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| The Story Of A Parish; An everyday story about parish folk | |
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| Topic Started: Thursday, 1. February 2007, 22:56 (4,320 Views) | |
| James | Thursday, 22. February 2007, 20:37 Post #61 |
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James
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My Dear Canon, Thank you for your letter and may I assure you that my thoughts on how we progress in these matters parish by parish are similar with your own. I agree we must use caution and discretion at all times in order to maintain an acceptable way forward for all requirements. It is a step in the right direction for those wishing to see a return to former ways but, and I must emphasise "but ", it is still only a step at present and we should not try and force the issue. Speaking about steps Canon, you may be aware of some coverage in the media regarding the Anglican Church and ourselves with a mention about exploring the education programmes where there is common ground beneficial to all. In this regard I am anxious that you are installed as quickly as possible, and now that the Vicar General has arranged a curate for you, perhaps you might begin a tour of the diocean schools - meet the teachers and local parish priests, Governers etc. so you are familiar with most of the training. Longer term you may be involved with The Anglican Church diocean educational office. I remain Canon, yours in Christ. Richard Johns Bishop |
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| Rose of York | Friday, 23. February 2007, 22:04 Post #62 |
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Reading between the lines, Canon Cardew became very aware that the bishop's message to him was "I have every faith in you, my good and faithful servant. Please continue running your parish in your usual manner." The Canon made another decision. He would let it be known in the parish, that he saw his role as Father to his people, he would continue making it his life's work to be a good father, showing paternal love, care and when necessary, discipline, so he would prefer to be addressed as "Father". |
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| Rose of York | Saturday, 24. February 2007, 01:39 Post #63 |
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George, desperate for a means of meeting the lovely Pauline again, had a word with Father Cardew after Wednesday morning Mass. "Canon, .........." "Yes, George" "I have been thinking, with two parishes being combined, how about a meeting for the group leaders from both churches, so we can sort out how to allocate the responsibilities. We don't want people treading on each others' toes." "George, that is an excellent idea. We will indeed have a meeting, for all. Let us call it a Family Evening. I am very concerned about some of the young parents, they must sometimes wonder if they really belong. We need to invite them to do their bit. That can relieve a lot of loneliness. There are young couples who move for their careers, and single parents, they have no baby sitters. Lets get everybody together. Pauline can put something in the parish newsletter, announcing that the hall doors will be open, nobody has to pay a penny. Everybody can bring along a plate of food and something to drink. If I find out who took charge of the kitchen at Corpus Christi, and which of their men did the heavy work, that will blend the parish teams together. George, can I rely on you to find somebody to put some music on?" The plan worked well. The idea was simple and involved little organisation, and no licence was needed because the drinks would be shared, not sold. George once again dwelt upon the idea of making an approach to the lovely Pauline. The delectable Violet Wilde sprung a surprise. She telephoned Bern and asked him for a date. Oh, how her heart yearned for the companionship of a man who had two feet firmly on the ground, and had kindness in his heart. Bern could not get over the shock of the invitation. |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 25. February 2007, 15:55 Post #64 |
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This weekend at the new Parish of Corpus Christi and St Isidore The weekend went well for all at St Isidores. Father Leon, the new assistant priest from Poland, was a member of a Priestly Society of a traditional nature, totally loyal to Rome. As such he had been trained to care for people in a parish, according to their culture, and that meant offering Mass in the vernacular as well as Tridentine. 6 pm Saturday Father Leon offered his first Mass at St Isidore’s. The Polish contingent were excited at the propect of having a priest from their native land, and had turned out in full force to greet him in the hall after Mass. Canon Cardew had the good sense to take Father Leon from table to table, introducing him to all present. It would not be good for Father Leon to be seen as a priest sent specifically to serve one section of the parish community. The two priests would work together as a team, with the Canon in charge, as was customary for a parish priest. The Poles were pleased to hear that starting the following week, Father Leon would be available to hear confessions in Polish on Saturday mornings and evenings, before Mass. 9.30 Sunday was customarily the Mass favoured by families. Therese, the parish catechist, had taken on board the advice of Sister Monica, the parish sister, and asked Niamh O'Rourke to assist with teaching the children. Niamh had readily agreed, She had recently been widowed, and had come over from Ireland to live with her unmarried sister, Maeve Sevin. Therese had readily agreed that Maeve could assist with practical tasks, like putting materials out for the children, and making sure they learnt that they must tidy up after themselves. A couple of people had complained that twin sisters aged 70 were too old to be involved with children. Canon Cardew had gently pointed out that Maeve was a qualified, experienced teacher, very intelligent, she had not lost her marbles, and it was good for the children to see two ladies of the age of their grandmothers, were valued members of the parish. As soon as vetting procedures were carried out the two ladies could start helping Therese. 9.30 Mass was “kept simple”, the hymns being easily understood by the children. Parishioners who did not like hearing babies cry, had other times available to them. Phil, the widowed Army mother of three, had never felt comfortable at 11 o’clock Mass, due to two people gossiping about “the single mother”. She was making friends with Paul and Rachel Oldbury and their children, one of whom, Megan, was an altar server. Paul and Rachel had moved from Bristol, due to Paul finding a new job following a period of unemployment. They were far from their extended families, and their friend Phil was widowed. The two families pledged to support each other and meet up together every Sunday at early Mass. The children were very happy when they met their new priest. 11.00 The Canon offered Mass in the New Rite. At the distribution of Holy Communion he was able assisted by the assistant priest, the deacon and one Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. As usual, the rubrics were fully observed. Rome issued the instructions, and the Canon followed them meticulously. Moira Finn and Frances Ward stood fairly close to the front door, keeping an eye open for strangers, and subtly assessing whether they would like a friendly “Good Morning” or an offer of assistance. George Williams, former Chairman of the PCC, and Bernard Thwaite (Bern), former Parish Treasurer, took the collection. After Mass the both sat with the Kaczmareks, while they had coffee in the hall. Mr Kazmarek had no social life since his wife had developed Alzheimers disease. He appreciated the weekly half hour of company from George and Bern. At Sunday Mass neither the parish secretary, Pauline, not Violet Wilde the wealthy landowner and founder of the Drama Group, had particular roles. They were content to attend Mass, and spend an hour in prayer, commemorating the Sacrifice on Calvary and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, At all Masses, and in the newsletter, it was announced that: The new parish would be named The Parish of Corpus Christi and St Isidore. It was based in the premises of St Isidores but it would not be right to put the name of a saint before that of God the Son. From the following week, there would be a weekly Mass at 4 pm on Sunday, thanks to the welcome arrival of Father Leon. Latin Tridentine, and Mass in Polish, would be held on alternate Sundays, until further notice. The Anglicans had offered the use of their premises for rehearsals. The major dramatic production would be the highlight of a weekend to celebrate the new Parish of Corpus Christi and Saint Isidore. It would take place in the Parish Hall. Altar servers’ training and practices would take place in the sacristy and church. As soon as possible, arrangements would be made, for both communities to be involved in planning the Big Weekend Event. From henceforth, at parish events, parishioners would be welcome to bring alcoholic drinks. No alcohol would be exchanged for lottery tickets. Mrs Wilde, former magistrate, had confirmed that the practice is illegal. Further announcements, about the decommissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and absorbing readers, group leaders and committee members of Corpus Christi, would be made as soon as possible. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL LIST OF CHARACTERS AND VIEW THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 25. February 2007, 22:32 Post #65 |
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Frances the welcomer had a guest for Sunday dinner - her daughter Lucy and her fiance. Lucy told her mother they had both been to Saturday evening Mass, and openly admitted having done that to fool Father Cardew into thinking Lucy still practised her faith. All they were after was a church wedding. Frances was quite perturbed about this, she asked Lucy "Love, did you receive Holy Communion? You shouldn't really, if you don't believe in Jesus being present." Lucy told her mother, she was unsure what she believed, but she thought it would be a good idea to start going to Mass again, so she could get her head around it. Her fiance had been a Catholic once and went to a Jesuit school. Now, he was against all churches. "Get your head round what, Lucy? The layout of the church or your beliefs?" Frances wondered, did her daughter really want to come back to the Church and was she frightened that would end the engagement. |
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| Rose of York | Monday, 26. February 2007, 20:00 Post #66 |
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Phil, lone mother of three small children, had on occasion been reduced to tears by a couple of people at 11 o'clock Mass, tut tutting at the "single mother". When Rachel Oldbury had heard the gossip she had talked it over with her husband Paul. Together they decided to do something about it, and invited Phil to accompany them to the earlier Mass. The tut tutting happened again! Phil was so distressed she was close to staying away from the church. Paul Oldbury had a quiet word with Father Cardew, who listened carefully, and said "Leave the problem with me please, Paul. Meanwhile I hope and Rachel you will keep up your friendship with Phil. She has suffered enough." |
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| Alan | Monday, 26. February 2007, 23:26 Post #67 |
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Fr Cardew was very concerned about what he had been told by Paul Oldbury. Being a man of very deep Faith he decided that all he could do was to place his complete trust In Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That night, following his normal practice, he went into the Church to say his night Prayers. Once their he opened the Tabernacle and spoke to Jesus. This particular night he spoke about the pain he was feeling about the pain he was suffering, because of the way some parishioners were treating the widow Phil and her family. Yet he did not want to cause distress for any parishoner. As he went up the steps to say goodnight to Jesus and close the Tabernacle a broad grin swept across his face when he realised what he had to do to resolve the situation. Fr Cardew knew that Phil collected her children from the local school at the end of each day. So the following afternoon he was at the school gate and he asked Phil to meet him after school in the Presbytery on Friday afternoon. He specifically asked Phil to bring the children with her. Having arranged the meeting with Phil, he went back to the Presbytery and asked his Housekeeper to make herself available on the Friday afternoon. On Thursday afternoon Fr Cardew was seen in his local supermarket buying cakes, biscuits and pop much to the astonishment of parishioners who had never seen him there before. On Friday he told the Housekeeper he wanted her to look after the children while he had a talk with Mum. He knew the housekeeper would find out that their Dad had died and also how Mum was very unhappy about the gossiping ladies and their description. The following Sunday the housekeeper did her own gossiping and the "Tutting" stopped. No wonder the Bishop holds Canon Cardew in such high esteem. |
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God Bless all who visit this forum, Alan. Add Catholic CyberForum to your favourites | |
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| Alan | Tuesday, 27. February 2007, 21:07 Post #68 |
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With the merged churches into one parish Canon Cardew felt that he would have to be very careful about the way he served both communities. One of his added responsibilities was to provide Chaplaincy services to the hospital and several care homes. He was also having difficulty in coming to terms with having a curate and the responsibility of training him. Taking the "bull by the horns" he decided it was best for everybody if he had a special meeting with Fr Leon, away from the presbytery, so as that they would not be disturbed. So they both went for lunch outside of their own area, followed by a walk in glorious countryside. |
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God Bless all who visit this forum, Alan. Add Catholic CyberForum to your favourites | |
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| Rose of York | Tuesday, 27. February 2007, 21:53 Post #69 |
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Over lunch, Father Leon expressed surprise that his parish priest had come up with the idea of both of them being away from the parish at the same time. "Father, I thought you would immediately want me to spend time with you discussing liturgy and the sacraments, not sitting here in this beautiful building having a fine lunch." The Canon paid the bill, left a reasonable tip, thanked the staff in his usual courteous manner and said "Father Leon, I have something to show you." Ten minutes later the parish priest parked the car, and the two priests walked for just five minutes, until they stood, gazing in wonder at one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Canon Cardew said quietly "Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation." Father Leon was still waiting to learn about his priestly responsibilities in the parish. Also he was keen to get to know the people. After a stroll through the glen Canon Cardew took Father Leon to a little hamlet, where they visited a traditional English tea shop for ham sandwiches and fresh cream cakes. The table was well set, and the waitress charming. Back at the presbytery, Father Leon remarked "Canon, I like England. Everything is so, what do you say, pretty, and glorious, and the food is delightful. The people I met today, in the pub and on the walk and in the tea shop were very pleasant. Are all the parishioners as easy to get on with? I like the cottages where the English people live." "Time for evening Mass, Father Leon. Tomorrow I will show you where the parishioners live. You need to know, because we cannot give them adequate pastoral care if we do not understand their way of life." Father Leon could not wait to see more waterfalls, visit another country pub and have ham sandwiches in another tea house. The next day, Canon Cardew took the young priest out on visits to a few parishioners, some of whom lived in executive style residences, with landscaped gardens, pools, and barbecue areas. Others struggled with life in crumbling old terrace houses, with not a blade of grass in sight, then they visited aouple of old people in tiny flats on the local housing estate where many of the houses were boarded up. Condoms and needles littered little corners in the estate. For lunch, they had a Big Mac. Father Leon was learning, fast, about the varied ways of life of the parishioners. |
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| Emee | Wednesday, 28. February 2007, 20:06 Post #70 |
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Pauline Murphy rang the transaction for yet another sale of "The Last Templar" through the till. "People seem to be obsessed on religious conspiracy theories," she considered to herself, "What a shame there isn't the same amount of enthusiasm for the real thing." The novel was definitely this year's "Da Vinci Code", or at least it was within the Aquarocks book chain where she worked during the day. As tedium set in for the afternoon, she gratefully thanked God for the friends she had made since she first moved to St Isidore's Parish. Frances had been the first to welcome her and Pauline had a great respect for the older woman. Moira she also liked, even though she seemed a little dotty at times. Sister Monica was warm, caring and very genuine... Her mind moved to the menfolk of the Parish. Bern she liked tremendously, although she was very wary of getting too personally attached to him. The story was, so Maeve had readily explained to her, that he had had his heart broken by his childhood sweetheart in Pontefract, and then moved away from the town, and had had no serious involvement with a woman since. He had readily dated a few women at the suggestion of others but had pulled back from becoming too committed. Now in his late 40's he seemed to be a confirmed batchelor. And George? Well, George was George... She had always thought of him as a bit of a "Mummy's Boy" really... |
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| Emee | Wednesday, 28. February 2007, 21:12 Post #71 |
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This reminded Pauline that last Sunday George had asked her if she would be going to Violet's production of 'The Gondoliers' even though it was still a few weeks' away (the events in the Parish had necessitated in the performance dates being put back somewhat) - he had asked if she would be going to the Saturday performance which would be the last, and hopefully the best, evening of the show. When Pauline had replied that she hoped to, George had asked her if she would like to have dinner beforehand. However, Pauline knew what this would entail: Mrs W (George took his mother with him everywhere) regaling Pauline, and anyone else who cared to join them, about the past battles with George's Dad's Baptist family in Tonypandy. So she told George: "No, thank you," and that she had made other plans but would see everyone at the performance. George smiled and said he would save her a seat, before his mother came over to see what was holding him up from getting back for their Sunday dinner... |
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| Rose of York | Thursday, 1. March 2007, 22:09 Post #72 |
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As soon as the opportunity arose, the parish priest took his new assistant to one nursing home, one residential home and the local hospice. The older man had taken a personal liking to young Father Leon, and was impressed by his enthusiasm for giving spiritual and pastoral care to persons in need. The former Corpus Christi parish had brought to the new parish of Corpus Christi and St Isidore a thriving SVP conference, which would be a great asset to the parish community. Canon Cardew's mind was made up. Father Leon had already proved popular with the younger parishioners. He had compassion and respect for persons in need. The young man needed a responsibility of his own. Over dinner Canon Cardew asked Father Leon if he was willing to take responsibility for Youth Ministry, and the care of the sick and elderly people in the parish, working closely with the SVP President and members. Father Leon went to bed that night a happy man. He had "fallen on his feet" as he had heard an Englishman say, when he got what he said was "the job of his dreams." The Canon could prepare to give more time to his new responsibility as Director of the Diocesan Educational Services. |
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| Rose of York | Monday, 5. March 2007, 20:18 Post #73 |
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Monday being the customary day off (when feasible) for parish priests, Canon Cardew had time to take stock of the situation. After a thoroughly relaxing morning, reading a couple of chapters of his most recent selection from The Book Club, and watching a video, he had time to muse on his plans. The first priority was to ensure the stability of the merged parish, with nobody excluded. The parish could not be run as though it was a branch of a business, with some laity appearing to be managers, and others as also-rans. A parishioner, not one with any particular role, had come up with a bright idea, a whole weekend of celebration. The Canon had agreed that would help the two communities get to know each other, and become one. There was one little difficulty. A little bird had whispered in the Canon's ear that Violet planned to invite him to take a singing part, that of Don Alhambra, in the Gondoliers. The Canon was aware of his unique role, as parish priest, Father to his people, and he found the idea of a priest being "one of the boys" distasteful. Never mind, this would be a chance to get some St Isidore's people into the Corpus Christi Operatic Society. Canon scribbled a note, to telephone one of his converts, who still sang solo with Central Methodist Choral Society. Mrs Wilde would be delighted with a new, locally famous, addition to her "baby". That was Violet sorted. Now, to organise some Polish dance and music for the big Parish event. |
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| Rose of York | Tuesday, 6. March 2007, 00:19 Post #74 |
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After lunch the Canon prepared to have his customary Monday relaxation, a good long walk with Charlie, his Golden Retriever. On other days the Canon took Charlie for a short walk early every morning, and a good natured parishioner called in the afternoon to give the dog a good run. Mondays were a delight. Canon and Charlie wandered where they willed, sometimes in open countryside and occasionally in town. Just as they were ready to go the phone ring. It was the bishop. Drat! Thought the Canon. What a time to choose, he knows this is my day off. “Anthony, Bishop John here. My finance man has ok’d a salary of up to £9000 per year so you can have a part time secretary to deal with routine correspondence for the educational side, and as soon as Corpus Christi is sold the proceeds will go to your parish to clear existing debts. That will leave a good sum for total restoration of the parish hall.” Canon felt like jumping up and down for joy. The bishop continued. “So, Anthony, you can get on with organising the work. Get a good architect to bring the building right up to modern standards. The Diocese will advance the money at the usual low rate, to be repaid from the sale proceeds. Now, how about a secretary? You know the people in your locality so I leave the choice of secretary entirely to you. The Diocese will deal with PAYE and National Insurance, no need for you to worry about that. By the way, how’s your Charlie getting on? Is he OK” “Good. Now get yourselves off for your Monday walk Anthony. I am sorry to have bothered you on a Monday but at the moment I am flat out working morning noon and night. My day off went up the spout when the reorganisation started.” Canon Cardew allowed himself a moment of self satisfaction. When the Bishop used the mode of address he preferred for himself, Anthony, not Tony, and spoke in a relaxed manner, he knew the Bishop was happy with him. A free rein to choose his secretary and an architect indicated that he was fully trusted by his bishop. The Canon set off on his walk, in happy mood. |
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| Emee | Thursday, 8. March 2007, 00:37 Post #75 |
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Pauline Murphy was reading Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" for the fifth time during her lunch break at Aquarocks book store chain where she worked. It was a Saturday afternoon, the busiest day of the week, and it was her Saturday shift this week. She had just reached the part where the heroine Elizabeth Bennett, and her Aunt and Uncle, decide to visit Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy, while they were on their travels in Derbyshire. She paused a brief moment to consider whether to own such a property would indeed be a blessing or a curse and happened to look into the street below. There crossing the road and heading towards the book store was George Williams! "Hmm! Probably on an errand for his mother," she considered tartly. She returned to her novel disinterested in George's concerns. Her lunchbreak finished and she returned downstairs to the shop floor. To her great surprise she noticed George still browsing amongst the gardening section - it had been a good twenty minutes earlier that she had seen him walk into the store. Oh well, to ignore him would be churlish. She walked over to him: "Hello George." George seemed to visibly jump and appeared very uncomfortable. Pauline wondered if it was because he was embarrassed because his mother had sent him shopping. "Er hello Pauline," he managed to stammer. Was she mistaken or was he visibly twitching? "Are you alright George?" she could not help but enquire. "Oh fine, thank you. It's just... a little hot in here." "We always get problems with the air-con," she agreed kindly, "I think I must have got used to the temperature fluctuations myself. Are you looking for any particular book, or type of book? Anything I can help you with?" "Well actually I was looking for a book on fuschia cultivation for my mother. She's developing it as a bit of a hobby." Pauline could not help but smile to herself. She helped George find a book with plenty of bright, colourful photos and step-by-step instructions and he was delighted. "Pauline, by way of saying 'thank you' would you like to meet me for a drink tonight after work?" He spoke rather hurriedly. "Won't your mother be expecting you for tea?" she could not help herself. "Oh no, she's visiting a friend today. I'm going over there to pick her up later, but not till 9." Pauline very nearly agreed, before she also very nearly had a panic attack wondering what on earth they would have to talk about. She felt she had absolutely nothing at all in common with a Chief Internal Auditor. "I'm sorry George but because I've been at work today, I have loads of stuff to catch up with at home, that I would have normally done during the day." George's transparent face was visibly disappointed. "Maybe some other time George?" Pauline offered. "Yes, yes of course," George picked up the now paid for book and walked out of the store without another word. Pauline realised she felt awful. Then a new thought struck her: "I wonder if he likes me? Surely not...?" she pushed the thought away as soon as it had developed in her mind, and turned to the next customer. |
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3:45 PM Jul 11