration of the Word and Holy Communion (Lay Leaders) (Sr. Shelia McNamara RSCJ):

Saturday 7th October 2023 (10.30am - 3.00pm),

St Joseph's, Gateshead.

View here

Courses:

• New Readers of the Liturgy of the Word Commencing Monday 9th October 2023 (2 sessions)

Session 1 (evening): Monday 9 October, 7.00 – 9.00pm.

Session 2 (day): Saturday 14 October, 10.30am – 3.00pm (to include a Commissioning Service).

St Aidan's, Benton.

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• Liturgical Leaders of the Celebration of the Word and Holy Communion (Lay Leaders) Commencing Thursday 26th October 2023 (6 sessions)

Session 1: Thursday 26 October, 7.00 – 9.00pm.

Session 2: Thursday 2 November, 7.00 – 9.00pm.

Session 3: Thursday 9 November, 7.00 – 9.00pm.

Session 4: Thursday 16 November, 7.00 – 9.00pm.

Session 5: Saturday 25 November, 10.30am – 3.00pm.

Session 6: Thursday 30 November, 7.00 – 9.00pm (to include a Commissioning Service).

St Hilda's Diocesan Resource Centre, Newcastle

View here

Please let Marjorie know if you wish to attend either of these events and she will make the booking for you.