Ralph
Bishop of Hallam
Pastoral Letter
To be read at all Masses on the weekend of 2/3 November 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ 29 October 2024
May I begin by thanking everyone once again for their cooperation with the Pastoral Survey that took place between Lent and the end of June this year. Also, I appreciate your patience in waiting for information on our next steps. Deanery Summaries with your response to the Survey, I understand, can now be found on the Diocesan Website.
There were many positive ideas and messages received as a result of the consultation, and several challenging ones as well. One thing is clear above all else: these challenges must be addressed, and difficult decisions must be made. These decisions will be met in the synodal sense of consulting, listening and praying. This process will help me to discern the vision for the diocese and the actions which must be taken.
Firstly, and as a direct result of the consultation, the Council of Priests has asked me to form a Diocesan Pastoral Council to assist me in this task. A Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) is an advisory group composed of members of the faithful, clerics and religious who collaborate, offer support, and help the Bishop to clarify a vision for the diocese. The DPC has three primary responsibilities: to study the pastoral reality of the diocese as determined by the Bishop, reflect on it, and make recommendations to the Bishop.
I have therefore asked the priests to nominate suitable candidates for the new Diocesan Pastoral Council. Later, and after prayerful reflection, I will be selecting members to take their places on the new DPC. I hope to be able to form the Council during the Advent season and then convene our first meeting in January 2025.
Finally, may I ask you to pray earnestly to the Holy Spirit to guide us in the formation of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, stepping forward on our pilgrimage together into the Holy Year with generosity and hope in our hearts. May Our Lady of Perpetual Succour continue to keep us in her prayers.
Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer,
+ Ralph
Deanery Consultation Documents
