Jesuit parishes to host open conversations this spring

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Source: Jesuits in Britain

In a year marked by both profound loss and renewed purpose, Jesuit parishes across England and Scotland are inviting parishioners and the wider community to participate in a series of listening meetings this spring.

The sessions, taking place throughout May and June, offer a unique opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and collective discernment on the parish's mission in today's world.

Titled Accompanying in Hope, these gatherings focus on deep listening and collective discernment, inviting participants to share their thoughts and help shape the direction of future parish initiatives. Discussions will centre around how participants can grow as Pilgrims of Hope, with a focus on the next steps for the parish's mission in this Jubilee Year.

Facilitated by community organiser Danny Curtin and Jesuit brother Ken Vance SJ, Delegate of Pastoral Ministries for the Jesuits in Britain, each session will invite participants to reflect on their personal and shared faith journeys through the lens of five core principles of spiritual accompaniment: deep listening, empathy, shared purpose, engagement, and spiritual support.

The sessions are a key part of the journey towards the Jesuit Parish Conference 2025, taking place from 12-14 November. They will help shape the themes and direction of the conference, with regional meetings in the autumn continuing the dialogue and building on the insights gathered at the parish level.

Everyone is warmly invited to these sessions. Whether you're deeply involved in parish life or simply curious to explore your place in the Church, your presence and perspective are welcome.

For more information please watch these two videos:

Walking Together: The Call to Spiritual Accompaniment in Today's Church: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rDfOujaSyw

Danny Curtin Invites You to Take Part in the Jesuit Parish Visits: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7RGY5H0Wo

May

Tuesday 6 May - Farm Street Church, Central London

Thursday 8 May - St Anselm's, Southall

Monday 12 May - St Wilfrid's, Preston

Tuesday 13 May - St Peter's Church, Stonyhurst

June

Thursday 5 June - St Ignatius Church, Stamford Hill, London

Saturday 14 June - St Aloysius' Church, Glasgow

Monday 16 June - Sacred Heart, Edinburgh

To attend, please contact your parish directly:

Farm Street Church, London. email: farmstreetoffice@rcdow.org.uk. Tel: 020 7529 4829

St Anselm's, Southall email: southall@rcdow.org.uk Tel: 020 8574 3300

St Wilfrid's, Preston email: stwilfridspa@gmail.com Tel: 01772 554396

St Peter's Church, Stonyhurst. email: stpeterschurchstonyhurst@btinternet.com Tel: 01254 826268

St Aloysius' Church, Glasgow email: staloysius.garnethill@rcag.org.uk Tel: 0141 332 3039

Sacred Heart, Edinburgh email: ejc@jesuit.org.uk Tel: 07935 855 175

St Ignatius Church, Stamford Hill. email: stamfordhill@rcdow.org.uk. Tel: 0208 800 2121