(Report summarising discussion at Parish Meeting on 27th February 2022 and submitted to the Diocese of Paisley on 3rd April 2022)

PREFACE
Parish members participating in discussions at St Peter’s felt that there had been insufficient consideration given to the substance of contributions made by parishioners in the earlier Paisley Diocesan Synod and that much of what had been contributed previously should have been assimilated into the Diocese of Paisley’s preparations for this synod’s consultative process. As a result, there was a feeling of having covered a lot of the same ground already and so our focus on the range of topics and issues is much narrower than those provided in the preparatory documents.

1. The Church’s place as a refuge for the marginalised is seriously threatened by intolerance towards those who are different by virtue of factors over which they have little or no control. These factors include age, social status, sexual orientation and gender identity. It is felt important that God’s Church has a place for all, where each feels accepted and welcome within parish communities and the wider church.
2. It was generally agreed that there is a need to look more imaginatively at ways of developing and building a greater sense of communion within the church at parish level, diocesan level and the Church worldwide. The gap left by the disappearance of catholic newspapers has never been adequately filled within our own catholic communities either at a local or national level and the need for regular communication through print, online and social media was expressed. While the internet is probably the medium most favoured by younger generations, there is still a need for more traditional communications in print. Perhaps a seasonally published magazine or newssheet could be distributed to parishes as well as being published online and circulated via the various forms of social media.
3. While media use is important for fostering a sense of belonging and being part of the Church in our local area and wider, the importance of fostering a stronger sense of community within and between parishes was stressed. At parish level, social interaction during Covid restrictions has been restricted and highlighted the need for restoration of traditional parish and inter-parish social functions. More effort and resources should be afforded for addressing the pastoral and social needs of all age groups especially for those of High School age as well as young and more mature adults.
4. At a local and practical level, these could include newer and traditional parish social functions with special provisions for children, youth and families. Thought should also be given to ways of fostering devotional participation for these and other groups to augment existing lay organisations. There is still a place for traditional Parish Missions, perhaps with a more modern approach that will be more engaging for the non-regular churchgoer.
5. Concern was widely expressed about the increasing disengagement of younger generations, particularly at secondary school level and beyond.
6. While the efforts and commitment of our catholic teachers is very commendable, concern was expressed about the need for consistency in religious education, particularly in secondary schools. It was recognised that so much is dependent on the time, commitment and motivation of the individual teacher. This appears to be particularly true in secondary schools. There is, perhaps a need for a Religious Education Inspectorate similar to the existing H.M. Education Inspectorate.
7. The relationship between bishop and parishioners was seen as being very important in terms of communion at a parish and diocesan level. The value of regular visits to parishes and interaction with parishioners by the bishop was stressed, as was the desire expressed by parishioners to get to know their bishop better and vice versa.
8. It was felt that the liturgy was becoming less engaging for young people and more could be done in terms of developing more youth-friendly music in our worship. While it is challenging for many individual parishes to foster a music ministry appealing more to young people, it is felt that at a diocesan level more could be done to develop youth-friendly approaches to the liturgy. This could be done, for instance, by drawing together musical talent from across the diocese to foster develop and spread modern liturgical music that is more appealing to young people. Developing a diocesan group with such a focus committed to taking it around the diocese, from parish to parish, with a view to attracting and involving young people in regular youth masses might produce big dividends.
9. Attracting members of the church back to Mass and the sacraments is a matter of serious concern expressed by all participants in the discussion. It is particularly concerning for those with family members who have drifted away or are in danger of doing so. It was felt that consideration needs to be given within the Church by the Holy Father and the College of Bishops to make Reconciliation a more inviting and less intimidating process for those who have fallen away but wishing to reconcile. Within the diocese, more could be done in the form of Reconciliation Services where penitents could engage with confessors in more relaxed and inviting ways than the close and restrictive confines of the confessional.
10. It was felt that a revision of the Church’s position on the use of General Absolution would be much welcomed and fruitful. It should be recognised and accepted that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is losing relevance for many practising Church members with uptake of the sacrament diminishing markedly. This is a strong indicator of the need for the Church to reflect on how to restore the sacrament to its proper relevance.
11. Concern was expressed about how the Church’s enforcement of obligations under pain of mortal sin often led to resentment and disengagement. This issue is of particular relevance given the Covid related suspension and reinstatement of Obligation by the Scottish bishops. The question was asked whether the ‘stick’ approach, i.e. threat of mortal sin, is desirable or necessary in the modern age given its apparent ineffectiveness. A more positive focus on the reasons we should attend Mass and the sacraments is likely to be more persuasive and make it easier for those who have lapsed, or are in danger of lapsing, to return to regular attendance