THE P RTAL
September 2012 Page 5
have to get new members . The ideal thing would be to get families , but that is hard when we are so scattered .
“ We are pleased The Portal has had the wonderful opportunity to see our Group . It is spread out , but infact is essentially integrated totally into the local Catholic community , especially at Saint Joseph ’ s .”
Ellie and John Haynes
Ellie and John Haynes are also friends of long standing . Ellie is a retired School Teacher , whilst John is a retired Electrical Power Engineer . They told us that the Group is enthusiastic and totally committed , many of whom travel , long distances for the monthly Mass . “ Everyone makes a big effort to be present ,” said John .
He described their move to the Ordinariate as “ like walking from one room to another . It was seamless . Nothing like swimming the Tiber !” Ellie backed him up saying , “ We are delighted we moved . We should have done it earlier !”
Ellie is the Group ’ s Treasurer and she is conscious that they need to send as much cash as they can to help with central funds . They send money every month and a larger sum when funds allow .
She is aware of the problem of growth . “ It is a bit soon , but we need to do something about children , and not just here . Why doesn ’ t the Ordinariate have a ‘ Brean ’ event ?”
John said that relations with the CofE were a problem , “ They don ’ t want to know us ” he said .
John Haynes
We asked if the Group would support an National Ordinariate event ? Ellie said she would , and John replied , “ Not half ! We are going to Walsingham in September and Oxford in October .”
Fr John Morley-Bunker and Erica Moore
John Outhwaite
... and reporting for The Portal ( as always ) Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane
Ben Graham
Ben Graham works at Foxes Academy in Minehead . It helps adults with learning difficulties . He said
attending Mass at 12noon in Weston was not the most convenient place or time . “ I hope we shall grow ,” he said , “ more members are joining . I have concerns about getting some younger people in the Ordianriate . I know the Bournmouth group very well . They do not have any Young People either . We have to address this problem , but I do not quite know how .
Our Group is small and far flung , so we must stay together . It would be so much more convenient to go and become a Diocesan Catholic ; but my Anglican Patrimony is important to me . I am a Cradle Anglican Catholic . We are supposed to be pioneers , so let us continue to be pioneers !
We should be seriously thinking about Mission and Evangelisation , but it si difficult . We all try in our own little way .”
Chris Press
Chris Press is a retired Lawyer who dealt with property . He did not think keeping in touch with other Ordinariate Groups was that important . But he was impressed with the differences between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches . He noted that the Catholic Church is truly multi-cultural Church . This , he felt , was really good .
This was a remarkable visit to a really up-beat Ordinariate Group . If you find yourself in Weston-super-Mare on the second Sunday of the month , do go to the Mass at Saint Joseph ’ s , Camp Road , BS23 2EN . It starts at 12noon .
Cleeve Abbey
While you are there , visit Cleeve Abbey ( pictured on the fromt cover of the Portal ), Abbey Road , Washford , Watchet , Somerset , TA23 0PS . This is on the way to Minehead from Weston .
It is the remarkable remains of a Cistercian abbey . A haven of peace and tranquillity , said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England . Looked after by English Heritage it is well worth a visit .