The Dean’s Weekly Message – 13th February 2022 Posted on Saturday 12 February 2022

Volunteer Roles Available

Following the Joint Bishops Meeting last week which began at our Cathedral followed by a fraternal pilgrimage along Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral, the press published a lovely photograph of Cardinal Nichols and the Archbishop of Canterbury standing together at the Sheppard/Worlock memorial halfway along the street. That photo of both Archbishops together smiling was a good summary of the two days conference which seemed to be a joyful and friendly gathering despite the current pastoral challenges faced by both our churches. The Bishops pilgrimage to Liverpool Cathedral also provided a rare occasion for the two former Deans of their Cathedral to revisit old haunts and for Archbishop Justin Welby, Bishop Pete Wilcox (now Bishop of Sheffield) and Dean Sue to have a rare chance to meet up and have a photograph together. I have had the privilege of working with all three of them during their time as Deans of Liverpool and the Cathedral visit was something of a reunion occasion for present and former Deans of our two Cathedrals.

Currently the Diocese has been through a revision of the central Governing Structures in line with the new Pastoral Plan and Effective Governance. As a result of this the Archbishop and the Diocesan Trustees are advertising for experienced and qualified lay people/deacons to serve on a number of Central Diocesan committees to give advice to them in relation to various areas of Diocesan life.

The various bodies are

1. The Pastoral Development Committee; The committee’s purpose is to develop proposals for Archdiocesan policy and strategy in relation to mission and parish development. They would also oversee the work of the Diocesan Pastoral Development Department and associated projects.

2. The Safeguarding Committee; Their role is to assist, support and advise the Trustees in discharging their duties in safeguarding – operating within the procedures of the catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency and in accordance with all legal and regulatory standards.

3. The Education Committee; To develop Diocesan Policy in relation to Education matters. They would oversee the work of the Diocesan Education Department. To promote Religious Education and religious worship in the schools of the Archdiocese. To promote high standards of educational achievement across all our schools within the Diocese.

4. The Finance Committee; Their role is to ensure detailed oversight of all the financial business of the Diocese. To ensure effective stewardship of resources in order to deliver the Archdiocesan mission and its charitable objectives. They would be involved in management accounts, budgeting and overseeing financial operations.

The composition of all these Committees incorporates representatives of the trustees, Diocesan officers, clergy and experienced lay members. There are vacancies for at least three lay representatives on each of these committees. If there are any suitably experienced parishioners who are willing to volunteer to serve on one of these committees, applications are open until the middle of February. Application forms can be accessed from Cathedral House or on the Diocesan Website.

Canon Anthony O’Brien,
Cathedral Dean