AFTER a long process of consultation with the priests and faithful of Arundel and Brighton diocese, the Renew programme of pastoral rejuvenation is now poised for implementation with a plea for prayers for its success by diocesan Bishop Cormac Murphy O'Connor, to be made in a pastoral letter to be read out at all Masses on the Feast of the Epiphany next week.
Arundel and Brighton diocese, the only one in England and Wales to take on Renew, began its examination of the American programme with a visit to the USA in 1985 by the bishop and Diocesan Vicar for Education Mgr Patrick Olivier.
After diocesan tours by the bishop and the appointment of a Renew Director, the programme was adopted, despite criticisms that it was over-evangelical and not linked enough "to a specific catechetical intent."
In his pastoral letter Bishop Murphy O'Connor said that the programme would be a means of fulfilling the October synod's mandate that "faith must be relevant to and active in daily life."
"The reason for the 'Renew' process is quite simply to help us to turn to Our Lord and by the light of the Holy Spirit to become a more potent sign to others of the hope and love of Jesus Christ", says the letter.