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The Catholic Parish of Brighton & Hove offered a Day of Formation and fellowship to more than 80 parishioners serving in liturgical ministries on Saturday 30 May. The day, which was held at St Mary’s, Preston Park, offered attendees a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Mass and explore how it forms them for mission.

There are 11 churches, 6 Catholic primary schools and 1 Catholic secondary school in the parish, with students from the UK and across the world studying at two universities in the city. Welcoming participants at the start of the day, Canon David Parmiter, Moderator of the in solidum clergy team said:

“It’s fantastic to welcome so many people to St Mary’s. It is important that we take opportunities to gather together and form ourselves for the journey ahead; the foundation stones of our new parish are firmly in place and provide valuable opportunities for us begin working together and engaging in mission.”

Mission Development and Student/Young Adults Coordinator, Joanna Gilbert, led many of the inputs alongside Helen and Nick Wells from East Brighton,

“Today’s meeting offers us with an important opportunity to reflect on our shared vision and mission,” she said, “the Gospel calls us to newness and renewal, we are called to go from one new beginning to another.

“The diocesan Pastoral Plan provides us with an opportunity to understand what it is to be God’s presence in this time and this place, and to radiate that to others. We receive the seed of eternity sown in our souls through baptism; our call is to be like beautiful trees with deep roots; we are called to bloom where we are planted.”

Reflecting on the opportunities offered by the day, an attendee from Hove said:

“I found the gathering very valuable, with welcome opportunities to explore liturgical ministry, reflect on the teachings of the Church, and meet people from across our new parish community. I sat on a table with a number of parishioners I had not met before; listening to the joy their faith brings them, and our sense of shared mission and purpose, was uplifting and inspiring.”

 Jo added:

“The word ‘mission’ can be loaded with unhelpful associations; it’s not about travelling as such, it’s about loving as Christ loves. Our vocation is lived out in the world; lay mission is more about being than functional doing - sharing in God's being and love. Through mission we share God’s love with others and participate in the pouring out of the Holy Spirit.”

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