What does it mean to be Church in 2007? What will it mean in 2010? The Archdiocese is engaged in a process of serious self-questioning, which many feel has not come too soon.

The present review is similar to ones conducted by the local Church in former years, with Assemblies 1977 and 1988 and had its beginnings at Synod 2003.

Although the method of assessment may differ from those employed at Assemblies 77 and 88, they all have ultimately the same objective - to keep the Church rooted to its true identity – one that is constant yet constantly being renewed.

That the Church has set itself on a particular course of self-examination at this time should not be interpreted to mean that it is, in any way, despondent about its future. 

Neither should the Church see itself (confronted with many ills) as being single-handedly responsible for creating these problems. But it is critical that the process of self-scrutiny should begin now.

In the last decade the rate of social change has increased to an extent unimaginable in previous decades – speeded up by the communication technology.

It is that same technology which, as a report published in last week’s Catholic News makes clear, has helped to bring the local Church leaders to an awareness of the urgent need for consultation and commitment on a path of renewal.

As part of the present process the Archdiocese will look at its vision and mission, which must naturally be one with the vision and mission of the universal Church.

Perhaps St Paul best captures the vision of Church when he tells the Ephesians: “we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory” (1:11). He says pointedly, “you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (2:19 – 22).

Culture of Solidarity

The goal of the Church is to enable persons to live the Christian life – which cannot be done outside of Christian community. Because the culture that pervades society today is so inimical to Christianity even greater attention will need to be given to the role of the Catholic Christian community.

In the call for “a culture of solidarity” and formation of Basic Christian Communities, the consultations that have taken place so far seem to have recognised the importance of strengthening Catholic community life.

The demanding social situation in which the Church finds itself prompts a couple of questions. One: How far are we ready to go in changing our strategy to take account of the present environment? The review process requires people who are great “imaginaires”.

Two: At a time when more and more people can and want to have a say about how things are done, how far are we willing to go in facilitating this expression.

It is true that the Church is not a democracy but it is to its advantage, in today’s technological climate, that its leadership can be well connected to members and vice versa.

In all that we do in the coming months, let us not lose the opportunity to celebrate what it means to be Church, which Assemblies 77 and 88 did very well.

In many wonderful ways, the Gospel of this Sunday, the parable of the Prodigal Son speaks to this seeking after true identity – even as Church. It reassures us that this process, like the Church itself, remains close to the Father’s heart.