Oblate News

Looking to and Preparing for the Future as Pilgrims of Hope in Communion on Anglesey

Island faith communities gather together

Recently, the Anglesey Island Mission Group and all of the Parish Councillors from the three parish areas on the island (Amlwch/Benllech, Beaumaris/Llangefni, Holyhead/Rhosneigr,), met on Sunday 11^th June 2023 in Oriel Môn; an art gallery and museum located in the middle of the island of Anglesey which allows for venue hire. Others from the six Faith Communities on the island joined with them in this pleasant setting to make a group of approximately fifty persons.

A warm welcome from Fr Joe Daly OMI

It was a gathering of a vibrant and engaged faith community, and very enriching experience to witness what is possible when committed people of faith are engaged and open to new possibilities and working toward a common vision in maintaining and growing their faith communities. With a warm message of welcome from Fr Joe Daly OMI, the organising team presented an engaging afternoon on the island’s journey so far in building for the future. Patsy Thomas of Beaumaris led the opening prayer, inviting the group to pray together for unity, “Lord, unite us in your spirit”. Steve Cottam ran through the agenda and brought the group up to date on the recent developments, in particular referring to the recent Island Assembly where more than one hundred people attended the day, and sixty-eight group conversations across the faith communities took place in the lead up to this day, and a significant document was produced as an outcome of this.

Fr Frank Murray, presenting to the group.

The Island pastoral associate, and member of the Island Mission Group, Pauline Thomas had the following to say in summary around the significance of this gathering:

“Following our Island Assembly last June 2022, The Island Mission Group has been continuing to look to the future and work on the key themes that emerged, as well as building upon all the various activities that are already happening across our Island. This gathering allowed for a sharing of thought and action towards preparing the communities to be better able to respond to possible changes our Island Faith Communities may face in the future – whether that be sooner or later. It was an opportunity for the Island Mission Group to gain feedback and invite participation.”

Ideas were shared over tea and coffee.

Following on from Steve’s presentation, Fr Frank Murray OMI spoke about the mission of the Oblates to promote lay participation and leadership on the island and gave examples of how that needs to be expanded, referring to a recent meeting held with the Oblate Provincial, Oliver Barry and the local bishop. Christine Hunt then led a short session unpacking this significant meeting and what this might mean for the island.

Question and answer sessions were held.

The group looked at the outcomes from the Island Assembly and a robust and lively discussion and sharing of ideas ensued, with many ideas and suggestions put forward by the attendees, which was moderated by Rhian and Steve.

Christine giving her presentation on Island Mission Group.

Members of the Oblate Communications office were delighted to have been invited to attend and observe the meeting in order to share a taste of the gathering with our wider Oblate family, and the recently appointed director of MAMI UK (Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate), Kirk Jacob who is also part of the PIM (Partners in Mission) team was also in attendance at the meeting.

Pauline shared:

“We were blessed to be able to welcome among us Kirk Jacob from Partners in Mission, as well as Rebecca Roughneen and Jennifer Forti from the Oblate Digital Communications Office. We thank them for their presence, encouragement and support. Rebecca and Jennifer were able to keep a digital record of the event and to tell us something of their work in promoting communication for the Oblate Family. Kirk was present on the Island having made the MAMI appeal at the 6 Churches during the Sunday Liturgies over two weekends. We look forward to working with them in the future, to further develop our skills in digital communication as well as learning more of the Oblate Missions through MAMI.”

Sr Miranda concluded the meeting with a closing prayer, showing the group a reflective video, aptly titled “Psalm of Partnership”. It was an impressive gathering overall, and those in attendance left renewed, inspired and challenged, and most of all, with hope, by what they had heard from all present in Oriel Môn.

Island Assembly Attendees.