Diocese of Antigonish Asking for Help with Five Year Vision

Cape Breton Post
March 10, 2012

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-03-10/article-2924155/Diocese-of-Antigonish-asking-for-help-with-five-year-vision/1

Prompted by difficulties and the need for periodic examination and revitalization the Diocese of Antigonish is embarking on a period of self reflection as it determines pastoral direction for a five year period.

SYDNEY — Prompted by difficulties and the need for periodic examination and revitalization the Diocese of Antigonish is embarking on a period of self reflection as it determines pastoral direction for a five year period.

In a letter issued to the Cape Breton Post and other media, Bishop Brian Dunn outlined the reasons for and goals of "Rebuilding My People — The Church: Diocesan Renewal 2013."

"The recent events that have touched every person in our diocese have led to a great deal of reflection upon the church's need to bring justice, compassion, healing, hope and new life to the people of God," Dunn wrote.

"I am asking that all Catholics participate in this diocesan project, knowing that we all have a voice to achieve colloboration, co-responsibility, healing and direction for our diocesan family.

In the letter, Dunn noted "difficult times" for Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Antigonish in recent years, such as sexual abuse by clergy, the crimes of Bishop Raymond Lahey, the reorganization of parishes, the closure of churches, the sale of parish and diocesan assets, and "anger and sadness of many Catholics as they question the direction of the church."

The process of consultation leading up to 2013 will take place at three different levels and each parish will respond during the current season of Lent this month.

These responses will be gathered and discussed at the deanery or regional level in seven areas of the diocese this fall.

The recommendations from these deanery gatherings will be submitted to pastors and parish delegates at a Diocesan Congress Oct. 6-9, 2013.

All Catholics are asked to share their experiences of their parish, diocese and church, Dunn wrote.

Through this process a diocesan vision to give some direction for the next five years will be formulated.

"Parishioners are invited to state what has been life-giving for them as well as what has not been life-giving for them. They are also given an opportunity to make recommendations toward a diocesan vision."

Directions for partipation are found in each parish and on the diocesan website.

"I believe that this process: Rebuilding My People — The Church: Diocesan Renewal 2013, will remind us that the lord is calling us to a new level or response as we discover and affirm the plans that will give a future with hope."