MY OVERWHELMING THOUGHT in the six years since I was appointed Archbishop of Westminster is one of profound gratitude to God. It is an enormous privilege to shepherd this great Diocese during these first years of the new millennium, at a time of growth and change.

The Church in Westminster is very much alive, enriched by increasing numbers of people of diverse backgrounds. When I visit our churches, usually on a Sunday, I meet large congregations, united in faith, with a vibrant spirituality. I see people of all ages and all backgrounds serving each other. I see unity in diversity. I sense an air of excitement and renewal, not least because of the At Your Word, Lord programme.

The Diocese of Westminster, like the Church at large, faces many challenges. I see no grounds for pessimism, and many reasons to celebrate.

Our congregations are expanding despite demographic changes. We have more churchgoing Catholics than many other Dioceses in Europe. The number of adults seeking Baptism and full communion with the Catholic Church in this Diocese increases yearly. This year, there is an increase in men offering themselves for the priesthood.

Numbers themselves are not crucial – it is faith. This is what gives me the main reason for hope. Our Diocese is full of faith.

Looking back briefly, I vividly recall the great gathering at Wembley in 2003, when more than 10,000 faithful people – clergy, religious, laity; old and young – gathered to launch our programme of pastoral and spiritual renewal.

At Your Word, Lord is Peter’s response in the Gospel of John to Jesus’ invitation to launch out into the deep. Peter answered with confidence. He would put out his nets, even in unpromising waters. This was the Lord’s Word. It was His invitation, His wish.

In response to the At Your Word, Lord programme many priests and people in the Diocese launched out into the deep. The opportunity for people to gather in weekly prayer and faith-sharing in small communities has been for many people a very new experience of church.

I am delighted that so many of you – 20,000 at the last count – took up the invitation; and glad that so many of you have reported how this simple experience at the heart of the Acts of the Apostles has helped to transform your lives of faith and the lives of your parishes.

The overwhelming response from our diocesan consultation is that these communities should continue in some form. That is my wish also.

At Your Word, Lord has helped to strengthen the communio – the sense of unity and belonging – of our Diocese. This has also been helped by the vigorous communities and activities involving the young people of our Diocese. The introduction of the Permanent Diaconate will bear fruit in the near future. A number of administrative reforms will also contribute to the future shape of the Diocese.

The Diocese now has in place proper structures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. This is part of our duty and responsibility. Our witness to Christ is so much more meaningful if, in the internal life of our Church, we live out the Gospel values and can show them to the world.