Fr Gerry J Hughes SJ

A Tribute from the Board of Trustees of ACTA  – written by Alex Walker

Fr Gerry Hughes SJ passed away on Tuesday 2nd November at the Jesuit Retirement Home at Boscombe. He often referred to himself as the “talking” Gerry Hughes to distinguish himself from “walking” Fr Gerald W Hughes SJ. Ordained to the priesthood in 1967, his life was to become the epitome of the cleric and academic. A lecturer and the Master of Campion Hall, Oxford marked out a life of distinguished scholarship.  He was an author of a number of texts including, “The Nature of God”  and the “Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Aristotle on Ethics”.  He was for some years the Vice Provincial of the British Province of the Society of Jesus.

Members of ACTA will know Fr Gerry as the former Spiritual Director to the organisation. He was a guide, a mentor and a friend to all who came to know him. His sharp intellect was married to a mild and whimsical character that was appealing and disarming in equal measure. He was never more at home than in the sharing of a simple lunch while discussion ranged across the many fields to which he had made such a contribution. He carried his learning lightly and was a born teacher

In the last few years, aware of his declining strength, he withdrew to the Jesuit centre at Boscombe.

Members of ACTA will remember him with gratitude for his guidance, with respect for his learning and with fondness for his convivial nature.

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!

 

Catch up with 8th Annual Conference Synodality: A Path for Renewing Both the Church and Society

Speakers Sister Gemma Simmonds CJ and Dr Peter Coughlan

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ACTA Mission Statement

“We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ’s church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council, we want to contribute fully to the life of our church so that we may be a more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our church leadership needs developing.  Accordingly, we aim to supply channels of free and frank communication. We desire to create a climate of trust and respect for all where this dialogue may be fostered.”

During 2013, an Interim Constitution for the national movement was approved. The key principles are that the structure should be as simple and non-hierarchical as possible and Diocesan Groups should proceed at their own pace and develop their own structures.

The Diocesan Groups are based in the 22 Dioceses of England & Wales.  Their main task is:-

• To promote ACTA across their dioceses.
• To increase support from clergy, religious and lay people.
• To identify, pursue and develop local opportunities and structures for dialogue at parish, deanery and diocesan levels.
• To elect delegates to a National Delegate Council.

The role of the National Delegate Council (NDC) is:

• To formulate policy on common issues.
• To decide on national initiatives.
• To support and facilitate the work of the Diocesan Groups.

The Leadership Team are responsible to the NDC for:

• providing collective leadership and direction.
• representing the movement nationally.