AGM Local Radio Coverage
https://soundcloud.com/monica-morley-858811797/agm-of-acp-2017/s-z5dKE?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook
https://soundcloud.com/monica-morley-858811797/agm-of-acp-2017/s-z5dKE?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook
Tony Flannery shares some of his hopes and dreams for the Church after the election of Pope Francis (article written for the Connacht Tribune).
A meeting has been arranged for 30 May to form a lay ‘umbrella group’ representing people interested in reform in the Church
The ACP Leadership Team issued this statement on Sunday 20 January 2013 in support of Tony Flannery
Seamus Ahearne shares two personal letters he wrote to the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown, about the nuncio’s refusal to accept an invitation from the ACP to meet with us.
“You will meet the formal church in your work. People will dress up. All the Liturgies will be done beautifully. You will be invited to a celebrating Church. I would suggest that the church you need to meet is the one on the ground; the informal one; the broken one; the hurting one; the one where most people have walked away; the one where lives are messed up totally.”
“Your job is much too important for you to opt out of hearing the views of a very serious and passionate group – the ACP. How can you shape the Church in Ireland if you are dismissive of the experience of those who know the scene best?”
The ACP Leadership Team reminds members about the gatherings of the Association in the coming weeks, and other related events taking place this Autumn.
The ACP Leadership call the Dolan Report on the Irish College in Rome “disturbing” and “incompetent”, saying it has effectively destroyed the reputation of priests, without giving them the right of reply. This Press Statement was issued on Friday, 15 June at 3.40pm
Give that woman a medal. Excellent reporting. Great radio.
Thank you for sharing this report. I wasn’t able to be there because of our November Masses so I really appreciated hearing all about it. Keep up the good work Tim. Listening to your experience was difficult but we live in hope that the work you are doing now will ensure no other priest will be treated like that again. God bless you all.
Gentlemen,
Congratulations, it sounds like you had a very dynamic, constructive day!
It was interesting to hear the laity being mentioned by some of the commentators.
Perhaps when thinking of “facing the future” some of the Laity may actually be included in some of these talks, I understand that this is meeting is for priests and must rightfully remain so , but now that you have come so far perhaps the next step might be to hold a conference with both clergy and laity represented rather than diluting the Agenda at the AGM…
Also, as mentioned in your meeting, it would be good to hear why younger priests are not interested in the ACP, do they see a need for it in their future..? How do they wish to communicate with the Laity in the future? We need to know the realities of church life in order to understand it and the ACP provide us with the realities of c. 1/3 of the clergy in Ireland.. This understanding if shared more could allow for more inclusiveness within the greater community..Also how do they see their future..? do they see a congregation in front of them?..how many?
Delighted the bishops have made contact, hopefully bridges can now be built that enable both sides to cross-over as needed.
As my mother would sigh towards the end of a good day… ” ah God is good”
It was good to be able to listen to extracts from the meeting and now comment.
Mark Patrick enlivened the meeting with his contribution under the title ‘Facing the future what we need to do’ which in part was confrontational “they listened with respect but responded with conviction and strength in offering a different perspective” He was given a standing ovation.
So as the meeting was recorded is there a ‘full’ transcript of his speech with responses that could be made available to us as laity, who participate on the site.
A comment made on Marks talk ‘He was expecting that we might all row in the same direction, what is it going to take to bring that about’?
From my prospective an open honest church that is one that is driven by integrity as in total transparency.
From the Summary of ACP regional meetings
“A Church Without Vision”
I wonder was this discussed at the meeting.
The contribution made by Mark Patrick (Although now a priest) points us in the direction to a more inclusive approach to tackle this challenge; as contributions are needed by other religious orders that include Brothers and ‘Sisters’ as there vistas will also enliven the hearts of the faithful.
Another comment ‘The big challenge is to open up dialogue’
I suppose the oncoming meet with the bishops is very positive in regards to this statement.
The issue of the missal with its lack of pray fullness was discussed at, ‘meeting after meeting’.
This now appears to be in the process of been corrected.
The lack of younger priests participating was noted; obviously this is a serious problem as young blood is needed. Phil Greene @ 3 points us in the direction of the challenge of understanding this matter.
Thankfully it appears that many went home energised.
kevin your brother
In Christ
Sounds like a great AGM! Congratulations to the leadership and all concerned.