A new Church coming into being

Much of the news coverage over the last few days has circled around the end of lockdown. My sense is that there is a lot of weariness with social isolation among many people; and, from what I observe, there seems to be an increase of people out-and-about. I wonder whether more of us are finding ways to ‘stretch’ the rules a little bit.

On Sunday night, of course, we await an address from the Prime Minister, who it seems likely will announce some sort of easing of the restrictions we’re currently living under. However, what is perhaps becoming more slowly understood, is that this is unlikely to mean things getting back to ‘how they were before’; at least, not for a very long time.

It may take many months, if not years, before a vaccine emerges - if indeed it is possible, at all. Until then, there will be many people who will need to shield themselves from wider society. Some will want to return to a more normal life, but taking steps to manage risks. Significant changes to the lives we have known will be necessary, not just for those in ‘at risk’ groups, but for all of us, who by our choices could put others - especially those we know and love - in danger.

The changes coming to society at large will, naturally, profoundly affect the life of the Church. What follows are some purely speculative reflections, on what this may look like for the pastoral mission of the Church in England and Wales. It is perhaps worth emphasising, I am not here representing any organisation within the Church: these are purely personal reflections. I am not privy to any high (or low) level discussions in the Church or my diocese as to what the future might look like. 

A Smaller, Purer Church?
The idea that the Church in the future would be smaller in terms of numbers, but made up of more committed Catholics is one which has long been associated with Pope Benedict XVI. In fact, there is no evidence of him having spoken of this, but in some ways his choosing of the name Benedict has been seen as instructive. St. Benedict’s vision of monastic life saved Christianity in the West by preserving the Christian patrimony in small communities of monks, withdrawn in many ways from the world. This during a time when civil structures were breaking down, and much of the Church’s organisation with it.


Some commentators have tried to juxtapose this vision with that of Pope Francis, whom they associate with an evangelical vision of going out into the world to proclaim the Gospel to the margins. Anyone looking carefully at the things both Popes have actually said will see this comparison is not entirely accurate.

However, Popes’ wishes aside, in the life of the Church to come, in some ways we can, I think anticipate a shift into the direction of a ‘smaller, purer Church’.

My guess - again just pure a guess - is that we will not be able to resume ordinary Sunday Masses until some time next year. This means that the staple of parish life, and most people’s primary connection with the Church, will have been suspended for about a year - a long time in anyone’s book.  It would seem a reasonable speculation that during this time a portion of those who are more on the peripheries of our parish communities will have become even more detached, and maybe even have slipped away altogether.

In the meantime, it is, I think, likely, that within weeks we may be allowed to offer Masses in the presence of the faithful, but with tightly regulated congregations to allow social distancing. In an area with plenty of priests, willing to offer Mass frequently, this could (optimistically) mean that everyone who wants to could get to Mass once in the week. However, with space limited, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that attendance will be dominated by the most committed CatholicS, who are keen and organised enough to get themselves signed up for as many Masses as possible.

It is likewise possible that the ranks of the committed will be swelled by a certain number of converts, particularly lapsed Catholics, who might have been forced by the prolonged lockdown to think about the ‘bigger questions’ in life for the first time in a while. Some might well have made, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, quite a big interior, spiritual shift in this time, which when united to the celebration of Confession and Holy Communion could turn into a significant change of life. Converts, or reverts, really are different in many ways, from Catholics who have always faithfully practised their faith.

That these constituencies, present in every parish, might during this time move further apart means that the ‘feel’ of the parish, the needs/desires of the majority of its members and the direction of travel of the community might well be quite different than before the outbreak of this crisis.

Changing of the Guard

In every almost parish, the priest(s) gets an outsized portion of the credit for what goes on there. Many people’s experience of the parish often boils down to their experience of the clergy. Yet, for anyone even a little more closely involved in the life of the Church, it becomes clear that priests are heavily dependent on a team of lay (and often some religious) volunteers. The amount of time and effort given by faithful Catholics is often very humbling.

However, one of the challenges as the Church begins to resume some form of sacramental life is that many of the priests and people involved in the work of keeping parishes going will fall into categories which mean they must - or should - remain shielding (strictly self-isolating) from the Coronavirus for some time to come.

It is perhaps meaningful to say a word here in defence of the Bishops. I know many Catholics are desperately sad at the loss of access to the sacraments, and some rather irked at the decisions made by the hierarchy to close Churches. I really am sympathetic to this pain - and myself feel it vicariously. Nevertheless, I also feel some huge sympathy for the Bishops, responsible for the care of their priests - very many of whom are, because of age or illness, in a group which needs to strictly self-isolate at this time. Balancing the need to make the sacraments available again whilst avoiding exposing their brother priests to risks to their health (even their life) is not straightforward. Our episcopal Shepherds really do need our prayers.

Copyright Bill Nicholls

When Churches do reopen for Masses, it may well be that the priests available to do this safely will be many fewer than before. And they will likely find themselves supported by fewer or different lay people, in their work to get the parish going. Of necessity, many of the parishioners who give most time to volunteering are retired. These will be much more likely, therefore, to be self-isolating. If we are lucky, new people will come forward to take the places of those who cannot. Otherwise, those priests who are active can expect to be a lot busier than before.

Either way, what can be expected is that there might be a change in the usual faces which are seen ‘doing things’ in the Church. Priests who are healthier will be seen more often. New parish helpers will bring them certain changes and new ways of ‘doing things’. Even apart from social distancing, things will not be the same as before.

The Opportunity
I have observed over the years that people can broadly be divided into those who thrive on change and those who fear it. I fall very, very much into the former camp. Therefore, I do believe that that the coming changes - whatever they actually look like in the end - will offer real opportunities, if we are attentive to where the Holy Spirit is taking us.

One opportunity which I can foresee might emerge, is that gathering in smaller, socially distanced groups might, paradoxically, allow us to have more contact with one another. Standing at the back of a Mass with 300 people, the priest can barely exchange a meaningful word with anyone as they rush to get out at the end. However, seeing a similar 20 people probably at the same time each week, one will quickly get to know each micro-congregation. With far smaller numbers at Mass, there exists the possibility that in 20 or 30 minutes beforehand, a decent percentage might have the chance to go to Confession. And as the priest gets to know his micro-congregations, he could, if he is adaptable, begin to tailor is homilies to suit the more specific needs of the perhaps more committed Catholics (as discussed above) presenting themselves at Mass.

Furthermore, these smaller groups will likely come to know and recognise each more. Being together for the Liturgy builds community; but, as measures are gradually eased, there will hopefully emerge opportunities for these groups to build up a social relationship, too.

The possibility of more Catholics going to Confession, receiving more targeted formation in homilies and supporting one another socially in living the faith is a really enticing one. You may say I’m being unrealistic - but please, allow a young priest to dream.


It has become something of a cliche to say that the world will never be the same after Covid-19. Yet, it is true. Historians will one day describe and explain all sorts of changes in the world as being the result of what happened in 2020. We, however, are present day actors. What that future looks like depends on what people in our day decide to do in response to new circumstances. As Christians, the Church of tomorrow is, to a very great extent, in our hearts and in our hands. Let us be ready to grab hold of the opportunities that will present themselves, and claim them for Jesus Christ.

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5 Tips for Making a Better Confession

 As we have been reflecting in recent posts, there is undoubtably something of a crisis in the practice of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The numbers of people choosing to celebrate this Sacrament seems to be in decline, and yet it really is central to the effective practice of the Catholic Faith. In the last blog pieces, I have attempted to reflect on some of the background things that a Catholic can do to grow in their appreciation of this sacrament.

Today’s piece, however, focuses on what we can do to make the actual Confession itself a more positive, life-giving experience. This Sacrament is an encounter with Christ - each and every time - which means that Grace is communicated to us. Nevertheless, there are practical things that we can do, which will make that Grace more fruitful in our souls. Below are five simple tips.

1. Examine your conscience well. You can check out my previous posts for help with this one. However, it really is axiomatic that your Confession will only be as fruitful as your examination of conscience beforehand: so really give some time to this. I say this, particularly, if you are out of the habit of going to Confession - make sure you do a really thorough examination of conscience to really ‘lay it all out’ before the Lord and His Mercy to cover it all with His Redeeming Blood. 

   

   Fr. James Bradley

2. Write down what you want to say. This is not obvious for a lot of people and yet it will be quite transformative, if you have never done it before. The confessing of sins can be an uncomfortable by its very nature, but when you’re put on the spot and simply expected to talk in a monologue, it is very possible for the mind to ‘go blank’ or to forget things. Having made a good, detailed examination of conscience, I cannot recommend highly enough, writing down what you want to say. It will make the actual, practical experience of confessing much, much easier.
3. If you’re wondering, ask questions. Confession is primarily a forum for receiving forgiveness for sins. However, it can also be a really important - totally confidential - place for asking some of those difficult moral questions with which you may be struggling. If you’re not sure whether something is a sin, don’t just guess - your immortal soul is not worth taking risks over. More than that, though, asking some pertinent questions about your moral or spiritual life will enable the priest to be much more helpful to you in offering some spiritual guidance.
4. Choose your priest. Not all priests are the same, we each have our own foibles, temperaments and characters. It is OK to seek out a priest to whom you feel more comfortable bearing your soul and in whose advice you might feel more genuine confidence. There are times, many times, in the spiritual life when we just want the anonymous experience of turning up at a queue and going to get our sins absolved by any priest. Yet, there are also times, important times, when we need a bit more than that - perhaps a deeper conversation about the underlying issues behind our sins, or perhaps to make a confession of some serious things; and, when you’re in that place, it really is OK to seek out the right priest for you at that time. Get in touch, make an appointment. I can guarantee he’ll be delighted to help you.
5. Pray before and after. God gives the gift in Confession. But He also gives the gift of receiving the gift. Our reception of this Sacrament should be surrounded in prayer for the Grace to do it well. Pray for the Grace to really see the sins He wants to turn your gaze towards in examining your conscience. Pray before the Confession for the Grace to be open in confessing and in receiving the advice. Pray for the priest. And pray afterwards in thanksgiving to God and for the Grace that this encounter would bear fruits of holiness in your relationship with Him.