The Bishops’ Conference liaises with representatives of ecclesial movements and new communities. The information that follows includes contact details for some of those working in England and Wales.
St Pope John Paul II said at a meeting of representatives of ecclesial movements and new communities on 30 May, 1998:
‘Today the Church rejoices at the renewed confirmation of the prophet Joel’s words which we have just heard: “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh” (Acts 2:17). You, present here, are the tangible proof of this “outpouring” of the Spirit. Each movement is different from the others, but they are all united in the same communion and for the same mission. Some charisms given by the Spirit burst in like an impetuous wind, which seizes people and carries them to new ways of missionary commitment to the radical service of the Gospel, by ceaselessly proclaiming the truths of faith, accepting the living stream of tradition as a gift and instilling in each person an ardent desire for holiness.’
‘…movements officially recognized by ecclesiastical authority offer themselves as forms of self-fulfilment and as reflections of the one Church. Their birth and spread has brought to the Church’s life an unexpected newness which is sometimes even disruptive.’
(Paragraphs 5 and 6. Full text: http://w2.vatican.va/)
The Bishops’ Conference Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis liaises with representatives of ecclesial movements and new communities. The information that follows includes contact details for some of those working in England and Wales.
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A member community of the Sword of the Spirit
The Antioch Community was founded in 1979 as an ecumenical intentional community; members are part of Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant churches. Antioch members try to move into similar areas of London to support one another in our Christian walk, as well as to witness to the Gospel. Their missionary work particularly focuses on young people, aged 14-29, although we do outreach to all ages. They are part of the Sword of the Spirit, which has about 80 communities worldwide.
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The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a highly diverse collection of individuals, groups, ministries, activities and communities, in different stages and modes of development and with differing emphases. This variety of expressions and ministries all function in the power of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is on relationships and networks rather than on structures, nevertheless all share the same fundamental experience of the supernatural empowering of the Holy Spirit through Baptism in the Spirit and have the same general goals. These are to introduce everyone to the fullness of new life in the Spirit, to bring all the graces of their baptism alive, and to provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to empower them so they can reach out to others with his love, gifts and power.
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Events based around the Carmelite church, 41 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BB.
To contact, please email cse.london@gmail.com
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An international Catholic lay movement for Christian married couples. In today’s increasingly secular world, Teams of Our Lady offer married couples the opportunity to have time out from their busy lives to learn about, share and grow in their faith. Groups meet monthly in members’ homes across the UK.
Contact details:
SouthernBritain@TeamsGB.org.uk
Facebook@teamsgb.org.uk
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The Focolare Movement began in Italy in 1943. Through its gospel-based spirituality its purpose is to work for dialogue and unity on all levels, following the inspiration of Jesus’ prayer to the Father ‘May they all be one’ (Jn 17:21). It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, vocations. The majority of members live out the spirituality in their own family, workplace, school/university and so on. A small number live in community and Focolare houses are the centre for many activities and faith sharing groups. In Britain there are Focolare communities in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, and Welwyn Garden City (Herts), also home to the ‘Focolare Centre for Unity’ (retreat/conference centre) and which hosts weekends for young people, children, adults and families.
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The Neocatechumenal Way is an itinerary of Catholic formation lived in small communities within the parish. It helps people of different ages, social backgrounds, mentalities and cultures, to rediscover and to live the immense riches of their baptism. They meet on a regular basis to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist, going through various stages similar to those of the ‘catechumenate’ of the Early Church. The Neocatechumenal Way is governed by a Statute approved by the Holy See. For further information please email: ncway.gb@gmail.com
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Youth 2000 seeks to draw young people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, lived at the heart of the Catholic Church. It does this primarily through weekend prayer festivals, where young people are introduced to the essentials of the Catholic faith by their peers in a joyful and vibrant environment.
