Archdiocese of Armagh enters ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ ahead of Pastoral Plan

30 Jan 2020

This evening, Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Michael Router will launch a ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ for the Archdiocese of Armagh.

Time & Date:   Thursday 30 January at 7.30pm
Venue:   Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh
In attendance:  Archbishop Eamon Martin and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router launch a ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’. All press welcome and invited to attend.

 

Background
As the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in the Archdiocese of Armagh for the period 2015 to 2020, ‘Share the Joy of the Gospel’, draws to a close, the archdiocese is making preparations for a new Pastoral Plan for this new decade.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council has set aside the year 2020 as a ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ throughout the archdiocese encouraging reflection and seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the way forward for the diocese in the coming years.

Bishop Michael Router, who has assumed responsibility for this area of diocesan life has said: “The reasons for beginning this process with a year of prayer are linked to the example of Jesus Christ and to the very foundations of the Church itself.  Jesus prayed in a quiet place before undertaking each step of his mission, Saint Patrick found his calling and direction in life on the quiet slopes of Slemish Mountain and everything worthwhile and lasting in the life of the Church, and in life in general, begins with reflection, prayer and the invocation of the Holy Spirit”.  

Bishop Michael added: “Our Diocesan Pastoral Council believes the process of planning for the future is too important to be rushed.  It is essential to give time as well to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past few decades of Pastoral Planning and in the last five years in particular.  The ‘Year of Reflection and Prayer’ is an opportunity for everyone in the diocese to get involved in the process, including young people, families, the housebound, our religious congregations and prayer groups.”

More details on the year ahead and the resources available can be found on the website www.armaghprays.com.

ENDS

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444