As the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in the Archdiocese of Armagh for the period 2015 to 2020, ‘Share the Joy of the Gospel’, draws to a close, the Archdiocese is making preparations for a new Pastoral Plan for this new decade!

The Diocesan Pastoral Council has set aside the year 2020 as a ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ throughout the Archdiocese encouraging reflection and seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the way forward for the diocese in the years ahead.

The reasons for beginning this process with a year of prayer are linked to the example of Jesus Christ and to the very foundations of the Church itself. Jesus prayed in a quiet place before undertaking each step of his mission, St. Patrick found his calling and direction in life on the quiet slopes of Slemish Mountain and everything worthwhile and lasting in the life of the Church, and in life in general, begins with reflection, prayer and the invocation of the Holy Spirit.  

Our Diocesan Pastoral Council believes the process of planning for the future is too important to be rushed. It is essential to give time as well to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past few decades of Pastoral Planning and in the last five years in particular. The ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ is an opportunity for everyone in the diocese to get involved in the process, including the housebound, our religious congregations and Prayer groups.