Local Mission Plan
We are moving towards becoming one parish, serving the five church communities of St Joseph’s, St Bede’s, St Michael’s, Sacred Heart and St Oswald’s.
But our new Local Mission Plan asks a deeper question:
What kind of parish is Christ calling us to become?
The story of Bartimaeus has become our Guiding Star. He hears Jesus passing by, calls out to Him, throws aside his cloak and receives new sight. Most importantly, he then follows Jesus on the way.
This story helps us look beyond structures and administration towards the heart of parish renewal: encountering Christ, helping one another respond to His call and learning to walk forward together.
The plan sets out where we are now and the direction we hope to take in worship, faith formation, evangelisation, leadership, young people, service beyond our church walls, volunteering and the wise stewardship of our shared resources.
It also introduces B.E.C.O.M.E., our developing pathway from belonging in community towards a life of missionary discipleship.
This plan does not belong only to clergy or parish leaders. It belongs to all of us. Please take a little time to read it, pray with it and consider what part you may be called to play.
Our parish-wide consultation will give every church community an opportunity to be heard. Reading the plan is an important first step in that shared journey.
“Take heart. Get up. He is calling you.”