THE P RTAL 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.”


Tey 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.


Angela Moxham with Pat and John Salmon 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. Te 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. Tis Parish,


is and the a busy 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 aſter 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. “Te very way we celebrate Mass is distinctive” he said, “and many Diocesan Catholics like that.”


Lesley Grimshaw and Helen Leonard


March 2012


Page 5


with Fr Woolnough. “Our main topic of conversation is how to keep people together and to make sure we are financially secure.”


“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 Te schools in Hockley


Maurice and Irene Millership


still invite Fr Jeff to present assemblies and he is Chaplain at Saint Tomas 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. “Tis attracts people,” he said.


He attaches great importance


to relations with neighbouring Ordinariate Groups. He is a pal of Fr Lee Bennett (see Te Portal


September 2011) and


they are arranging a once a month, Wednesday evening get- together, 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. Te building thing is very important. We are part of the one Church. Some see us as resolution “C” Parishes with knobs on!”


Tank you Fr Jeff and the Group at Hockley, and Tere is a Pastoral Council of some five lay members Tank you Julie for the lovely lunch!


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