Also in recent weeks, we have received the news that Fr Charles Howell will be taking a sabbatical, beginning in the autumn – we wish him well and pray that this time may bring all the blessings that Fr Charles is hoping for, and many others besides.

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Canon Jonathan Martin has told us that, sadly, there is no plan for a priest to come to Effingham and Fetcham and that the clergy of the entire Deanery ought to begin to reflect together on how pastoral provision is offered, not just to these communities, but to all the communities in this area. Although we have not yet been formally re-constituted as one parish served by all the priests together, we are being encouraged to think and plan in this way. This is what is meant by the concept, rooted in Canon Law, that the clergy serve in solidum. Put simply, this means that all the priests are individually and collectively responsible for the pastoral life of all, working with the deacons and lay faithful. The clergy together are the Parish Priest, or perhaps better, the parish priests.

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The benefit of working together in this way is that it promotes an approach that builds collaboration and support, and where the gifts and talents of each are offered in service to the whole area. This willingness to think across the board has been evident in the discussions clergy have had in the last few weeks about pastoral provision, and the generous sense that we, and the people in our communities, should share the impact of change. Whilst there are many aspects of pastoral life that will need to be considered, an important issue that needs addressing early is that of Sunday Mass times. Theologically, this is the greatest prayer the Christian community offers together; practically, for many people, it’s an important weekly moment of contact, albeit often brief, with a priest. As we began to think about Sunday Mass times, it seemed wise to acknowledge that, at some point in the not-too-distant future, some of our priests will move into well-earned retirement. There’s no date on this, and no hurry(!), but it needs to be factored in.

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The task before the clergy, then, is to draft a schedule of Sunday Masses that could be served by eight priests in the Deanery. Again, as we prayed and reflected together, although we very much hope that there will continue to be retired priests able to supply, this isn’t something that can be counted on, and so it also seemed wise to factor in a little bit of breathing room to allow us to cover for each other for holidays, retreats, pilgrimage or sickness; indeed, although blessed to be making plans for eight priests, we have to acknowledge the possibility that numbers in the Deanery could reduce in the future. In addition, we felt that it’s important to bear in mind, and include in our plans as far as possible, the greatly valued connection between people, place and priest. Finally, rather than make changes piecemeal – some this autumn, and then more in the next couple of years – we think it would be a good idea to plan for the new schedule now. The clergy have had a couple of meetings to date where these principles have been thought through. We’re going to reflect on and pray about what we’ve discussed so far over the summer and reconvene in the autumn as we finalise plans.

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Please do pray: for Bishop-elect Stephen; for Fr Charles; and for each other, the clergy and lay faithful in our communities; that guided by the Holy Spirit, we may have the strength and courage to look to the future with confidence that, even where there are changes, we remain rooted in the unchanging love of God who provides abundantly for his people.