Whatever the outcome of the discernment about the recombination of dioceses of Hallam, Leeds and Middlesborough, our mission remains the same; helping people of all ages and stages of faith development to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
While structures, boundaries, and resources may change, through Baptism, every Catholic is called to holiness and to participation in the mission of Christ. A challenge for all of us and particularly for the Formation and Mission team, is how best to support that calling.
One theme that has emerged repeatedly from the Synod and across the Church is the need for lifelong formation. Formation is not simply education, nor is it limited to preparation for the sacraments. Rather, it is the lifelong process of growing in faith, deepening our relationship with Christ, participating more fully in the sacramental life of the Church, and discovering how God calls each of us to serve.
The Second Vatican Council reminded us that all the baptised share in the life and mission of the Church. Pope Francis spoke of the need for “missionary disciples”—Catholics who not only know their faith but are equipped to live and share it in their families, workplaces, schools, parishes, and communities. Pope Leo XIV has recently reaffirmed this vision, encouraging pastors to recognise in the lay faithful “the grace of Baptism and the charisms that flow from it” and to help them find “the courage and enthusiasm to commit themselves to help the life of the Church and society.”
For some, the next step in formation may be an initial encounter with Christ through parish outreach, prayer groups, pilgrimages, or opportunities to explore the Gospel. For others, it may involve a deeper understanding of Scripture, prayer, the sacraments, and Catholic teaching. Others may be discerning a vocation, serving in ministry, supporting catechesis, leading parish initiatives, or accompanying others in faith.
Seen in this way, formation is not a programme for a select few but a shared culture that touches every aspect of diocesan and parish life.
Such a culture is rooted in four essential dimensions of Christian growth: human formation, spiritual formation, intellectual formation, and pastoral or missionary formation, drawing upon the rich resources already available within the Church and seeking to strengthen collaboration between parishes, schools, clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
The Bishop’s ministry of leading in teaching and shepherding, central to the life of the local Church, is assisted by such a culture of formation, collaboration and co-creation, where responsibility for fostering faith belongs to the whole People of God, each according to their vocation and gifts.
Whatever shape our dioceses may take in the future, the need to form disciples, nurture vocations, support families, and equip people for mission will remain.
The Formation and Mission teams in Hallam, Leeds and Middlesborough are beginning to meet to think about shared resources and energy. A possible pathway might look like this:
FORMATION OF FORMATORS
Level 5 Forming Others
LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION
Level 4 Leading Communities
VOCATIONAL & MINISTERIAL FORMATION
Level 3 Discovering Gifts & Calling
FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Level 2 Prayer • Scripture • Sacraments
EVANGELISATION & ENCOUNTER
Level 1 Meeting Jesus Christ
BAPTISM The Call to Holiness and Mission
Can you help?
Some questions for reflection:
- Where do you see yourself on this pathway of discipleship and what is your next step in faith?
- What opportunities for formation would help you grow as missionary disciple?
- How can our parishes, schools, and dioceses better support people of all ages to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and participate more fully in the mission of the Church?
Your reflections and experiences are an important part of our ongoing conversations.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with us at formation-mission@hallam-dioces.com
