MISSION statement: Revised 2026

We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ’s Church and a desire to be part of the synodal renewal it needs.
 
Inspired by the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, and the call to Synodality for the Church of the third millennium, we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that it may be a more effective and inclusive sign of the Kingdom of God.
 
To enable this, we wish to promote listening, dialogue and receptivity within the Church, and with all people of good will, open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
 
Accordingly, we aim to facilitate opportunities to share experiences, practices and insights to discern our hopes and aims for the Church in the world today.

THEOLOGY statement:

ACTA is a movement built from below by clergy and laity alike in every diocese in England and Wales. It exists to give those people an effective voice. It is an instrument to establish and promote space for a trusting dialogue within a hierarchically structured people’s Church.
 
ACTA believes that the reforms of the Second Vatican Council are the only way forward for mission to modern society. It is not a small chapel of selected followers; it believes in the Church as a “big tent”, with open doors. As a free and representative association of believers, it seeks to liberate the expertise in the ranks, so as to bring added energy and witness to the Church in the world.

Praying at Home during this Coronavirus Holy Week

Written by: Tom O'Loughlin

This suggestion was sent to us by Thomas O’Loughlin, Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Nottingham. As an example of what might be done, he has proposed a text, (below) for a  Home Liturgy for Palm Sunday.

Download: TOL Coronavirus Liturgy Intro ; TOL A Home Liturgy for Palm Sunday 2020

Spiritual Comfort for Troubled Times & Holy Week Resources and Videos

You can divide religions into those that are most at home in the large public space and those which are most at home in the domestic space. For most Christians the choice has never been visible: they own many big buildings – and that is where religion takes place. If it takes place elsewhere, that is really just ‘a follow up.’ Christians seem to like big public statements.

Read more: Praying at Home during this Coronavirus Holy Week

Reimagining the Eucharist

Written by: Tom O'Loughlin

Masses have been suspended throughout Britain and Ireland. A leading theologian argues that, as well as a time of loss, this might be a moment to broaden our understanding of the Eucharist and to deepen our spirituality beyond the walls of our usual place of worship

Read more: Reimagining the Eucharist

Holy Spirit

PASSION SUNDAY (Palm Sunday) Yr A Matthew

Written by: Joseph O’Hanlon

THE GOD WHO SPEAKS ...
ACTA
LECTIONARY COMMENTARY
PASSION SUNDAY (Palm Sunday)
YEAR A
YEAR OF MATTHEW

Download: PASSION SUN YR A MATTHEW

Children of priests

BBC Radio 4 - Hidden children of the Church

Written by: Dan Tierney

For decades, the Catholic Church rarely acknowledged the fact that supposedly ‘celibate’ priests were fathering children. The scale and impact of these secretive births is only now coming to light. The Vatican has admitted for the first time that there could be as many as 10 thousand children of Catholic priests living around the world. Many of them – now adults – describe childhoods separated from their fathers; shrouded in secrecy and shame. Three of them – Vincent Doyle, Michael McGuirk and Sarah Thomas – tell their stories.

Producer: Dan Tierney.

Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent

Written by: Fr Joe Boland

There’s a scene in the 1988 film ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ which I always think of when I read the Lazarus story. It was a much criticised film at the time, mostly by people who had never seen it. And it did have its faults. For one thing, it was half-an-hour too long. But its central message was wonderful. 

Read more: Homily for 5th Sunday of Lent

  1. Coordinators 2026
  2. 'Are there any good Catholics in this time of coronavirus?'
  3. 5th Sunday of Lent Yr A Matthew
  4. Where is God in the Coronavirus?

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