Evangelisation programme in Sunderland - Deanery 10 - St. Bede
Fr. Stephen writes about the current programme being undertaken by the Diocesan Evangelisation Team in Sunderland:
“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the good News to all Creation” (Mark 16:15)
Right from the beginning, the Church has seen the need for a universal proclamation of Jesus’ message.
Here in Sunderland, over the last year, we have been involved in an evangelisation Pilot Scheme, at the request of Bishop Kevin. This scheme is a two year programme of formation and training, which, it is hoped, will be repeated in the other deaneries in the Diocese.
The aim of the scheme is to foster, in all who attend mass in Sunderland, a renewed enthusiasm for our faith, that in living out our faith we will be enabled to freely share it with others. Eventually it is hoped that we will have a team within the city of Sunderland who will promote evangelisation in our local parishes.
The priests of Sunderland Deanery met and explored the needs of our locality and its main priorities.
Four broad areas of concern were highlighted by the Sunderland Clergy:-
- Family evangelisation and outreach to those on the fringes of the Church.
- Handing on the faith to the next generation.
- Best use of evangelising moments e.g. Baptism of babies, first Holy Communion, R.C.I.A, hospital encounters and funerals.
- How to be enriched by the influx of migrant workers, who are bringing new life to some of the Sunderland parishes.
The first stage of the scheme began in December 2007. On the 7th of December we met at St. Mary’s to pray together and explore what types of people we encounter within our parishes today. The following day – the feast of Mary Immaculate – we explored evangelisation, using the parable of the “mustard seed”. The turnout to these two sessions was limited, overall just over 40 local parishioners and some religious came along. Those who did attend said that the content was excellent and they had never been so “entertained” !
Having planted a small mustard seed of evangelisation, our next event within the Deanery takes place in 29th Feb./1st March at St. Cecilia’s. The theme of the evening (29th) is that of spirituality of evangelisation, using the Gospel symbols of ‘salt’ - ‘light’- ‘yeast’ and ‘seeds’ The next day we will take the Gospel of that week of Lent to explore the challenges of change within the Church. This day will end with a commissioning service.
On the 11th of May we will gather again – this time at Holy Rosary. As we pray to the Holy Spirit for discernment in order to appoint a group of local parishioners who will then go on to formal formation in the 2nd stage of the scheme.
Our efforts are like that of a farmer planting seeds. We pray that in the coming months we will form an enthusiastic group, who will help our local faith community to further develop their welcome, worship, witness and outreach to others.