The truth must be before our eyes daily as we try to be a better church and to do what we can for those who suffered. I hope that this Year in Review document will be seen by
many in the diocese and beyond. Through my working life as a priest, I
have struggled to find ways to help people to be aware of the things
that go on in their community that are beyond their personal
involvements − and it is hard work.
On one occasion I was berated by
three ladies after Mass for our parish’s lack of a Bible Study group,
despite the fact that one had existed for years, was frequently
mentioned in the parish bulletin, had a new season beginning that had
been advertised for the preceding six weeks and had, in fact, been
spoken of in the notices not five minutes before. Until that week,
however, the ladies concerned had not ‘needed to know’ and had contrived
not to know.