NCLA Diary date. October meeting October 4th – 5th October 2025

President Val Ward Report Summary

NCLA meeting at the Oblate Retreat Centre Wistaston Hall 4 and 5 October 2025

NCLA priorities and participation

President Val Ward welcomed delegates to the October 2025 meeting and gave a particular

welcome to Bertie Grogan as the new Secretary. Although attendance had been affected by

storms, cancelled trains and new babies, she emphasised the value of delegates having sufficient

time to describe the work of their organisations and to learn from the range of voluntary activity

represented within NCLA.

She stressed that association reports are central to NCLA’s meetings and provide the evidence

for its annual report to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. She encouraged

every association to record its work fully so that bishops and other readers can understand the

contribution lay associations make to the everyday life of the Church.

Communication and future development

Ward reported that the NCLA committee, comprising John Smartt, Bertie Grogan, Frank Stanley

and herself, had met in July to discuss future plans. She invited suggestions for suitable speakers

and asked members to direct NCLA matters through the Secretary. She also noted the

appointment of Canon William Agley as the new General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference

and intended to clarify his future relationship with NCLA alongside Bishop John.

Frank Stanley continued to oversee NCLA’s Facebook page, while the committee would attend

and support member events where possible. Following Ward’s presentation about NCLA to the

UCM Salford Diocesan meeting in September, she identified wider recognition as an important

challenge. Many Catholics remained unfamiliar with NCLA and some of its member organisations,

particularly at parish level. She therefore welcomed ideas for improving outreach and for replacing

the existing leaflet with a clearer and more engaging publication.

European Forum of National Laity

Ward also reported on the ELF Presidents’ Meeting held at the offices of the Central Committee of

German Catholics in Berlin in June 2025. Representatives from 13 countries considered the

theme Pilgrims of Hope Walking Together for a Synodal Church. Thomas Soding presented on

synodality in Europe and beyond, after which delegates described the different priorities and

experiences of their national Churches.

Each country outlined its member organisations, Church structures, ecumenical context and

relationship with its bishops. Alphonse Borras then explored practical ways of implementing the

final document For a Synodal Church. Small-group reflection required careful listening before

ideas were reported to the full assembly. The meeting also included ELF business, worship at St

Hedwig’s Cathedral and discussion about the future of ELF and its member organisations.

Delegates reviewed ELF’s promotional leaflet and considered a further study assembly,

provisionally planned for 11 to 14 June 2026, with the venue and topic still to be confirmed.

Ward closed by thanking the committee for its work, friendship and support as NCLA continued to

strengthen its profile and service to lay associations.