As we continue our journey towards becoming a single parish community across the deanery, we want to share with you an update on how we see this new structure taking shape. On behalf of the clergy team, I thank you for your openness, prayers, and commitment during this time of change and opportunity. I also thank you especially for your patience, as we have so far been working quietly behind the scenes, but are now in a position to engage more directly with all of you in our church communities.
One of the key ways we will grow together as one parish is by developing a Parish Pastoral Plan (PPP) — a simple and evolving roadmap that will guide us forward. Rooted in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and building on the action points we've already discussed in our Parish Leadership Group (PLG) meetings, the PPP will focus on three core values:
Prayer — Formation — Mission
This plan will not be imposed from above but will grow organically from our shared hopes and experiences. It is our aim that everyone feels a sense of ownership over the PPP. Through regular meetings, particularly of the Moderated Priest Team (MPT) and Hub Teams (HTS), we’ll encourage wide participation and shared reflection — a truly synodal process.
The Pastoral Plan will also ensure clarity and consistency where needed (e.g., agreed parish-wide policies or sacramental programmes), while also giving space for each community within the parish to express its unique gifts.
The MPT, made up of priests serving across our parish, carries legal and canonical responsibility for the care of the parish — similar to a single parish priest in the current model. The team will work collaboratively, recognising and using the individual gifts of each priest, especially in the ministry of the sacraments, preaching, formation, and pastoral care.
The MPT will sign off on major parish-wide decisions, after listening carefully to the input from Hub Teams. The Moderator — as the team leader — ensures decisions are made when needed and coordinates with the Diocese as we move forward.
Administrative tasks (buildings, finance, safeguarding, health and safety) will be shared out appropriately, while remaining closely connected to the Parish Finance Committee and local support teams.
Each Hub Team brings together clergy and lay representatives from across our churches. These teams will play a vital role in shaping and implementing the PPP through:
Between meetings, small groups or individuals within the Hub Teams will take responsibility for putting plans into action — for example, by working with catechists, liturgists, or school staff.
The Moderator will attend all MPT and HTS meetings, ensuring good communication and forward movement. He will oversee the development of the PPP and maintain close links with the Diocese, ensuring that both local needs and diocesan priorities are met. The Moderator will also work with parish offices to ensure we have the communication and administrative support we need going forward.
In the months ahead, we’ll be inviting wider participation and deeper reflection as we shape our new parish identity together. Please continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for each other, as we step into this new chapter with hope and faith.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Kevin Dring