Pope Francis has said that we are not only in an era of change, but also in a change of era. Such fundamental and immediate change that faces the Church in Ireland could lead us to retreat into ourselves. It could lead to a kind of false conservatism where we confuse fearful clinging on to old habits as making a stand for tradition. This response leads us to be closed in on ourselves and stifles discernment of God's will.
Discernment, individually and communally, is essential in such a time as the one we find ourselves in. If we are open to facing into our reality and are open to discussing and praying our way through it with others, we can be sure that God will see us plot our way to a future brighter than we could ever imagine.
Dreaming a New Dream is a book that speaks directly into our reality. Specifically, it offers a series of succinctly written 'conversations', addressing relevant issues facing the Church in Ireland. Each of its 15 conversations is designed to inform and challenge the reader, using accessible language and drawing on the author's personal experience of working in pastoral ministry in dioceses, parishes and communities all over Ireland over the last 15 years.
Three questions come a the end of each conversation and these could be used either individually or in groups to further the conversation and deepen the insights.
This book could be an excellent resource to Parish or Diocesan Pastoral Councils and others in leadership as we look to a differently shaped church in the future.
It is entirely in keeping with Pope Francis' called for a synodal Church, where we find ourselves as companions on a journey together, always engaging with and listening to each other. The synodal method of 'Conversation in the Spirit' could be applied to each of the 15 conversations in Dreaming a New Dream and in this way, the book could be a resource for anyone searching for way to become more synodal in their parish or community.
