Parishes in Derry and Raphoe are being offered £1000 Gifts for Growth by the Diocesan Council to develop imaginative initiatives in the parish or the community.
The scheme reflects the diocesan vision of “Transforming Community, Radiating Christ”.
Bishop Ken Good comments in the diocesan magazine, “I am seeing and hearing:
–fresh initiatives taking place in parishes all over the diocese
–churches becoming increasingly involved in their local community
–various initiatives for growth being tried
–parish teams meeting to pray and to plan
–encouraging ‘good news’ stories being told – including the diocesan magazine ‘Vision’”
He continues, “Someone once said that ‘vision leaks’. What they meant was that even when people have heard and understood the vision which they are seeking to achieve, they can easily forget it, and so can ‘take their eye off the ball’. So there is a need to repeat, to restate and to explain again our vision, reminding ourselves of what is that God is calling us to work towards in parish life.
“So once again I urge us all to remember, firstly, that each of our parishes, as a Transforming Community, must be providing activities which enable existing church members to grow in faith and involvement – to be transformed by our growing faith in Christ.”
Some parishes are using the Gift for Growth for post-confirmation work, and a couple are developing websites. Play resources for youth and Sunday school work, tourist leaflets for the church, celebrating a 150th parish anniversary, creche equipment and pew Bibles, also figure in a wide range of responses.
One parish is using part of its Gift for Growth for a talent scheme which in turn will raise funds for a new church amplification system.
Bishop Good also pays tribute to the Diocesan Council, “which deserves much credit for taking the imaginative decision to allocate £1000 pounds to each parish group as “seed funding for growth.”