Conversation Evenings Killaloe Diocese
A series of Conversation evenings were held recently in the diocese of Killaloe in Killaloe, Kilrush, Carrigoran, Moneygal and Nenagh and the following items document the issues that arose. The idea behind the conversation issues was to give people an opportunity to meet and have a conversation as to how they were doing as people of faith in the midst of all that has happened in the Church and Society over the past few months.
Ground Rules
The following were the words that emerged following a brain-storming exercise on what the ground-rules should be for the time of sharing, listening and conversation:
Respect
Listening
From the heart
Personal Conviction
Creating space for honest dialogue
Allow for disagreement
Tolerance & respect for difference
Non-judgemental
Brief
Confidentiality
Joy
Christ-Centred
Hopeful
Trust
Humility
Openness
Inclusivity
Issues only – not personality based
Inclusive
Stick to finishing time
Issues of past 6 months
Papal Visit
Abortion Referendum
Clerical Changes or diocesan appointments
WMOF 2018
Traveler issues & reaction to that
Church & Education
The Attack on Pope
Cervical Cancer Health Scandal
Heroism of Oscar Romero
Homelessness
Marriage Equality Referendum
Changing views of Young People
Blasphemy Referendum
Media Bias
Climate change
Ignorance of faith
Tuam Babies
Abortion legislation
Role of women
Role of men
LGBT issues
Power struggle in the Church
Secularization of Schools
Prayer
Lack of morality
What are the issues that give us Encouragement as People of Faith
Pope’s Visit – encouragement in our faith
Pope Francis himself – simplicity, openness, honesty
Papal Concert in Croke Park
Little girl taking a selfie with Pope Francis
Example & leadership of individual priests
Courage to face up to past wrongs by Church leaders
Respect for Pope by our Civil leaders
Charisms & gifts & commitment of people – growing in the faith community
Admiration for young people
Godly Play – Joy it brings to liturgies
Humility of Pope – Penitential Rite – from the heart
Comradeship of young people at Popes’ visit
Events like this conversation evening – listening & sharing – hopeful sign
Young people involved in Referendum Campaign
Community involvement
Inspiration of Youth
Pope Francis – The joy of the Gospel
Unity of togetherness
Enthusiasm of young people & good living Christians
Heroic Women of cervical cancer scandal
Eucharistic Adoration Success
Emma Mhic Mathúna, RIP
WMOF – RDS
Lay ministries
Spiritually of Creation – Eco Parishes
Interest in Spiritually
Young people celebrating faith
Consoling Word of God giving encouragement
Community response to tragedies
Popes solidarity with the Poor
Witness of Prayer groups at local level & the way they outreach
Goodness of young people
Lectio Divina
Community vibrancy
Power & strength of pilgrimage
Prayer groups
Una O’Hagan book on The Little Flower
Freedom from hypocrisy in current age
Positivity in General
What are the issues that cause Discouragement as people of Faith?
Negativity in life in general & media in particular
Hurt in the World – cervical cancer, sexual abuse
Coping with tragedies, disappointments and challenges in life
The struggle to believe
Ongoing misogyny of Church in denying women ordained ministry
Hopelessness, cynicism & negativity among clergy & others
The good the Church has done in Education & Health not being highlighted
Abuse issues concerning senior clergy
The Spirit of the Age we live in – Everything permitted but nothing forgiven
Voice informed from faith is no longer taken seriously
Increased intolerance of secularism
Climate Change – ecology issues
Ignorance of faith
Rural depopulation – sense of place
Mé féinism. Individualism.
Non life-giving liturgies.
Pyramid still very much in the upward direction – role of the laity (Reference to Pope Francis promoting the image of the inverted pyramid)
Lack of leadership by Pope Francis – Vigano issue
Travellers – support for discrimination
Intervention of former president of Ireland in Church related issues
Political correctness- discouraging
Passing of Abortion Referendum
Lack of energy – heaviness – disappointments – feeling down
Extent of suffering & pain
Dismissal of God in modern society
Rise of individualism
Homelessness – care for the poor
Poor leadership – Church & State
Lack of a Theology of sacrifice – embracing the Cross
Disillusionment – Suffering
Rise of alternate right – treatment of refugees
Why of suffering!
Disturbing prevalence of suicide
Church being pushed out of Education
Injustice in society (Sergeant McCabe)
Drugs Problem
Sadness & Loss in changes in Parishes
Bouncy Castle Catholics
Secularization of the Constitution
General disrespect
Reluctance to talk about God
Feeling alone as faith people
Bottom Line Issue
Still believe in God
Still believe in Jesus Christ
Still believe in Church
Seeking
Searching
Hopeful
Faithful
Hope & Faith
Trust in the Lord
Word of God
Christian activity
Personal prayer – pester power
Eucharistic People
What is God saying to us?
More varied opportunities
Powerful position of Grandparents in developing faith
Bravery & courage
Suffering for your faith – theology of sacrifice
Power of example
Eucharistic People
“Critical to stay Christ-Centred”
Importance of beatitudes – Pope Francis
Options available to us
Deplorethe current situation – discouragement
Restorethe past – ok to a degree – not throw the baby out with the bath water
Explorealso a new way forward for the future