DRAFT
Entry for Catholic Directory of England and Wales 2002, as required by section viii. of Schedule (no more than 40 words).
Advent
A support group for priests and religious who have resigned active ministry. Advent is a safe haven for priests and religious uncertain of the future direction of their ministry, offering unbiased, confidential counselling and support.
Contact:
Web site: www.adventgroup.org.uk
Rev. John Danson
ADVENT application for entry into the Catholic Directory of England and Wales.
Information required by schedule.
April 9th 2001.
Priests who had resigned their active ministry in the 1960s founded Advent at Spode House in 1969. Meetings at that time were encouraged and fostered by Fr. Conrad Pepler O. P.
Ecclesiastical approval was strengthened with the active involvement of Archbishop Derek Worlock in the early 70s who attended meetings in the Midlands and entered into enthusiastic dialogue and correspondence with members, until the Archbishop's death.
In the 70s, 80s and 90s Advent enjoyed the friendship and support of Cardinal Basil Hume, both at Advent meetings and through individual dialogues.
Key objectives and current programme:
The primary objective of Advent is to be a safe haven of love, support and solidarity for priests who have made the decision in conscience to resign their active ministry either to marry or for other reasons.
To be, as a country wide network, available in every diocese to help, counsel and advise priests who are uncertain of the future direction of their ministry.
In this regard, Advent provides unbiased practical, emotional and spiritual support in a non-threatening environment, enabling them to explore feelings, voice uncertainties and discern vocation in what can be a very painful process.
Advent does not have a constitution, simply a generally agreed set of aims and objectives.
Current Chair: Philip and Catherine Smith Coventry
Bulletin Editors: Pat and Nicola Olivier
Advent Website: Alex Walker
Officers elected at AGM - Changed or re-elected every two years
Advent is the only organisation in England and Wales which offers pastoral outreach to priests who have resigned active ministry. While there continues to be no recognised and uniform code of pastoral practice among Bishops dealing with priests who are experiencing a crisis point in their ministry, Advent is a necessary resource in the Church and, as such, should rightfully be included in the Directory.
With special reference to section iii.:
Since its inception in 1969, Advent has sought to remain strong in faith, evangelistic in the basic tenets of the Catholic Church and committed to priesthood, ministry and the Church we love and still seek to serve.
Nonetheless, while the Church continues to wound itself with the imposition of mandatory celibacy, we must endeavour to work together toward dialogue leading to change, for the Church to remain a credible presence in the 21st Century.