PAWG

On Thursday 9th October a meeting was held for the Pastoral Area Working Group. I was in attendance and it was most enjoyable. There were representatives of all parishes within the PA and three priests. Father Grant chaired the meeting and his enthusiasm was as inspirational as ever, seeming to glue the whole thing together. Well he is pastoral leader.

I didn't say anything, I just listened intently. Father Grant introduced the agenda for the meeting and highlighted the possible areas of consideration for the committee. This opened up an interesting debate in which members of the committee gave their views on what needed to be focused upon. It became clear that there are many things that could be improved upon within the catholic church to make it more accessible to all ages. Today was not to discussed what was to be improved, it was more of a litmus test to see what would come up in the meeting.

One issue could be combined from many that were opined throughout the evening. The one being that we need to regain the attention of certain age groups after communion and confirmation. Young families were discussed, both the children and parents within them. Another group that a member picked up on was the late 20s to 40s age group. Why aren't there more like me who come back to the church at my age? I feel this is the age where you can gain a true understanding of the faith, fully appreciate and gain the maximum out of it.

The issue of the schools role in faith was another problem identified. That it appears to be excellent at teaching the theory of the faith, but not how to put it into practice. No particular schools were exemplified, it was just a general opinion that arose during the meeting.

The whole point of the Pastoral Area group is for all Parishes to put their faith into practice together, shedding the insular nature of Parishes past. The enthusiasm within this camp gives me great hope that we will be able to turn actions into words. There are people with a wide range of experiences ranging from teachers, to social workers, to web designers and civil servants (guess who that is). Young and old. Roll on November 27th, the next meeting.