Mill Hill Missionaries travel far from home, to spread the Gospel and ignite God’s love. Here Fr Edson MHM describes how the recent National Course for Overseas Catholic Ministers – coordinated by Missio and the Catholic Missionary Union (CMU) – provided vital insights in how to adapt to new cultures and surroundings:
The National Course for pastoral ministers from overseas working in England and Wales, organised by Missio and the CMU, was attended by 54 participants from over ten nationalities. This diverse group of participants brought a rich sharing of cultural perspectives and experiences to the course.
Experiencing a new culture is a valuable journey that expands our understanding and appreciation of different traditions and ways of life. It provides an opportunity to grow as a person by encountering different customs, languages, and social norms.
However, adapting to a new cultural landscape can also be challenging due to various cultural expectations and practices, leading to miscommunications and misunderstandings. Being patient, open, and willing to learn new social customs is essential to fitting into a new community. Overcoming these challenges ultimately leads to a deeper connection with the culture and its people. Mr Richard Owens extensively explored this theme for the participants to find their footing in a rapidly changing UK society.
Fr Anthony Dampson, SMA emphasised the need to move beyond culture shock. When we move to a new culture, we all experience culture shock, whether we realise it or not. This happens when we encounter customs, languages, and social norms that we’re not used to, making us feel disoriented and overwhelmed.
At first, the excitement of being in a new place can hide these feelings, but as we face daily challenges like difficulties with communication, different social rules, and new ways of thinking, we start to see the real impact of cultural differences. This can lead to frustration, missing home, and even anxiety.
Recognising and understanding culture shock is important because it helps us more smoothly handle the process of adapting and becoming a part of the new culture.
During his presentation, Br Brendan Geary FMS focused on the importance of self-care and facing transitions while living in a new culture and environment. He emphasised the need for missionaries to prioritise their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being amidst the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar customs and societal norms.
Br Brendan underscored the significance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, establishing supportive networks within the community, and engaging in regular reflection and review of the day to foster personal growth and resilience. His insights highlighted the transformative potential of self-care practices in enhancing one’s effectiveness and fruitfulness in ministry, ensuring that missionaries can continue to serve with compassion and dedication amidst the complexities of cultural adaptation.
During the course, we discussed the unique circumstances of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, emphasising the need for overseas ministers to adopt creative pastoral approaches. The Church here operates within a highly secularised society, where traditional religious practices often intersect with a diverse, multicultural population.
To address these challenges, overseas ministers must be innovative in fostering a more inclusive and engaging community. This might involve incorporating contemporary methods of communication, such as social media and digital outreach, as well as organising culturally relevant events that resonate with both long-standing parishioners and newer, diverse members.
By being adaptable and open-minded, we can better meet the spiritual and social needs of our congregations, ensuring that the Church remains a vibrant and supportive presence in people’s lives.
Fr Eamonn Mulcahy CSSP enlightened us about the pastoral realities in England and Wales, emphasising the need for different approaches that do not compromise core values but allow for some concessions on specific issues. He discussed how the Church must deal with a highly secularised society while addressing the diverse needs of a multicultural population.
Fr Eamonn highlighted the importance of being flexible and understanding, finding ways to meet people where they are without diluting the essence of the Church’s teachings. His insights encouraged us to seek creative and compassionate solutions that respect tradition and our ministry’s evolving context, fostering more inclusive and responsive pastoral care.
Bishop Paul McAleenan presided over the graduation Mass. At the end of the celebration, Bishop Paul, Fr Anthony Chantry MHM – National Director for Missio – and Fr Anthony Dampson SMA presented each participant with a certificate of completion. In his homily, Bishop Paul expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all overseas missionaries working in England and Wales for their sacrifices and patience.