Clifton Diocesan Assembly 2015

More than 160 participants from parishes across Clifton Diocese, including Bishop Declan Lang, attended Saturday's annual Diocesan Assembly in Bristol. Organised by Clifton's Adult Education and Evangelisation Department, and particularly by Fr Christopher Whitehead, the Department's Director, it focused on the theme of 'Human Dignity: Being Truly Human'.

St Brendan's College, Brislington, was bustling with stalls and workshop rooms being set up as people arrived, with refreshments being offered by HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust. They gathered for an opening liturgy based around the Jubilee text in Luke 4 where Jesus announces that,"He has sent me to bring good news to the poor", and the call of Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium "to care for the vulnerable of the Earth". The keynote speaker was David McLoughlin of Newman University who examined scripture and Catholic Social Teaching in relation to the title, 'Human Dignity: being truly human'.

Workshops explored themes raised in more detail. Two members of the Columban JPIC Team (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) - James Trewby and Ellen Teague ran sessions on 'Inspiring and Enthusing our Young People' and 'The Dignity of Women' respectively. Mary Colwell, an award-winning media producer, highlighted 'Care for Creation'. Other workshops explored 'Human Trafficking', 'Taking Care of Migrants', and Campaigning with CAFOD.

The Little Sisters of the Poor highlighted care and respect for the elderly. Fr Christopher Whitehead said he hoped the day would "unsettle" participants and lead them to explore the issues in more detail. Bishop Declan urged more people to get involved with the Clifton Justice and Peace Commission. And there was an active presence of Clifton Diocese Youth Ministry, who were still buzzing from the national Flame 2 Congress at Wembley the previous weekend.

For more information see: www.cliftondiocese.com