In 2003 Bishop Kevin McDonald initiated a process of strategic consultation and planning which was named "Build My Church".

Groups in parishes were asked to discuss numerous questions under the major headings of "Being a Catholic today" and "Being a Catholic tomorrow", and a wide range of responses was obtained.

The process was delayed because of his translation to the Archbishopric of Southwark later that year, but work continued to be done during the interregnum. At the instigation of Bishop Peter Doyle, the Pastoral Strategy Group concluded the work of Build My Church with an informative leaflet outlining the work of the process. This was distributed to all parishes.Bishop Peter also announced a Diocesan gathering to be held at the RE Centre, Milton Keynes on 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 2007. Our Blessed Lady Immaculate is one of the Diocesan patrons.

At that meeting he shared with us his vision for the Diocese. He explained that he drew inspiration from the prophet Micah, whose admonition to "act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) was incorporated in his episcopal crest. Reviewing the history and challenges of the Diocese, he spoke of the need for "Three C's" - Confidence in God, our faith, and ourselves, Conversation with God, with each other and with the world, and Connections, the outworking of "love God and love your neighbour" whereby the Church engages with its members and with the world.

• In practical terms, he said he wanted to see three "streams of effort and energy" developing.
• One would be an ongoing process of human and spiritual formation for Diocesan clergy.
• The second would be the development of a parallel programme of education and formation for lay people.
• The third would be the establishment of a multi-skilled group of clergy and laity to think strategically and practically about the future of the Diocese. Their remit would be to consult with deaneries and prepare "groundplans" for the life and mission of the Church in local areas.

The text of Bishop Peter's address at that meeting is available as a download from here - search "Walking Humbly Current" in the dropdown categories menu.

Stream One
There are several formational sessions for priests in the course of a year. In May 2009, many of the priests and deacons went to Ars for a week, to reflect on the "Spirituality of Diocesan Priesthood". In 2012 they will go to Valladolid, in Spain, where the English College provides part of the training fror our new priests.

Days of Recollection, Gatherings/Retreats and Study Days for clergy are held annually. 

For deacons, there are annual meering days when wives are welcome.

Stream Two
Progress in this area has taken longer than anticipated. This was because its delivery would, of necessity, involve the existing agencies of NORES and NYMO, both of which were under formal independent review for much of the time since the Walking Humbly process was launched. The Reports were delivered to the Trustees of the Diocese who have considered them and acted upon them. There are active conversations now taking place about the possibilities for the kind of work contemplated by the Bishop as a "Stream Two" function. A highly fruitful gathering of the agencies and individuals involved in lay formation took place on 23rd April 2010. In his November message to clergy, the Bishop says "I am also establishing a small Steam II Team to be led by Father Francis Higgins to prepare and advise on resources and training in response to the needs being identified in the Pastoral Areas" Watch this space for more news.

Stream Three
A team was brought together at the invitation of the Bishop and met twenty-three times between April 2008 and May 2010. The Team conducted a series of consultation meetings with Diocesan bodies and the Deanery Pastoral Councils,from November 2008 into early March 2009. Summaries of its first few discussions may be downloaded here - just search for "Stream 3 Archives" in the Categories drop-down menu. It completed its work when the Area Groundplans, which it was set up to assist, were (mostly) delivered to the Bishop by 28th May - on time !

The Stream Three Team, which has now passed into history, met for the last time with Bishop Peter on 28th May 2010 at Bishop's House. L-R: Mark Davis, Philip Pugh, Mgr Sean Healy, Frances Image, Brin Dunsire, Canon Kevin O'Driscoll, Sr Marion Connaughty, Alex Heath, Tim Redding, Bishop Peter. Avril Baigent was not able to be there on this occasion.



Click here to read about the Lent and Advent DVD resources produced in 2009.

Click here for information about the Pastoral Areas (and to download a Map), and the next stages of the process currently happening.