Pastoral Strategy

Our Diocese faces rapid and far-reaching shifts: declining Mass attendance over the longer term, fewer priests, changing demographics and increasing pressures on our buildings and finances. These realities call for courageous decisions and substantial change — strengthening our mission, renewing our structures and planning sustainably for future generations. We see many signs of hope, and as a people of hope, we are invited to take steps that allow that hope to become real in our choices. This is a moment to act with faith, clarity and courage.

Bishop Stephen, as the chief shepherd, teacher and leader of our Diocese is
responsible for ensuring that the Church’s mission can be faithfully lived in changing
circumstances. He is entrusted with safeguarding the faith, promoting unity and
stewarding the people and the resources of the Diocese. He must respond when the spiritual, pastoral or practical landscape shifts. Bishop Stephen’s role calls him to read the signs of the times, discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit with the People of God and make decisions that strengthen mission, support sacramental life and ensure sustainable structures for the future. He cannot and does not wish to lead alone. Bishop Stephen wishes to listen to all in the diocese in keeping with a synodal Church.

Yes — the processes of renewal, restructuring and synodal change are happening widely across the Roman Catholic Church both globally and locally. The issues prompting our Diocesan review are being experienced in many places, and bishops worldwide are responding in similar ways.
In 2020 the Vatican published instructions encouraging Dioceses to restructure so
that parishes better serve evangelisation.*
The guidance identifies:
• More cooperation across parish boundaries
• Formation of “pastoral regions or units”
• Creation of “new structures” to support evangelisation
* The pastoral conversion of the parish community at the service of the evangelizing mission of the Church by the Congregation for the Clergy

Yes — Forward Together in Hope was a major renewal process for the Diocese of
Hexham & Newcastle, but it was not the end of renewal. That journey of reflection and self‑assessment encouraged parishes to look honestly at their strengths, challenges and mission. However, it is now ten years since Forward Together in Hope and this predates the COVID pandemic which has had a major impact on the Diocese.
Renewal is ongoing and we must respond to the now in which we find ourselves.

A process of diocesan renewal is deeply faithful to the teaching of Jesus, who
continually calls His followers to conversion, fresh listening and courageous
mission.
Jesus says: “Repent and believe the Good News” (Mark 1:15). The word repent
means: turn around, change direction, open yourself to God’s newness.
Jesus invites His disciples to be attentive to the needs of the people around them.
In this spirit, the Church listens as Jesus listens asking, “What are you looking for?”
(John 1:38) and “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51).

There is no additional cost to the Diocese for this process beyond people’s time.
We are utilising the wisdom, prayer and practical experience of our clergy, parishioners, laity volunteers and local communities. This renewal is rooted in who we are as Church: a people who share responsibility for one another, because being Catholic means belonging to a family of faith. Your time, your reflection and your insights are the real investment — and they will help ensure that our whole Diocese can plan wisely and faithfully for the future.

The call to better reflect our mission is a call across our entire Diocese – as one
Diocesan Family.
Bishop Stephen is working closely with a steering group that includes his two Vicars
General, his five Deans, Trustees, the Diocesan COO and leads from his Formation & Mission, Property, Finance and Education departments to ensure a service across the Diocese that facilitates and accompanies our shared journey of renewal.
Practically, curia staff are also available to facilitate conversations, offer formation
materials and provide support walking alongside parishes as they work through the
toolkit.

It is wonderful to be part of a thriving and flourishing community but there are a number of reasons why you need to take part. First and foremost, this is a call to mission: to ask together what God is inviting us to do next and to respond with faith, creativity and courage. In the life of faith there is always room to grow, to deepen and to discover new ways of living and sharing the Gospel. Secondly, your flourishing community can inspire others: by reflecting on what is bearing fruit and sharing it generously, you help strengthen the wider diocese. Thirdly, even vibrant parishes are touched by the reality of fewer clergy, so your engagement remains vital as we plan sustainably for the future.
Your participation matters – for the mission, for the good of the whole Church and for the continued growth of your parish.

Even if your church has already merged with another, it doesn’t mean the journey is
finished. Parish life, demographics and the number of available clergy continue to change across the whole Diocese so every community, merged or not, will still be part of the wider process of renewal. Your parish’s experience, strengths and insights are important as we discern together what God is asking of us next.

Yes, it is still important to complete the toolkit. Our renewal is not only about individual parishes but about the wellbeing and mission of the whole Diocesan Family. One of the most fundamental truths of being Catholic is that we belong to one another: we are part of a single Body, responsible not only for our own community but for supporting and strengthening others. Completing the toolkit allows your parish to share its strengths, offer insights that may help communities facing different challenges and contribute to the wider discernment of where God is calling us as a Diocese. A flourishing parish does not stand apart — it plays a vital role in helping the whole Church grow in faith, hope and mission.

We know many people are worried about the future of their church building, but no
decisions have been made about closures and renewal does not automatically mean
that churches will close. Across England and Wales, dioceses are reviewing how best to use their priests, buildings and resources but these reviews are about strengthening mission, not abandoning communities. A church is far more than a building, it is a worshipping family and every effort will be made to support local communities and ensure access to the sacraments. Some parishes may be asked to share priests or work more closely with
neighbouring communities, but the aim is to ensure a living, sustainable Catholic
presence everywhere, not to withdraw it.
Churches exist for Mission, if the use of the Church building is hindering mission then
we must discern what is sustainable now and for the future generations.

In many dioceses of England and Wales, yes — a reduction in the number of Masses
is becoming likely, and in some places it has already begun. It is important to acknowledge that the number of Masses offered in some parishes may change, not
because the Church wishes to reduce worship, but because fewer priests, shifting
demographics and the growing demands placed upon our clergy make it essential
to plan sustainably for the future. A priest is permitted to celebrate three Sunday Masses over the weekend, this must guide our discernment. This Diocesan review will ensure that our faith can continue to be nourished, that our priests are cared for and that our communities remain vibrant and missionary.

Encouraging people to come along to a meeting or discussion group begins with helping them feel that their presence genuinely matters. A warm personal invitation — whether in person, by phone, or in a quick message is far more effective than a general notice, because people respond when they know they are truly wanted and that their voice makes a difference. It also helps to be clear about the purpose of the meeting, explaining why their insight is important for shaping the future of the parish and reminding them that being Catholic means sharing responsibility for one another and for the mission of the Church. Choosing an accessible time, keeping the meeting focused and creating a welcoming, prayerful atmosphere encourage people to attend and feel at ease.

If you need assistance or supporting materials at any point during this process you can contact discernment.returns@diocesehn.org.uk or telephone 0191 243 3316 (option 2).

Parishes are asked to work through the Discernment Toolkit.

Part H is to be completed by the Parish and returned to
discernment.returns@diocesehn.org.uk by 23rd April 2026

Part I is a return by a number of parishes in an area and is to be returned to discernment.returns@diocesehn.org.uk by 4th June 2026