PARISH MISSION 2007
'Come & See' were the words of disciples to new friends - to meet Jesus:
THIS IS MISSION
In England, we live in a state of Mission because this country is no longer a practising Christian nation.
Nearly two thousand years ago when Christians came to England, they came to a pagan people who had not heard of Jesus Christ and where the Church did not exist.
For 1000 years preaching, teaching, baptising, confirming and the building of Centres where services could be held took place. For 350 years to about 1450, the country was very active in its Christian life but then the renaissance of classical studies, the translation of the Bible into English (itself a good thing) and the stirrings of the Reformation broke up the completeness of the Church and the community, and of the idea of Christendom (of Christian Nations acting together).
Then, for 500 years (but accelerating from 1750AD onwards) more and more people weakened in their committment and practise of the faith. Despite Evangelical and Anglo-Catholic revivals of late 18th and 19th Centuries, we now live in an age when 70% say that they still believe, but 10% or less do anything about their belief through workings, Christian action or living the Christian life.
In England and in Hanworth, we have church buildings and most people have heard of Jesus Christ and of His Church.
The Mission is to recover 60% non-active Christians, and to convert 30% non-Christians, so that with 10% practising Christians, the whole of each local community, and the nation are full, practising Christians.
The example of the great Missions to parishes, communities and areas, by the Cowley Fathers, Sisters, associations and organisations are still needed today.
There will be a Mission to Hanworth in 2007 during the middle two weeks of October. The Mission will be led by Brother Steven of the Community of the Resurrection (CR) and Brother Martin of the Society of St Francis (SSF).
Full Details of our Great Parish Mission in September/October 2007
will be posted here shortly.
