The Commission's Purpose
The Archbishop has called on the members of the Spirituality Commission to act for him in the work to be done to further matters relating to the spiritual development within the Archdiocese.
The Commission, with the Archbishop’s support, seeks to establish a network of those engaged in spiritual development, to provide a focus, ensure good communication, widen access to resources and strengthen spiritual development activity within the Archdiocese.
Our Vision
That all may experience a transforming personal relationship with God
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32
Our Mission
To create opportunity for people in the RC Diocese of Southwark to develop their spiritual life.
We aim to achieve this through:
Communication and networking
building a network of spirituality contacts within the diocese
sharing good practice in spiritual formation/accompaniment
representing the diocese within wider Catholic spirituality networks
Highlighting spiritual resources
identifying resources for spiritual development
promoting and making resources known and accessible
Promoting spiritual development
supporting spiritual development at deanery/parish level through providing workshops/training/reflections etc.
promoting and facilitating access to spiritual direction
supporting those involved in spiritual direction in the diocese
Who we are
Our membership brings the perspective of lay, religious and ordained experience. Between us we have experience of spiritual development work in parishes, in diocesan agencies, in retreat centres, in school, college and university chaplaincy settings and we have connections with the wider national and international Catholic Spirituality networks. Collectively we have qualifications and expertise in a range of different spiritual traditions. We are all volunteers who have other demanding professional and voluntary roles, so we are limited in the amount of time we can give, however we are committed to enabling all to have the opportunity to experience a transforming personal relationship with God.
In furthering our aims we make use of the following:
Integrating our web site with the new diocesan site, as seamlessly as possible
Working with the diocesan Communications Officer to publicise initiatives and events
Making use of the network of those who receive our Lent/Advent reflections
Our Priorities 2022 - 2023
Ongoing
Communication within the diocese.
Representation on the Bishops’ Spirituality Network.
Response to national initiatives.
Building on members’ personal skills and networks.
Current Projects
Online reflections for Advent and Lent
Develop and deliver a Southwark Diocesan retreat for groups and parishes (for Lent 2023)
Ways into Prayer – disseminate and promote in person and online
Training and Development for network of Spiritual Directors working in the diocese
Spiritual Direction – facilitate those who want to find a director and grow availability
Develop digital communications about the range of spiritual development opportunity available in the diocese
Strengthen and broaden membership of the Commission