The Principles of Some Definite Service
Some Definite Service is the diocesan-wide approach for parish growth in Evangelisation, Catechesis, and Formation supported through local people, plans, and prayer.
Over time, members of the volunteer missionary network and the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis have seen a number of principles emerge. Each of these informs the conversations that take place, the rationale and format of our events and the content of the documents that are produced as part of Some Definite Service.
The principles are:
1
The approach is based on and thrives through accompaniment
Intentional accompaniment of individuals through conversation
Accompaniment of parishes through plans and a structure of support
2
Events are used sparingly, and are intended/designed to strengthen the volunteer missionary network. Rather the focus is on one person at a time.
3
The locus for evangelisation, catechesis and formation is mainly the parish and the home, not the diocese. Subsidiarity is key.
4
Recognising the gifts of everyone. Wisdom is not concentrated in just one place. Great ideas can come from anywhere.
5
Gone are the days of introversion and self-sufficiency in the parish context, we need to be better connected. Strong parishes are great, strong parishes connected to others are better. Solidarity is essential.
6
Prayer and a reliance on grace is essential, vital, intentional. We also live in expectant hope of the Lord’s love for us and look to cooperate with him.
7
We are seeking the conversion of heart of all the people we meet, each of the people we meet. Initial conversion and a start of a loving, personal relationship with Jesus, in his Church, and ongoing conversion in terms of holiness and participation in his mission.
8
All are encouraged to have a heart for those who do not know Jesus or don’t know him well enough.