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The Story Of A Parish; An everyday story about parish folk
Topic Started: Thursday, 1. February 2007, 22:56 (4,315 Views)
James
James
Father Leon having had two lessons in the car, felt ready to ask Andrew to accompany him for a private lesson. They decided to go along one of the quieter roads in order to build up his confidence and not be pressurised by following motorists at this stage. Andrew was very pleased with Father Leon's manner behind the wheel. He did not seem to get flustered in any way and had also read up on the highway code. He was making good use of the rear view mirror and his sense of speed was very good.
"You should pass first time, Leon". he said " You are a natural ".
"Thank you and when we get back, I was wondering if I could repay you by buying you a meal ?"
" Actually, I had intended to meet my girlfried, Lucy, for a meal after we got back."
said Andrew, " It is nothing special, so I know she wouldn't mind if you came along as well." " She knows I am out with you and I think she would like to meet you anyway as she asked me what you were like." "It will take her by surprise ! "

"I don't expect you to pay for all of us " said Andrew.
"I will buy today and you can return the compliment another time "

"No, No said father Leon, it will be an honour for me to meet your Lucy and I will only be too happy to pay in return for your help"


"As you wish, Leon, So we will meet later after we get back and have a shower ?

"Yes indeed, I am looking forward to it"
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Rose of York
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Canon Cardew's next task was to select members of the finance committee and Parish Pastoral Consultative Council for the new combined parish. He had announced his intention in the newsletter. Naturally, some parishioners had voiced the opinion that the representatives be elected. The Canon, who followed the letter and the spirit of Canon Law and all Vatican and Diocesan directives, would have no truck with such nonsense. He was legally liable for all that happened in the parish, and he would select his advisors, for that was the limit of their role.

The Parish Pastoral Consultative Council was no problem. Members would be representatives of parish organisations, plus one musician (the organist), one Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (to advise on the availability, for taking Holy Communion to sick persons) of each EMHC, the Head Teacher of the parish school, and perhaps a few others, to speak at meetings on behalf of various groups of people. Phil, the young Army widow, had agreed to attend, in her capacity as a parent. If anybody knew the difficulties of family life, she did. The Canon would ask Father Leon to select a person under the age of 25, to speak on behalf of the younger parishioners.

The Canon had invited willing persons, with relevant experience, to come forward, and indicate their interest in joining the Finance Committee. He was in luck. He included in his new committee a retired banker, an accountant, an experienced bookkeeper, and three others, two of whom had business experience, and another who had chaired the Finance Committee in another parish before moving to the area served by St Isidora's and Corpus Christi. Canon Cardew had taken up references!

Father Leon had been involved in the decision making. Canon Cardew felt for the young priests. They were thrown in at the deep end, made fully responsible for their own parishes within three or four years of ordination. In his younger days a curate had about 15 yeears to prepare, serving in several parishes, always under the guidance of an older, experienced priest. Father Leon would to learn a lot, in a few short years. The Canon would do all in his power to help his young protege.

Newcomers to the forum may find it useful to see the list of main characters, on Page 1
Keep the Faith!

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Emee
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One job the Canon had had to attend to on his return from his holiday in the North of England was the appointment of a part-time secretary for Diocesan Educational Matters. He had originally considered asking Pauline Murphy (the Parish Secretary) if she wanted the position, however she was too close to the other parishioners and he needed someone with a degree of impartiality - which was why he had considered Judith Baxter, one of the Bishop's part-time Secretaries (but not his Private Secretary - that was Father Martin). The Canon did hope she would apply - and was wondering if he could suggest to the Bishop that she went for the position. As both positions were part-time, she could continue with both posts if she wished. Anyway, now the advert had been placed in the diocesan newsletter and on the diocesan website, so it could only be a matter of time before responses started to arrive.

The Canon had been horrified in his visit north to learn so many Catholic schools in that part of the country were either under threat of closure or amalgamation: Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield were all suffering in this way. Ethel's grand daughter now needed to catch 3 buses to school, and the locals were very upset about the whole situation as it had been done with very little consultation by the local Councils. Even the Canon's and Ethel's old school had not escaped the clutches of the "modernising committees" and was the latest casualty.

The Canon shuddered sadly as he walked Charlie around his Blyton-esque parish where very little ever went wrong. Admittedly, Violet Wilde was subconsciously stubbornly refusing to come out of a coma for some unknown reason (and he was overdue visiting her his conscience reminded him); also some of the ex-Corpus Christi more-progressive parishioners would take a bit of getting used to (he could always suggest Father Martin's Folk Group Evenings down at the hall next to the Bishop's House as a peace-offering to ease the way there); and more could be done for the ever-increasing Poles (perhaps a Polish evening, with Polish dishes, music and costumes to help break the ice and increase awareness amongst the existing congregation), but that was the extent of his current worries in this peaceful little haven. He prayed for the school situation in Yorkshire, then thanked God wholeheartedly for his present lack of worries, and whistled a happy tune for the remainder of the walk.
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Emee
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"Tony Cardew placed an interesting advertisement in the latest issue of the diocesan newsletter," Father Martin flip flopped over to Judith Baxter and showed her the advert.

Judith read the advert then looked at him suspiciously.

"You trying to get rid of me Father Martin?"

"Goodness me no!" Father Martin looked horrified, "You will see it is a part-time position. I was thinking you could possibly manage both posts?" he suggested.

"Father Martin, I understand you are trying to be helpful, but please allow me to make my own career decisions."

Father Martin shrugged, never one to force an issue.

"Ok Judith. Would you like a cup of herbal tea - good for stress? I was just making one."

"Coffee," Judith replied quickly, "Strong and NOT decaffeinated."

Judith and Father Martin were poles apart on every level...

At that point, Bishop Richard Johns walked in.

"Oh hello Judith. Just the person I wanted to see. There's a job advertisement in the latest diocesan newsletter that you might be very interested in..."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marcus Wilde (who looked and dressed very like a cross between Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry) sat in his latest air-conditioned office block - now in Abu Dhabi. He felt tired of his career in the Emirates. In fact he was tired in general. Perhaps a visit to the home country would perk him up? Come to think of it, he had not phoned his mother for ages - she didn't even have his new phone no. If he booked a couple of weeks' leave starting from the end of this week, there was still time to get a flight organised for the weekend.

However, a quick phone call to Bracknell Hall was necessary first, just in case his mother was away, although it was highly unlikely as she never went anywhere these days...

Gwen Merriman answered Marcus's call.

"Hello Gwen! And how's my favourite housekeeper these days?!"

"Marcus!!" Gwen gasped. "We've had the Embassy trying to trace you! Thank goodness you've rung...!"
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Emee
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The Canon was delighted Judith Baxter had accepted the position of Secretary for Diocesan Educational Matters. He was confident she would prove a very competent colleague and had received an excellent endorsement for her from the Bishop.

However, at this point in time he had more pressing matters on his hands. He was presently standing on one side of Marcus Wilde; Gwen Merriman on the other, at the bedside of Marcus's mother Violet. Marcus was bereft and temporarily the Canon could find no words of comfort. He could only let Marcus speak freely.

"I've been a terrible son," Marcus stared miserably at his unconscious mother, attached to a heart monitor and saline drip. "I haven't phoned her for months. I suppose I just took it for granted she would always be around. She has always been so strong and dependable. I never needed to worry about her, but yet now look at her. I feel terrible. She looked after me so well as a boy and this is how I repay her; by deserting her..."

"Well perhaps now it's finally time for you to start looking after her a bit," the Canon eventually managed, kindly.

"You're right of course Canon," Marcus agreed sadly.

"Is that you Marcus?" a voice spoke. It seemed to come from a long way away. It took a few seconds before the three of them realised it was coming from Violet...

"Mum!" Marcus gasped.

"Thank goodness!" Gwen finally exhaled all the concern she had been holding inside her.

"Hello Violet," the Canon smiled delightedly as Violet Wilde opened her eyes blinking somewhat, "Did you have a nice sleep?" he asked her, for the life of him not knowing what else to say.

The nurses and ward doctor came rushing in on hearing the conversation and everyone clapped and cheered.

Canon Cardew sighed happily and stepped back to let the hospital staff check Violet. He smiled again; a more introspective, private smile this time. All was well once more in the joint Parish of St Isidore and Corpus Christi.

:D
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