munity or our local church but we do belong in a deanery and a diocese. We belong also to the Christ's Church where no one "is an island". 


Starting time.

The beginning of September is the time when we have traditionally launched new initiatives. That is what I am setting down as the starting time for the various meetings and programmes that I have spoken about.  I see this as the time to put into action all the changes that we have agreed.  It is time that we began to feel that we belong in a particular way within our local cluster group.  We do not need to be apologetic about the help that we seek from our partners, be they priests or lay people.  We are here for each other ready to share our gifts for the good of all. 

Cluster groups cannot be expected to function smoothly immediately they have been launched.  Indeed there will most likely be need for good management of planning meetings which will call for particular guidance.  The help of the Pastoral Ministry Team will be available as needed.  Some groups may seek out a particular person who has the kind of management skills which can be used to steer the process, at least in its initial stages.  The Diocesan Office may be able to assist in identifying the kind of person who could be of help. 

In a well known hymn, Lead Kindly Light, Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote: "I do not wish to see the distant scene, one step enough for me".   We could take these words and make them our own at this time in history.  Our world has been in financial turmoil for many months and there seems to be little sign of stability as yet in spite of all the efforts of people in high places.  We are all distressed by the upheaval, largely because so much decision making is out of our hands.  In matters of faith we should never feel this kind of pressure, in spite of uncertainty.  The Lord is with us and will be with his Church until the end of time.  May the light of our faith burn strongly as we move forward in love for the Lord who beckons us ever upwards and who bids us not to fear.