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.

Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Written by: Chris McDonnell

La Croix International

Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Advent through poetry: Reflecting on the journey of anticipation and preparation leading to Christ’s birth, these short verses capture the season of waiting, the hardship of travel, the warmth of light in darkness, and the sacred moment of Christ’s arrival on earth.

Read more: Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Advent Calendar

Written by: martin bennett

Advent Calendar: the road to and from Bethlehem to your door.  Each day there are notes that can be read or listened to (a 5 minute listen) relating to the Mass readings for the day which, over Advent, give a better understanding of the effects and potential of the first Christmas in our lives, individually and collectively

Part1: Look around at the world as it is and as it can be

  • 1st Don’t let life make you coarse      
  • 2nd Get ideas above yourself      
  • 3rd Mind the gaps        
  • 4th Always want more      
  • 5th Check your foundations             
  • 6th Blinkers off, see the world    
  • 7th Help is at hand

(Part 2 theme: Look again at your place in the world. Part 3theme: Look back at the people involved in Jesus' birth.  Part 4 theme: Look ahead to the effects of Christmas).

The readings are available at  martinbennett.substack.com (no cost, no adverts!).

Bishops

The Selection of Bishops

Written by: Frank Callus
As the Synod draws to a conclusion, attention is now focussed on the ten Study Groups whose work will be published in 2025.
 
One group is exploring the issue of the role of the Bishop and its relationship with the People of God 
 
Catholic Church Reform International is holding a Conference via Zoom starting at 17.00 GMT  on Saturday 23rd November 
 
Further details and registration is via the website of Catholic Church Reform International 
 
 

Cardinal Elect Timothy Radcliffe Meditations

Written by: Alex Walker

2024 Meditations

Synod Retreat Meditation 1: 'Resurrection: Searching in the Dark' - Text HERE >>

Synod Retreat Meditation: ‘The Locked Room' - Text HERE >>

Synod Retreat Meditation 3: ‘Resurrection Fishing’ - Text HERE >>

Synod Retreat Meditation 4: ‘Resurrection & Breakfast Conversation' - text HERE >>

Jean & Frank Riordan, Nov 2020
Jean & Frank Riordan, Nov 2020

RIP Frank Riordan

Written by: Alex Walker

It is with sadness we report the death of Frank Riordan, beloved husband of Jean Riordan for 57 years on the 21st September 2024 after an eight month illness. Members of ACTA send Jean our love and prayers. X

  1. The Practical Implications for a Synodal Church
  2. Website on Teilhard de Chardin
  3. Empowering Ourselves - Root & Branch
  4. ACTA AGM 14th July 2024

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