THE
P RTAL
March 2012
Page 4
London-on-Sea
Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane visit
the Ordinariate Group in Hockley, Essex
The snow
had fallen, it was bitterly cold, and the
weatherman advised everyone not to travel unnecessarily. We
were not deterred, but made our way to the north-side of the Thames estuary, and no Essex jokes either!.
Hockley is part of that great conurbation
that includes South Benfleet, Southend-
on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea
and even Canvey Island. The area has been
called “London-on-Sea”. The people are
friendly and welcoming. We always enjoy
our visits to this part of the world.
friendly welcome
found the intimacy of Saint Pius “lovely”.
Peter outlined a problem for this Group.
“We were seventy in number when the
Group was formed. Now Fr Jeff is the Priest
at Saint Peter’s in Eastwood, we do not see
as much of him as we would like. A few
have fallen away.
Now we can attend Mass at any Catholic
The Ordinariate Mass is at 1030 in the
Church, and some of our number chose to
church of Saint Pius X in Hockley. We
do so. We have a Mass on a Friday morning,
approached the small, rather dull, brick
Julie & Fr Jeff Woolnough
and some of the elderly come to that, they
building, sliding over snow and ice. Fr
attend the nearest Church to them
Jeff Woolnough was at the door
on Sundays.” It appears that some
to greet everyone. Inside the
have become assimilated into what
welcome was warm and sincere.
we might call Diocesan Catholicism.
There were about fifty people
present of all ages including half
Angela felt they could afford
a dozen children. The Mass was
to provide Fr Jeff with a stipend.
beautiful and enjoyable, and the
“Indeed, we thought that is what
singing and music good. Pauline
would happen.” She continued “We
James played the piano more than
Helen Leonard and Frances Caulson
have Fr Bob White, but he has been
competently.
ill. Fr Jeff is overworked.”
Afterwards were enjoyed tea, coffee
wonderful to be here
and biscuits with those present. Peter
Wickham, a semi-retired Health and
Pat, John and Angela wanted to remain
Safety Manager for London Underground;
positive and told me that it was wonderful
Pat Salmon a part-time medical
being in full communion with the See of
administrator and her husband John, a
Peter, they find it liberating not having
self-employed carpet fitter; together with
continually to explain themselves to other
Angela Moxham who is a Receptionist at
Christians, and when they read about
a Garage all agreed to talk with us.
events in the Anglican Communion they
know they are “well out of it!”
any regrets?
Pauline James
We always begin by asking if they have
Peter felt their Group will grow as people
any regrets at joining the Ordinariate, and so far see things becoming clearer. Pat disagreed. She could
just one lady has replied “Yes”. Here they all replied not see the Group growing in the foreseeable future.
“Absolutely not!” No one we spoke with had any Angela made the point that it is hard to grow without
regrets, indeed most said they wished they had made a proper building.
the move years ago!
Mission and Evangelism
Our interviewees all found the place and time of Mass
With regard to Mission and Evangelism, Peter said,
convenient. Peter, Pat, John and Angela all missed the “We have talked about this. All Christians ought to be
medieval building where they did once worship, but Missioners, we should all tell others about the Faith.”