Called to Bear Fruit, a synodal process of renewal, seeks to ensure all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Southwark are equipped with the vision, leadership, resources, and infrastructure needed to enable them to become growing communities that evangelise, form disciples, and inspire witness.
What is Called to Bear Fruit?
Called to Bear Fruit is a process of renewal within the Archdiocese. We focus on asking the question: How do we grow as communities of missionary disciples?
It's a journey of listening, collaboration, and renewal in a spirit of synodality. - Archbishop John Wilson
Why do we need a process of renewal?
Pope Francis spoke of the "need to move from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation" to one which is “decidedly missionary” (EG 28). Pope Francis said our parishes should become training centres capable of changing the world. He described parishes as “a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of the journey and the centre of constant missionary outreach”.
The Challenges
There are clear challenges, which will take a unified effort to overcome, including changing demographics and fewer clergy, but the signs of hope are clear to see.
What has been done so far?
The Called to Bear Fruit process has included extensive engagement with clergy, a survey, deanery level consultations and lay consultation.
Throughout, the Called to Bear Fruit process has been one embarked on in the Synodal spirit, demonstrating the Archdiocese of Southwark’s commitment to journeying on the way together to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Thousands of parishioners across the Archdiocese of Southwark took part in the consultation, offering honest, hopeful and practical reflections on the life and mission of the Church in Southwark.
The consultation response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available to read here.
Signs of hope
The consultation revealed a burning desire within our parishes to be missionary and evangelising disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, who work together to help people encounter His love.
Engaging young people emerged as the most urgent priority for parishes, with a widespread recognition and desire for investment in youth activities, and placing young people at the heart of the Church’s mission.
The desire for laity and clergy to work together shone through, with a real willingness to take up the challenge of renewal so that we can continue to build vibrant parish communities that witness joyfully to the Gospel.
What is happening next?
As part of the consultation report, 15 action points have been identified as immediate next steps, forming the foundation for the next phase of renewal. This includes a new study guide - which will be published in due course - on the purpose of a parish. It is a guide to Pope Francis’ The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community. Other actions include the sharing of good practice from across the Archdiocese, ongoing formation and prayer for renewal.
As an Archdiocese, we will continue to discern the process of renewal, and further updates will be provided in due course.
What can I do now?
Firstly, please pray for the renewal of our Archdiocese. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to illumine our hearts and minds with fresh possibilities.
Secondly, read the Called to Bear Fruit consultation response. There are 15 action points within the response, along with various suggestions to engage with projects in the Archdiocese, and other parishes, so that together we can continue to build a thriving community of missionary disciples.
