The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux
The collaboration between the Diocese of Exeter and Bayeux-Lisieux was established in 1980 as a Bishop-led ‘Partners in Mission’ forum – reinforcing friendship, exchanging information and ideas, facing problems and trying to solve them together. In 2001 ‘The Exchange’ was incorporated into the Diocesan Mission and Ministry department. Using a bi-annual conference and preacher exchanges themes such as “Who are the laity, what do they do, how can they be equipped”, Ministry to the Dying, Secularisation and Relations between church and state, The Christian Presence in a Rural World, Prisons and the Church’s role in education have been explored, with each Diocese learning from the other and sharing resources. In 1988, a conference on religious communities explored not only the consecrated life, but also the House Church movement and Charismatic Renewal. Fr Michael from Buckfast Abbey spoke of the theology of community post Vatican II and the need for a visible unity between Christians. “The next generation may well see the formation of Christian communities very different from what we know today, may see expressions of koinonia which are beyond our hopes and dreams.”
Those prescient words now feed into our strategy Pray, Grow, Serve 2025.
Evolution
We continue to promote ecumenical exploration and offer shared experience and growth to the under 25’s and young professionals. We have cemented relationships between our Cathedrals and enabled respectful shared discipleship and fellowship around the ministry of women. We learn from each other about new missional opportunities in a changing context. Our exchanges include: a visit from ‘Les Jeunes Pros’; a choir tour; a Cathedral pilgrimage; and a visit by young military and choral scholars to D-Day 80.
Pray, Grow, Serve 2035
Our mutual exploration and growth are grounded in prayer and fellowship. We seek to grow in ecumenical understanding, sharing together the reality of ministry and reflecting on future challenges. In serving our people, we look to new missional opportunities to work with the young, bridging distance to encourage and develop their mutual discipleship, and deepening links that enable all people to grow in ecumenical partnership and understanding. We also serve one another by being a forum where joys and sorrows can be shared and brothers and sisters in Christ resourced and encouraged in their ministries.
Contact
To find out more about the Diocese of Exeter’s connection with the Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux, pilgrimage opportunities, or partnership work, please contact:
Rev’d Sarah Mounoury – click here to email Sarah
Rev Marisa Cockfield – click here to email Marisa
07491 360399
