THE P RTAL
March 2012 Page 5
Angela said that in her experience , most people had never heard about the Ordinariate . Pat and John said it was far too early days to think about this , “ Stability is what we need right now .”
They have good relations with the other Groups in the area , and relations with other Catholics are “ fantastic ”, while those with the C of E could be better . All four of them look forward to a National Ordinariate Day , and would welcome a Family Day .
Over lunch we chatted with Fr Jeff and his lovely wife Julie . Although he has no regrets about joining the Ordinariate , he does regret having to leave some of his people behind . The decision to join was not hard , but he knew the consequences would be tough . It was hard leaving Hockley Vicarage as his parents lived next door , now they are some way away . With regard to bringing such a large Group into the Ordinariate he said , “ I hope I have not let these people down .”
Seventy-two were received into the Church and another eight came along , but were not received .
Fr Jeff is Priest at Saint Peter ’ s in Eastwood . This is a busy Parish , and the Ordinariate Group worships at Saint Pius X in Hockley , a short distance away . We were told many times that is hard for everyone . Fr Bob White is “ brilliant ” but his illness has shown just how fragile things are . When he is well , he looks after the Sunday Mass at Saint Pius . Fr Jeff feels that without major changes at Saint Peter ’ s and at Saint Pius things will not become easier .
being distinctive
We asked what the purpose was of this Group , and what was distinctive about it ? Fr Jeff replied that it is a large Group of former Anglicans , and now people know they are Catholics . “ The very way we celebrate Mass is distinctive ” he said , “ and many Diocesan Catholics like that .”
There is a Pastoral Council of some five lay members
Angela Moxham with Pat and John Salmon
with Fr Woolnough . “ Our main topic of conversation is how to keep people together and to make sure we are financially secure .”
Maurice and Irene Millership
Lesley Grimshaw and Helen Leonard
“ I hope and pray the Group grows , but it is static at the moment . People have discovered the Catholic Mass menu , so they go to Mass at various Catholic parishes .
hopes for growth
The schools in Hockley still invite Fr Jeff to present assemblies and he is Chaplain at Saint Thomas More High School in Eastwood . He clearly enjoys his work in school and is a Governor at Hockley Primary School . He is realistic enough to realise that growth comes through word of mouth . Every Friday at Hockley the Group have Mass followed by a Coffee Morning . People come along and find a happy welcoming group of Christians . “ This attracts people ,” he said .
He attaches great importance to relations with neighbouring Ordinariate Groups . He is a pal of Fr Lee Bennett ( see The Portal September 2011 ) and they are arranging a once a month , Wednesday evening gettogether , where both Groups come together .
National Ordinariate Day
When it comes to a National Ordinariate Day , Fr Woolnough said he would support it , but , “ I would want to know how it would work .”
Finally we asked where his Group would be in ten years ’ time . He replied , “ Where will the Ordinariate be in ten years time ? I hope and pray the Ordinariate can be the Ordinariate . Give Mgr Keith Newton a Church where Ordinariate people can gather ; maybe in London . The building thing is very important . We are part of the one Church . Some see us as resolution “ C ” Parishes with knobs on !”
Thank you Fr Jeff and the Group at Hockley , and Thank you Julie for the lovely lunch !