May 2004 Edition Archive

CLUSTERING
OPPORTUNITY or NECESSITY?

PARISHES DEBATE THE FUTURE

Yet another deanery has begun to seriously discuss life with fewer fewer priests around. St. Joseph's Deanery, Lancaster, is the latest to put "Clustering" on its agenda. Clustering is the linking of two or more parishes without actually losing the separate identity of either. St. Joseph's discussed it recently and has urged this Paper to give it more space. It has been at the heart of much of the discussion in the Blackpool deanery for two years. It has been a live issue in the English Martyrs Deanery, Preston since the days of the "New Start with Jesus" initiative. At its most recent meeting that deanery suggested these points for consideration for any possible "Clustering" in that area.:

  • Possible changing of deanery boundaries.
  • Parish Councils and the Deanery Pastoral Council need to be given real power.
  • Training for lay leaders is a priority.
  • Transport of retired priests to Mass by parishioners may help in the short term.
  • Identification of the skills of parishioners, by a Stewardship scheme.
  • Sacramental Preparation Courses should be deanery-based.
  • Finding a use for redundant buildings.
  • Mass times should be organised on a deanery basis.
  • Consideration should be given regarding the transport people to Mass.
  • Use of churches that "listed" status.

    Meanwhile in Blackpool, plans are to explore the experience of St. Joseph's Seascale, St.Gregory's Workington and various parishes in the Hexham & Newcastle diocese. On top of all this Bishop Patrick has recently written to all parishes outlining the importance he attaches to Parish and Deanery Councils and urging these be set up in places where they do not already exist. The future is no longer on the way, it is here and it is now.


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