Following the “Money Matters'' report and the “Wasteland'' Editorial in the May Catholic Voice, our Dean, Father Gerry Dunn, called an extraordinary meeting of our Deanery Pastoral Council specifically to discuss the issues raised. Subsequently it was decided to send a copy of the outcome to The Voice. Although one or two minor aspects of the editorial prompted some diverse views and discussion, in general there was unanimous support for the essence of the article.

Firstly, a fourth review should take place, giving full information of how the diocese works, no more of the secrecy and clergy only, culture. Secondly, The former Diocesan Assembly must be the way forward. We (as the Church) need to concentrate less on what happens inside our buildings, but rather stand up as people of fire and zeal, prepared to fight injustice, serve the poor, and take the love of Christ out to the world.

During our meeting, and since, people have expressed acute disquiet at the lack of consultation in the Diocese, and the removal of the priest from St. Patrick's was a case in point. The notes of the Meeting point to this unsatisfactory state of affairs. People in parishes have been kept in the dark. Decisions have been made arbitrarily, and this is not acceptable. One of the important conclusions from our discussions was that a representative from the Finance Committee should visit parishes to brief us on the significance of the financial deficit, and the implications for us all. Concern was expressed that School Building funding might suffer, and we would wish the Finance Committee to give details here.

As Deanery group members, we all undertook to let our Parish Councils know what had been expressed at the Deanery meeting, and to consider positive actions such as setting up neighbourhood prayer and scripture groups, special liturgies, and social and community events. These actions do not in themselves, address the major question of how we achieve contact with people who are not Mass-goers, and bring Christ to the crowds on the mountainside, but this is the challenge we face.

To sum up, people felt strongly that better communication was crucial for the future of our Diocese, a culture of genuine partnership and collaboration between lay and clergy. Father Peter Burns, has also written with some queries of his own.
Sue Black
Secretary
St.Mary of Furness
Deanery Pastoral Council

PS: The following are some individual comments received during and following the meeting.
The memories from the Diocesan Assembly seem to say it all; it's just a pity that nothing has actually happened since then (Nikky Bell, Parish of St. Mary, Barrow)
The idea of parishes surviving as communities without a priest, possibly with fewer buildings being maintained, would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago (Sr. Moira Lever, RSHM)
The financial situation has given us the push we need to get us moving in new directions. Maybe we have become too cosy in our attitudes and devotions, the idea of change is scary, especially for older people. Our parish is living through the experience of being shut down, We no longer have our own resident priest, but are served by a neighbouring parish. It is hard, but we are managing to keep our community functioning. Our neighbouring priest and parishioners are being so kind, helping us feel better about it all (Joan and Derek Cocking St. Patrick’s, Barrow)