Re-imagining Pastoral Councils

In our crazy changing world, it’s more important than ever that our parishes can respond to people’s needs and share the Gospel in our local communities. Pastoral Councils, rooted in prayer and driven by mission, can be places of discernment and real creativity – but sometimes they’re not quite right. Join us for a series of webinars to explore everything to do with pastoral councils from purpose to membership, and from resolving conflict to letting the Spirit lead.

Please note: you only need to register once for the series, we will send the link out each time on the day of the event.
Webinars are from 7-8pm UK time.  

• 14th October 2025 Setting the Scene: What's all the fuss about parish councils?
  With guest speaker Avril Baigent, Director of Pastoral Development, Diocese of Northampton
  
  
• 11th November 2025 The Importance of Relationships and Keeping the Meetings Spiritual
  With guest speaker Fr Shaun O’Neill, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
  
  
• 16th December 2025 Who does what (and why it matters): Roles, Remit and Recruitment
  With guest speaker Sarah Adams, Director for the Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation, Diocese of Clifton
  
  
• 13th January 2026 The way we work together: culture, constructive behaviours & not being a thorn in one another’s side
  With guest speaker Danny Curtin, Catholic speaker and facilitator
  
  
• 10th February 2026 Letting the Holy Spirit Lead and Really Listening
  With guest speaker Fr Matthew Nunes, Archdiocese of Liverpool
  
  
• 10th March 2026 Discerning and Casting a Vision that Responds to Local Needs
  With guest speaker Jordan Kelly, UK Lead, Divine Renovation
  
  
• 21st April 2026  Making choices that serve others: Discernment, Decision-making and Decision-taking
  With guest speaker Austen Ivereigh, Catholic speaker and writer
  
  
• 12th May 2026 Disagreeing Well and Conflict Resolution
  With guest speaker David Wells, Catholic speaker and writer
  
  
• 16th June 2026 Not Forgetting to Celebrate, Evaluate and Give Thanks
  A chance to pause, give thanks, and reflect on the journey together. We'll celebrate what has grown, name what remains challenging, and discern what we want to carry forward. A prayerful and hopeful close to nine sessions of learning together.

This is a joint project of the RC Dioceses of Hexham and Newcastle, Northampton and the Archdiocese of Liverpool