Scottish Laity Network: Towards Pentecost 2023 ~ Signs of the Spirit

For our Towards Pentecost 2023 programme we have again reflected on our Synodal Submission and, in the light of our recommendations, sought to discern where there are possible Signs of the Spirit.

The continuing revelations of sexual abuse by those in positions of authority in the Catholic Church and the compounding of the abuse by the failure of Church authorities to respond in manner that is consistent with the teachings and actions of Jesus was clearly identified in our submission.

Our first session, Thursday 4th May, is therefore a conversation with members of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Agency and asks:

Are we truly listening and responding to those who have been abused physically, mentally, sexually and spiritually, by those in positions of trust in the Catholic Church in Scotland?

We will then, on Thursday 11th May, have a conversation with Antonia Sobocki of LOUDfence. Antonia's theme Running to Catch Up with the Spirit reflects the sense of a group that is being prompted and led by the Spirit. Antonia will share with us her insights on:

How has LOUDfence developed into such a powerful and visible display of support and solidarity with those affected by abuse?

Since we first began our Journey of Discernment in May 2020 there has been a consistent feedback from participants that the coming together with companions who were open and willing to share their insights in a genuine and dialogical way, and the sense of fellowship with other participants was like them being given a lifebelt to enable them to survive in this community we call Church.

There is also the acknowledgement that survival is not enough for we are called to be missionary disciples, followers of Jesus that go forth to usher in the Reign of God. In the sessions we have offered about 80% of the focus has been on going forth and a key question is how do we nourish and sustain ourselves for this mission?

Our third session, Thursday 18th May, Where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them, is therefore an opportunity to explore how our discipleship can develop through coming together in small groups either face to face or online. It's how we can move from being dependent on a lifebelt to survive and get into a lifeboat with others and together, empowered by the Spirit, nourish each other and discern how we are move forward in our discipleship.

Our companions ~ Kevin Gallagher, Nicholas Postlethwaite and Valerie Stroud have a range of experience and insights to ensure a stimulating conversation.

Finally, as part of Laudato Si' Week 2023, we are delighted to have as our companion Ilia Delio who will focus on Embracing the Cosmic Christ in Creation and in the Eucharist.

As we try to fully grasp the reality of how climate change is impacting on Mother Earth and all who inhabit it, Ilia will explore:

Can we imagine a new way of viewing and celebrating God and Creation that gives hope to humankind?

All sessions are online on Zoom at 7 - 8.30pm [UK Time] and people are welcome to register for the sessions they wish to participate in.

LINKS

Scottish Laity Network - Response to the Synod: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11RQ_nZB9ACAgONMXuWFG81zi14p6NBVF/view?usp=sharing

Overview of Programme and full details of our companions:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EKI-EGEzLLn6goCxUFQqjaROWWNwnUdW/view?usp=sharing.

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/hp24zTB9iHNYYULv7

Scottish Laity Network Website: https://scottishlaitynetwork.org.uk

Laudato Si' Week 2023: https://laudatosiweek.org

Ilia Delio: https://christogenesis.org/about/ilia-delio/