Launching the Waterford and Lismore Diocesan 5 year Plan Go Make Disciples in June, Bishop Cullinan stated that âa radical transformation of ecclesial culture from maintenance to mission is called for in our parishes and diocese. Pope Francis has called for a missionary Church and for all members to become missionary disciples. Hence the title of our pastoral plan: Go Make Disciples.âÂ
Four themes or core strategic directions are identified to realise this vision. These are:
- Becoming an evangelising Church
- Creating communities of faith characterised by hospitality, belonging and acceptance
- Enhancing the quality of our liturgical celebrations and providing opportunities for spiritual growth
- Remodeling leadership and governance structures to serve the mission of evangelising and transforming the world.
Core objectives and actions to implement the strategies are outlined under each theme.  Evangelisation is the key to this transformation of culture. The Alpha Programme will be rolled out in parishes to rekindle faith in Jesus as Our Lord and Saviour and thus to rediscover what it means to be a disciple.
The Plan envisages that Alpha âgraduatesâ could be invited to join âConnectâ groups which are specifically designed to offer ongoing and continuing support in the form of a caring community. These groups could meet once or twice a month in the homes of parishioners. The meeting would consist of a shared meal, a talk by a member and a time of praying for and with one another. Training will be provided for leaders of these groups.
Bishop Cullinan stated that the book – Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon â was a Key Inspiration for this Plan. See extracts on our website HERE.  The Alpha Course was instrumental in changing the Culture of Fr. Jamesâ Parish â St. Benedicts â in Nova Scotia, Canada. This book has been inspirational to many Irish Catholic Parishes.â
You can view the plan on the diocesan website HERE or Extracts from it prepared by ECI HERE or find it on our Resources page.
