THE NEW EVANGELISATION
Together we seek a new spirit of evangelisation to create vibrant, faith-filled communities where Christ's presence is celebrated. We seek a renewal of priestly and lay ministry. We seek a more collaborative experience of ministry. In fidelity to those who have gone before us we seek a new Pentecost for the Church in the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
New Deanery structures are in place in the Archdiocese. Fr. Greg and Karen Morris represent our Parish on our Deanery Council, named for St. Columba of Iona.
At the end of 2023 the Deanery Council, along with other Deaneries across the Archdiocese produced a Report on the process of reflection on our journey into the future as a diocese with an emphasis on Evangelisation.
The finalised version of the Report can be read by clicking on the 'Button' below. This is the initial contribution of St. Columba's Deanery Council.
The reflections and recommendations from these reports have informed the way forward for the Archdiocese.
"Looking to the Future Whilst Being Faithful to the Past"
For more on the recent changes, our call to a collaborative ministry and our mission to create vibrant, faith-filled communities see the full update here.
The Way Ahead
'Looking to the future whilst being faithful to the past.'
Readers of the September 'Flourish' will have learned more about the first steps being taken across the Archdiocese as to arrange parishes in a way which can be sustained into the future, building on the reflections and recommendations of the reports from each Deanery.
Change is never easy and the recent announcements may have caused anxiety and upset in some parish communities. However, as Archbishop Nolan said, we have to use our resources well and this will mean some difficult decisions have to be made. But at the same time it is an opportunity to build larger, more vibrant parish communities.
Our own Deanery has seen changes, with the overall number of priests reducing and parishes being joined to be served by one priest. This should lead to sharing of resources and expertise, with sharing ministries and rescheduling of liturgies leading to more effective evangelisation.
We are called to evangelise ... but what does this mean? FireCloud, based at Our Holy Redeemer in Clydebank, provides learning and formation opportunities which celebrate the Catholic faith and inspire people to use their gifts and talents to build a more courageous and loving world. We will share more about the events and courses they are leading in the coming months and support anyone who would like to take part.