On Sunday, a group of about thirty parishioners gathered to learn more about our Church Renewal Process.
Fr Stephen Hackett MSC, liturgical advisor for the project, reviewed the process we have undertaken to date. He also took us through Liturgical, Church and Papal statements which helped to articulate some key principles which underpin our renewal work, namely:
- The whole body of Christ celebrates the liturgy
- The liturgical presences of Christ
- Active participation
- Unity, hierarchy, order and ministry
- Designing churches for liturgical celebration
- The general plan of the church
The feedback we received from those who attended suggests that they found it a worthwhile learning experience that has helped to better understand why we are engaging in this process.
Those who attended were also given some “homework”, namely to complete a personal appraisal of the church building at a time when a liturgical celebration is not taking place. They were given a set of guiding questions to draw their attention to particular aspects of the space.
People who attended the meeting are reminded that they are free to complete this task when it suits them over the next couple of months. You don’t need to share your thoughts with anyone if you don’t want to. Remember also that someone in the priory can let you into the church if you come along and find it closed.
Another meeting, working towards the development of a design brief for the renewal project, will be held in the coming months. Check Carmel for details are they become available.
Liturgy 