Welcome

 

A thought for Lent 2008:

 

"Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow;

do not walk behind me, I may not lead;

just walk beside me and be my friend".

 

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The recently published "Digest of Statistics of the Catholic Community of England and Wales, 1958-2005" by Dr Anthony E.C.W. Spencer and a foreward by Professor Michael P. Hornsby-Smith makes grim reading for any one wishing to further the development of the People of God (Church)

 

That the Church leadership are seriously concerned is born out by the initiative of the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) which has been running in parishes the length and breadth of the UK. Through "Come Home for Christmas" Catholics who fill the pews Sunday by Sunday have been reaching out to their brothers and sisters who are no longer beside them. CASE is keen for those who have lapsed to say why they have done so.

 

The Tablet (19 January 2008) says of Dr Spencer's survey that "it points to the urgent need ... to find out what is going on and why." The editorial concludes "The need is simply to find out why Catholics are lapsing from Sunday Mass Attendance in unprecedented numbers - by asking them."

 

Sue, writing to the The Tablet the following week, says "Might it be worthwhile asking those who continue to attend regularly why they do so? The results of such a two-fold survey might contribute to the construction of a more relevant pastoral strategy, based not only on why people leave, but also why they choose to stay."

 

The We Are Church movement knows that many Catholics are unhappy with the church as an institution. The unhappiness is more fundamental than some perceived irregularities since Vatican II or the the institution becoming more cult-like. Thousands of Catholics know from bitter experience that their views on matters which concern the good of the Church are of no consequence to its leadership.

 

We Are Church wants to provide a forum where your reason for lapsing or staying may be shared. Tell us why you no longer feel able to come to Mass or, as Sue suggests, reasons why you are there Sunday by Sunday or even daily. Click on 'Contact' and tell us your story, your experience.

 

After references to particular people and places have been removed, we will do our best to share what you say in the interests of enabling the views of ordinary poeple in the Church to be heard.

 

You will notice that some of the links in the menu do not work yet. We shall be populating these pages, with your help, as time goes on.