LPA Rep. Statement – May 2008

The full Local Pastoral Area Team has now met three times, each parish taking it in turns to host a meeting. The diocesan system of LPA’s replacing the old deanery structure is still in its infancy and is gradually finding its feet. Rather than copying each other or trying to work from an already thought-out formula, the Bishop wants each LPA to work out its own way forward in response to its own unique set of circumstances. Clear lines of communication from the top down (diocese-to-grass roots) and from the grass roots through to the higher echelons of diocesan administration have yet to be fully developed. The Bishop wants to meet with all LPA Teams and has arranged to meet with them as a group in October to find out how things are progressing and how we, as a diocese, might move forward.

The LPA Team continues to express concern over the fact that Saint Martin’s, Murdishaw and Holy Spirit, Halton Brook are still without their own resident priest and our clergy are doing what they can to support these two communities. Of concern is also the on-going situation where Father Lucas and Deacon Deryck have to cover Saint Martin’s 9:30am. Sunday Mass and Our Lady’s 10:30 each week. More time between the two masses needs to be allowed and the Team hopes to address this issue in the summer.

The Lenten Station Masses are well-established and people look forward to them each year. This year’s Masses were once again a very enjoyable and enriching experience with each member of the clergy taking it in turn to provide spiritual food for thought.

As with elsewhere in the diocese, it is difficult for some to think outside the limits of their own parish.  This is something we have to keeping working at. The Station Masses show that there are lots of new friends to be made and the more we do together, the more we will want to meet up with, and support, one another. A major event in the pipeline helping to bring us together is a joint LPA social to be held at Saint Chad’s later in the year.

Fair Trade is one ‘Justice and Peace’ issue on which the LPA is increasingly working together. While Fair Trade goods are available in the shops, selling these goods in our churches is helping to raise awareness of our responsibility to use our influence (and our buying power!) to change the way large corporations do business with the producers of raw materials, especially in the poorer and less well-developed countries.

The official LPA website is now up and running and if you log on regularly you will see   on-going developments. Do let me know what you think about it and please give me your suggestions as to how it might be made better. I will ensure that these are passed on. You will find the web address at the top of the parish newsletter. For those without computer access, much of the information should soon be available on the notice board. LPA information is also available on Saint Chad’s Catholic High School’s website.

The next meeting of the LPA team is on 4^th June so please speak with me if you have any concerns or constructive suggestions. If you wish to communicate by e-mail, you will find my e-mail address, and those of other members of the LPA Team, on the website.