Bishop Launches ‘Go, Make Disciples’: A New Vision for Renewal and Mission
Diocese Unveils Five-Year Mission Plan on the Sunday of the Word of God
On this weekend when the Church celebrates the Sunday of the Word of God - a day dedicated to the celebration of Sacred Scripture—the Bishop has announced a transformative new roadmap for the future of the diocese: a Five-Year Diocesan Mission Plan entitled ‘Go, make disciples’.
Since the beginning of his tenure, Bishop Patrick has frequently been asked for a plan to help the diocese face its current challenges. Like many other dioceses, Nottingham faces both numerical and financial decline, alongside a significant reduction in the number of priests available to provide pastoral care across a geographically large area.
However, following extensive consultation with laity, clergy, and religious, the Bishop emphasized that a clear consensus has emerged: “Our aim must never be just to manage decline,” he stated. Rather, the goal is to reshape diocesan structures to foster renewal, growth, and mission.
A Journey of Listening and Hope
This new plan is the fruit of years of shared reflection. Through Lenten Roadshows in 2022 and 2024, and recent county gatherings in 2025, the diocese has faced hard truths together. Bishop Patrick acknowledged the difficult decisions regarding parish amalgamations—moving toward a target of 54 large parishes by Pentecost 2026—but highlighted that these changes are designed to allow communities to become more outward-looking.
Beyond structural changes, the Bishop pointed to a deeper need to better respond to the Lord’s commission to “go, make disciples”. He expressed that these honest conversations have revealed not despair, but a renewed sense of hope, visible in the generosity of clergy and laity working together in new ways, the adaptability of the Curia and the creativity of the Youth Service, to name just a few examples.
The Plan: Spiritual and Practical
‘Go, make disciples’ is described as both a spiritual and a practical framework. It is built on three themes that have characterized the Church throughout the ages: Encounter, Discipleship, and Mission, all inspired by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist.
The plan offers a vision for the next five years, outlining priorities and practical insights on how to bear fruit in local communities. It is a direct response to Jesus' words in Matthew 28: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations... and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
A Call to Every Catholic
Bishop Patrick stressed that the implementation of this plan cannot be left solely to the clergy, certain parishioners or central offices. It requires the active participation of everyone in the diocese, without exception. Quoting Saint John Henry Newman, the Bishop reminded the faithful that they each have a specific role to play:
"God has created me to do Him some definite service... I have my mission... He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work."
The Mission Plan is an invitation for all Catholics in the Diocese of Nottingham to place their unique, God-given gifts in the service of Christ and to humbly share with others the positive difference that knowing Jesus makes in their lives.
Next Steps: Engaging with the Plan
• Roadshows: Starting Monday, January 26th, 2026, the Bishop will present the plan in a series of area Roadshows. Printed copies will be available at these events.
• Parish Action: Parishes are asked to determine their "first few steps" for the coming year and share these with the Bishop by 15th June 2026.
• Personal Reflection: We warmly invite everyone to prayerfully read the plan and reflect on how they might personally participate in this shared vision.
The Bishop noted that while some parishes are already well underway, others—particularly those involved in amalgamations—may need to walk at a slower pace. The important thing is every parish commits to take a ‘first few steps’ in the next twelve months, and then to making substantial progress on the journey to becoming more missionary by 2030.
A Prayer for the Journey
As the diocese sets out on this five-year journey, the Bishop invited the faithful to pray that the Lord will make these efforts fruitful, citing the humble prayer of Cardinal Prevost, when he realised he was about to be named Pope:
"Here we go, Lord, you’re in charge, you lead the way."
The Bishop concluded with an invitation for everyone to read the plan, pray for its success, and actively look for opportunities to contribute their talents to its implementation.
Please click on the link to read the complete document:
