We hear a
lot about the role of the laity nowadays. This is sometimes backed-up with
quotes from Christifideles Laici. Never in my experience is reference made to
later documents such as The Priest, Pastor and Leader of the Parish Community of
2002 and before that in 1997 On Certain Questions Regarding the
Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in theSacred Ministry of the Priest. I would have imagined these would be key to any
discussion of these matters.
Anyway, I decided to write this because at present
the laity of St Wilfrid`s are working hard to save their church. I`ve never
seen lay activity like it. A lot of time and effort has been put in as well as
financial support. Death concentrates the mind and the threat of closure has
galvanised the congregation of St Wilfrid`s. The church looks the best I`ve
seen it with lots of decorating being done on the exterior. Even the wilderness
that is the huge garden is being tackled. I only hope that it turns things
round and St Wilfrid`s will get a reprieve
The faithful community of St Wilfred's deserves success. My own parish, St Joseph's Highfield finished up with no church, no priest, and the only Sunday Mass is on Saturday evening at the Anglican church. Really, despite the sterling efforts of a few, a parish without a church, priest and presbytery is not a parish.
ReplyDeleteSt Wilfid's parishioners are an inspiration.
I thankyou for your comments and I'm sorry about the situation you find yourself in,we have a lot of support behind us,we Thank God for everyone helping us,however we cannot thank enough a recent bequest from a much-loved Parishoner who basically wiped the Parish debt out.I know that she is behind us every step of the way!!!
DeleteFather,
ReplyDeleteThankyou most sincerely for your comments!!! Yes we are doing our utmost to save our beloved St.Wilfrid's Church.During these difficult times I often remember this;one priest said at a funeral in St.Wilfrids a few years back that in everyday life you can walk with Saints,I believe that I have in these months of uncertainty and I also believe that those wonderful Parishoners that have gone before us have been walking with us too.