THE P RTAL
November 2014
UK Pages - page 13
cover a very large area so it is unreasonable to expect but staying together was not a major factor in
the preparation. I have to say that my support
people to travel such distances to mass.
comes mainly from the local Catholic Diocese. I am
“Fortunately we have found a base at Our Lady touched by the loyalty of our Ordinariate Group.
of Perpetual Succour and we have our monthly We have a great personal friendship with Fr Stephen
mass there. Fr Stephen has been marvellous. The Goodman, an ex-Anglican himself, although I did
whole congregation make us feel at home. It is a not know him as an Anglican. He is keen on Anglican
very international congregation, just like our CofE Patrimony, and indeed there is a deal of that in his own
congregation.
congregation was!
“I read The Portal every month. I never
miss that! (Sue’s emphasis!) Geoffrey Kirk’s
page is a really good read. It is the best.
Thinking about the fragmented nature of our
group and the distance from other groups in
the area, it might be an idea for us to have a
Midlands Ordinariate Festival.
Husband John added, “Twenty
years ago I would never have
become a Catholic. It was the
Ordinariate that allowed me to
join. Some of our group were
actually cradle Catholics anyway.
The Ordinariate was their way
back to the Church!”
touched by loyalty
John Thornton
“I wonder if the group has a long-term future
as we are small numerically. I do not see where
a priest will come from when I am gone. I leave
it is God’s hand. We need to tighten up on
pastoral care from the top for priests and their
groups. Pastoral care and encouragement are
both very important. Having local Ordinariate
priests to provide pastoral care
and encouragement is a good idea.
Perhaps a Midlands Festival would he
good too.
“National events are important. Janet
and I have always had an important
love in our hearts for Walsingham.
Fr Stephen Goodman and Fr John Lungley It is important for the Ordinariate
a Catholic since 1997
because we are the Ordinariate of
Michael Ewing became a Catholic in 1997
Our Lady of Walsingham. I agree with Fr
from the Anglican Church. He was received
Hunwicke that our National festival should
at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Then
happen at Westminster Cathedral using the
the Ordinariate came along. “I thought
Ordinariate Rite at mass with the Cardinal
it was brilliant,” he told us. “When the
presiding at the throne and a mixture of the
Choirmaster, Tony, asked me to stay behind
Cathedral Choir and congregational singing.
after mass and join with the Ordinariate, I
didn’t know what it was about.
“The Black Country Group pays its little
way financially, but we are serviced by a
Being at the Ordinariate mass is Sue Thornton
retired priest. We make our contribution to
wonderful. I have become part of the group. I just join central funds.
in with them. The Ordinariate has brought holiness
to the Catholic Church, as well as friendship. I really
“I was pleasantly surprised at what the Cardinal said
enjoy being part of it. I like listening to what Fr John at the Festival. I hope and pray the Ordinariate will
says. He celebrates the Wednesday mass at Our Lady survive nationally because if it does not survive, we
of Perpetual Succour as well. It is all convenient for me shall have let Pope Emeritus Benedict down. Many in
as I only live ten minutes from the Church!”
our group took the confirmation name of Benedict
or Joseph, so the link with Pope Emeritus Benedict
the Group pastor
is strong. That is, of course, not to discourage Pope
With the meal nearly over, we managed a quiet word Francis in any way, as we know he too is supportive of
with the group’s pastor, Fr John Lungley. We are sure the Ordinariate.”
he will not mind us saying that Fr John is not a young
man, Indeed he was a retired CofE priest when he and
This is not a large group, but it is not a depressing
his wife, Janet, became Catholics.
group either. As our title says, quoting Ronald’s cousin
June, “Good things come in small boxes!”
“It is a sadness to me that our group is haemorrhaging
into Diocesan Catholics. Geographically we are so
Thank you to the Black Couuntry Group for your
widespread. We were prepared as Catholics together, welcome and the encouragement you have given us.
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