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The Story Of A Parish; An everyday story about parish folk
Topic Started: Thursday, 1. February 2007, 22:56 (4,318 Views)
Rose of York
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The day before Palm Sunday Canon Anthony Cardew felt content.

The two communities of Corpus Christ and St Isidore were blending together successfully. Father Leon was settling in happily and proving to be a young man of prayer, with particular interest in liturgy and pastoral care. He was proving popular with the teenagers, and the young adults. The attendance at Lenten Services of Reconciliation had been higher than in previous years.

The Canon had a busy week ahead of him. The clocks had been put back for British Summer Time, so darkness did not fall until way after seven.

"Come on Charlie" he said to his beloved Golden Retriever, "lets be off."

The old priest and the old dog took a break, by the river bank.

"Sorry Charlie Boy" said Father Anthony "I have had to arrange extra help with your walks next week. Holy Week takes priority."
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Rose of York
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The parish clergy and altar servers were resplendent in immaculate, freshly laundered and pressed vestments as the parish gathered, two hundred yards from the church, for the Palm Sunday procession.

The Canon did nothing in half measures. With police permission, the annual procession wended its way along a short section of the main road, and through the residential area where the church was situated. That aroused curiosity from neighbours. A few parishioners were upset by silly jeers from people who should have known better. Canon's reaction was "The jeers we face are nothing to those faced by Jesus as he made his way up Mount Calvary. Let us offer up our own minimal humiliation."

On arrival at the church, the procession passed between Scouts and Guides, Cubs and Brownies, smartly turned out to form a guard of honour. Their leaders had explained that they were privileged to give silent homage to the young man, Jesus, Son of God, who, on the first Palm Sunday, was praised by the crowds who, a week later, would cry out for his execution.

After Mass there were a few grumbles from a minority from the now closed Corpus Christi. They wanted to know why there had been no "fun" for the children. Canon coolly told them, there is a time and a place for everything. Trust me, there will be fun for all at a more appropriate season.
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Emee
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So she was the great, beautiful love of Bernard Thwaite's life?!

Pauline had been introduced to Esther after the Palm Sunday Mass.

She tried to be happy for them, for finding each other, she really did. But inside herself she felt more sad and alone than ever.

Pauline had had some residual hope that Bern had actually grown quite fond of her, and now she had to let these hopes be dashed, forever...

She nodded to Maeve and Niamh and made discreetly towards her car. Footsteps caught up with her.

"Isn't it wonderful? Bern has found Esther!" George Williams said cheerfully.

"Oh hello George," she said evenly, while inside she was saying; "Leave me alone. I just want to be alone."

"Yes, it is good news for them," Pauline managed.

George stood there unsure what to say next. Pauline looked to the side. "Please don't let this be one of those 'awkward George' moments," she begged inwardly.

While they were still stood there in silence, and Pauline was desperately plotting her escape, Bern and Esther came up to join them.

"Hi you two," Bern beamed.

Pauline thought: "We are not a 'you two'."

"Would you both care to join us for Sunday lunch at the White Lion at Westbury Deane? It's a sort of significant pub for us and they do a lovely roast."

"I'm sure George is going to be going round his mother's for Sunday lunch," Pauline smiled politely. Come to think of it, where WAS Mrs W?

"Oh no," George explained cheerfully, "Mother's gone to stay with her sister for a few days, and I have no commitments this afternoon at all, so I'd love to."

Pauline stared at the tarmac in the car park. She felt all eyes were on her. She shuffled awkwardly from side to side. Suddenly she felt about nine years old again. What could she do? She was cornered. If she refused now, she would come across as a real spoil sport. Besides which, she was very curious to speak to Esther and get to know her a little.

"Yes, I'm free this afternoon also," she nodded.

"Wonderful!" George and Bern both said together. George just caught Bern give him a sly wink and glowered at him. He hoped Pauline hadn't noticed.

Esther for her part, was too busy looking at her blessed palm cross. "What a lovely symbolic idea, and the procession too," she thought, "I think I could quite get to like the Catholic Church..."
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Emee
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To her great surprise, Pauline had enjoyed herself going to Sunday lunch with Bern, Esther and George at the White Lion.

It was obvious that Bern and Esther were as much in danger as ever of falling in love with each other all over again, although evidently neither would admit it openly as it was very early days yet. Pauline was very surprised to learn they had only met again properly the day before, after an unsure sighting a week earlier and then Bern doing a bit of detective work.

How amazing it was that Esther only lived in Hawkesley these days! And that she had only discovered Bern's proximity due to the diocesan newsletter a few weeks' ago!

As for George, Pauline was very surprised to discover he shared her passion for walking, especially in hills and mountains. She was rather ashamed of herself that she hadn't put him down as that type, and realised she had been far too quick to judge him.

Pauline also realised that away from his mother and PCC meetings he relaxed and had a mild-mannered but definite sense of humour. Perhaps he wasn't quite so pompous after all?

After Mass, Pauline had been encouraged to take her car home and Bern had driven them all to the pub. George had left his mini parked outside Bern's house and, when they had returned from the meal, insisted Bern didn't put himself out any further and that he would drop Pauline home.

At her house George turned to Pauline.

"I enjoyed myself this afternoon Pauline."

"So did I George," Pauline had surprised herself, "So did I."

"We shall have to do it again sometime."

"Yes, I think I'd like that George. Esther's very nice isn't she? I've never seen Bern so happy. I hope this will be a really happy Easter for him."

George smiled. Pauline had never noticed before how his eyes twinkled when he smiled.

He replied: "I hope this will be a really happy Easter for ALL of us..."
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Rose of York
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On the morning of Tuesday in Holy Week the two priests set off to visit the most lonely and vulnerable of their sick parishioners, take them Holy Communion and if requested, hear their confessions. It was impossible for clergy to visit every one every week, but this being Holy Week, every effort would be made. The Canon allocated some people to Father Leon and some to himself. He had the courtesy to telephone them all to check they would be at home and free to admit him. Canon was not so naive as to think none of them had anything to do other than wait for him to turn up. They could be at hospital, the Day Centre, being visited by the doctor, nurse or social worker and the lucky ones had friends and family to occasionally took them to their homes.

When the two priests went back to the Presbytery Pauline the secretary said "Canon, will you please phone this number? Someone called Henry Hargreaves left a message on the answering machine, complaining that priests were making unnecessary visits to the sick." Pauline had called in during her lunchbreak from the bookstore, because the parish office was getting so busy.

Canon, normally a gentle man, nearly blew up! He called the number, and was told, by Henry Hargreaves, that arrangements had already been made for "the housebound of the former Corpus Christi parish to be catered for."

Canon replied, firmly, that the people who needed him were not "the housebound", they were individual people, each with their own needs, and none of them had requested a take-away or any other form of catering. Henry responded by saying it had always been his responsibility to make whatever arrangements he considered appropriate for the housebound, and the Church encouraged collaborative ministry in this day and age.

Canon Cardew replied coolly "Do you collaborate in hearing confessions? Henry, for the time being, please accept that I am blending two communities together. What happened in the past is irrelevant. Most parishioners are able to attend the Triduum. The best we can offer our sick people is a personal visit from their priests, and that is what they must have. If we don't manage to visit them all we may ask for a little help. Either I or Father Leon will let you know. GOODBYE, HENRY." He asked Pauline to make a diary note, for mid April, for a meeting off all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Young Father Leon and Pauline exchanged glances but had the decency not to giggle at the manner in which Henry had been put in his place.

Henry Hargreaves could not understand the mentality of a parish priest who made decisions without consulting lay representatives.
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Rose of York
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That evening, the Canon followed his usual routine, of going into the Church to pray quietly and privately. This was the one time of day when he could be safe from the telephone, and callers at the door. Events of the past few weeks had been hectic, he prayed for guidance. As he turned the key to secure the church building, a thought came to him. He must make a telephone call.

The Canon phoned Harry Hargreaves, and made a heartfelt apology.

"Harry, Canon Cardew here. I feel I spoke too hastily at lunchtime, and it has been bothering me, that you might think the hard work of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is not appreciated. Believe me, Harry, without them our sick parishioners would not receive Holy Communion every week."

The two men had a chat, and before the call was over, peace reigned. Harry understood the lay people who worked hard in the parish would not be shoved out or sidelined. Canon felt he had (gently) clarified the situation, that there were times when the a visit from a priest was appropriate. After Easter, Harry and the Canon would get together and arrange refresher training for Extraordinary Ministers. That had been neglected by the outgoing priest at Corpus Christi.

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James
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Mrs Wilde was non too happy.
This state of affairs between Bernie (whom she shall now call "that man") and a lady called Esther had reached her ears.
Non too happy because of slight and now indignation that the phone call she made to him showing, shall we say, an interest of sorts remained at that.
She could feel the old feelings of rejection at Corpus Christie creeping back.
How dare the man !
Trying to make ME feel small. ME, Mrs Violet Wilde.
He SHOULD have relephoned me first to explain.!!
What type of breeding have these people got.
A lady phones and I mean A LADY and this man without apology or recognition that I phoned him goes off chasing other women.
They are all alike.
I was a fool to humour any of them.
Time MRS WILDE forgot the "Violet" mumbo jumbo and revert to my proper position in this community.
"LADY OF THE MANOR "and "MRS WILDE" to all that lot.!!!!
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James
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The phone rang at the manor and Mrs Wilde answered.
"Wilde here " she announced with an unusual (of late )air of authority.

"Oh Violet"
"Pauline here, the canon asked me to ring you as soon as possible"

"Regarding what may I ask " replied Mrs Wilde.

Somewhat taken aback by a formality and distance in Mrs Wilde's tone of voice,
Pauline enquired if she was alright.

"Of course I'm alright. Now what is it you phoned me about" ?

Feeling more and more uneasy , Pauline told her that the canon had arranged for a singer from the Central Methodist Operatic society to contact her regarding the part of Don Alhambra in her production.

"Oh, has he indeed" she said and sensing a rejection from the canon as well.
"Well, kindly inform the canon that I am holding my own auditions and any interested parties will have to take their turn."
"Also , I am finding the people in the Anglian Hall, most accommodating, most accommodating indeed and I am considering holding the productions in the Anglican Hall when rehearsals are complete."

Pauline was flabbergasted.
"Whatever is up with Violet," she thought .
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Rose of York
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Pauline passed the message on to Canon Cardew, who thought to himself "Corpus Christi Operatic Productions have a reputation second to none. Allying themselves to the Anglican parish will necessitate a change of name. That will hardly boost the ticket sales, ha ha ha."
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James
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Pauline was not so sure.

"I think you will have to give this more thought" she said.
"Why has she become like this so suddenly"
"And she IS the Corpus Christie Dramatic Society".
"Where ever she goes and under whatever name, it is assured of a good reputation.

Canon began to wonder why he was so dismissive and reactionary.
Was it because she had seen through his ploy of introducing someone else and not coming to her himself with the plain truth that he did not want a part as he was too busy.

I was very dismissive with a parishioner of late and now I'm doing it again.

"I must reflect and pray more on this " he thought

"Thank you Pauline- you are quite right as usual" , he said
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Rose of York
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After he had calmed down, Canon asked Pauline exactly what she had said to Mrs Wilde about the singer from Central Methodist Operatic Society. He was quite upset to learn that Pauline had told Mrs Wilde the parish priest had arranged for a singer from the Central Methodist Operatic society to contact Mrs Wilde regarding the part of Don Alhambra in her production.

"No, Pauline" said the Canon. I would not do that. I am a priest, not a drama expert. I suggested to the singer, that he might like to approach Mrs Wilde himself, with a view to joining her Society.

Poor Pauline, she had committed a gaffe, or as some would say, dropped a clanger. She offered to telephone Mrs Wilde, and explain.

"Thank you Pauline, but I think it would be wise to wait a while" said the Canon. I must give this matter some thought.

What was he to do?

Had the time come to stop pussyfooting and playing politics, and put his foot down? Mrs Wilde and a few other people might have to learn, quickly, that he was not a man to be manipulated.

Later that day he telephoned Mrs Wilde, and explained that under no circumstances would he even attempt to make decisions about the caste for her productions. That was, he said, her department, of which she could be justly proud. He had enough responsibilities with his own role as parish priest.

Mrs Wilde calmed down a little but wondered whether there was a hidden message in that comment about him being parish priest. The truth was, despite her threats, she wanted her Operatic Society to be prominent in the three day Parish Celebration. That was her due, as the widow of a man descended from the Catholic Recusant family who had done so much to revive Catholicism in the town after the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act. Her threats to team up with the Anglicans had been a ploy to get her own way. For goodness sake, did they not know her husband's ancestor had been hung, drawn and quartered because he harboured priests? She would not be so disloyal as to transfer her Society off to the Church of England.
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James
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"Now Father Leon." said canon,
"I have a surprise for you" !!
"A surprise canon , What type of a surprise" said the puzzled priest.

"Well now that you know the ropes, so to speak, and when I am away for the few days now and again on Diocesan Educational work you will be in charge in my absence "

Yes Canon.?

Well you are going to learn how to drive a car my good friend !!!
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James
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Fr. Leon could hardly contain his excitement.
Many times he looked at the old parish twelve seater and wished he could have a go.
He had never learned to drive in Poland.
The twelve seater was used by a few of parishoners for ferrying people to and from various church venues elsewhere.
It was always in demand.
It had seen better days but always managed to get throuh the MOT.
Canon said it was like him - old and very reliable.

" I know " thought Fr.Leon "I will ask Andrew if he could come out with me between lessons".
"He drives and I think he won't mind if I ask him "
"I liked him a lot from the football and I think he feels the same"
"Anyway it's worth a try".

(Monsignor Carlo has taken a special interest in the young polish priests and is anxious that they have all the skills they need to administer in a parish - he has arranged with canon to fund the lessons and examinations)
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Rose of York
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Canon Anthony Cardew was feeling his age.

As was his custom, he had remained in the church, watching before the Blessed Sacrament after the last parishioner had left at midnight. At 2 in the morning Father Leon had relieved him, but he too needed sleep, because they must both be alert for the Good Friday Liturgy and the Easter Vigil. Canon insisted Father Leon go to bed by three o'clock at the latest.

On Good Friday, Canon had cleverly arranged for a small wooden ramp to be placed on the floor so he could prostrate himself, as best he could, before the altar. Lying down completely flat on the floor was now completely beyond him, but he did what he could, with his ageing bones.

At the Easter Vigil the church was packed.

After all the parishioners had left, Canon went into the church, accompanied by Father Leon, so they could pray quietly.

Before the Canon went to sleep he said his usual prayer of thanksgiving, that he was keeping his sobriety, one day at a time. He had not missed that prayer for over twenty years. There were odd occasions when the thought crossed his mind "Would I be able to drink the odd one, socially" then he would remember, many a time a fellow AA member would phone him for support in temptation.

Easter Sunday dawned bright. The Canon and Father Leon prepared for the Masses of Sunday. Once the day was over, Canon would pack a case, and take a few days well earned rest. He and Charlie his Golden Retriever would stay with Canon's sister in her little terraced house in a dear old mill town near Bradford.
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Rose of York
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Despite having been in church for over two hours on Holy Saturday, all altar servers and musicians turned out for Easter Sunday morning's main Mass. Canon and Father Leon did not want to deprive those who were unable to attend in the evenings, of a worthy celebration on Easter Sunday.

The parish folk group played the opening and closing hymns, and the organist provided the music for the sung parts of the Mass.

A special effort was made to make the new converts "socially" welcome. They had already been welcomed into the Church, at their reception. After Mass, when Canon made the weekly announcements, he mentioned that he would make a point of inviting the converts to take an active part in parish life. He also said that after Mass he would make a point of being available to the people who had moved in recently, and wished to make an active contribution.

Naturally, one or two wondered what right "they" had to be invited to join the catechists, the readers, the SVP, when they had only been in the parish for two minutes. Canon would have no truck with such cliquey nonsense.
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