THE
P RTAL
October 2017
Page 22
Eastbourne; and of course in Torbay. This is not to say distinctive style the Ordinariate offers, whether that
that other groups are not doing good work. There are group uses Divine Worship or not.
many example of really good work in the many articles
you will find in the back copies of T he P ortal .
Not sure about the traditional liturgy. In some places
(like Pembury) this goes down very well, but in other
Many Ordinariate priests and laity are rejuvenating places, it is death. What is important is to offer mass
diocesan parishes. The ones we have mentioned are with Anglican Patrimony. That is to say, with beauty,
overtly Ordinariate Parishes. This is, of course, a reverence and care, and not to resort to the “holy
matter of opinion, and T he P ortal is happy to receive meal”. The Ordinariate, of all groups, has to offer the
letters and articles that offer a different view here.
Holy Sacrifice. Yes, I suppose it is a plus-point to be as
“high church” as one can.
Looking at Shane’s tips for Ordinariate Growth, the
following comments are the result of visits to every
Challenging homilies are a must. Jackie and I have
Ordinariate Group in the UK.
been struck by the fact that in so many Ordinariate
groups the standard of preaching is very high indeed.
To distance oneself from established parishes is Most Ordinariate clergy seem to have eschewed the
certainly a good idea. It is very difficult to sustain, let “a few thoughts on each one of today’s readings” for a
alone grow, a congregation whilst a lodger. This is so, thoughtful and deep examination of a particular topic.
no matter how welcoming and generous one’s landlord
may be.
Many modern preachers prefer to go “wide” rather
than “deep”. We cannot help feeling that congregations
It is amazing to me that so many Ordinariate groups prefer the “deep” homily. We visited a number of
are still clutching the coat tails of Catholic parishes. Ordinariate priests who work at churches without
I expected that many would, by now, be worshipping an Ordinariate Group. When interviewed, the
in schools, or have found themselves a warehouse, as congregations here all praised the high standard of
has been suggested by one member of the Ordinariate preaching, and the high standard of pastoral care.
Pastoral Council. Surely, there is little future in the
four o’clock slot on a Sunday afternoon?
The final suggestion is as obvious as it is so often
ignored. The more you explain the symbolism of
Some groups have found themselves in the happy worship, the less it means.
position that they celebrate the main Sunday morning
mass in a particular church. It may even work if
This article will, I suspect, cause waves. Nevertheless,
one had the chance of offering the Vigil mass every it is a good starting point for debate, discussion, and
Saturday evening.
thought.
However, one must ask if three or four hundred
people attend mass on a Sunday morning and twenty
people attend the Ordinariate mass in the same church
on a Sunday afternoon, what is there to attract new
members? Is this terminal care?
Websites and contact information are vital. We all
know how depressing it is to reach a website only to
find that it is way out of date, or so complicated to
negotiate that we give up. A lively, colourful and up to
date website is surely a must.
To claim the patronage of a saint can only be a good
thing, and not just because of the efficacy of those
prayers; it gives the group identity.
As T he P ortal goes around the country, we have
discovered a good many Cradle Catholics who attend
the Ordinariate mass. Over and again we hear it said,
“This is what our church used to be like!” We have
not found that they mind losing the Latin, but like the
Let us know what you think - contact us at:
[email protected]
Forms of words for Making a Bequest
in favour of the Personal Ordinariate
of Our Lady of Walsingham in your Will
I GIVE to the Ordinariate of Our Lady
of Walsingham, 24 Golden Square, London
W1F 9JR, the sum of ______ pounds (£
) and
I DIRECT that the receipt of the Treasurer or other
proper officer of the Personal Ordinariate of Our
Lady of Walsingham shall be good and sufficient
discharge to my Executor.
or
I GIVE the residue of my estate to the
Ordinariate
of
Our
Lady
of
Walsingham, 24 Golden Square, London W1F
9JR, and I DIRECT that the receipt of the Treasurer
or other proper officer of the Personal Ordinariate
of Our Lady of Walsingham shall be good and
sufficient discharge to my Executor.