Mission ReviewCatholics in the Preston and Fylde areas have had their first view of proposals drawn up over the last four months, reviewing the future shape of the mission of the Catholic Church in their areas. (see links at the end of this article)

Initial draft proposals will be sent out to all parishes which will outline the possibility of linking, merging and where appropriate creating new parishes. This will trigger an eight weeks period of initial consultation and feedback on the proposals for the area. Other areas of the Diocese will receive their recommendations in the autumn.

The overall aim of the mission review – ‘Fit for Mission’ is to strengthen and energise the mission of the local church and its ability of the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster to live as active Catholics and engage in spreading the Gospel more effectively.

This has to be achieved against a background reality of the need to restructure and reduce the present 108 parishes of the Lancaster Diocese in the context of changing social, economic and religious patterns.

In a Pastoral Letter introducing the proposals, Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue spiritual leader of the Lancaster Diocese points out that: “what we are seeking most of all is the breath of new life. Under the Spirit we will find new ways of working, planning, sharing, building, witnessing and praying together. This indeed will not be without some pain”.

It is hoped that all Catholics in the Preston and Fylde areas will engage with the proposals as positively and generously as possible for the future good of the Church in their area.

Contact Rev Canon Aidan Turner MAChair of the Diocesan Review TeamE:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.T:01253 723661

Links to the proposals

Link to initial-draft-proposal-preston-july-2007

Link to preston-working-papers-and-maps