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.

A Journey of Listening and Hope

Beyond structural changes, the Bishop points 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 stresses 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

The Diocesan Mission Plan is available  on the diocesan website.  A shorter version is available here., through the link at the bottom of the page.

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• 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.

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."