Hythe Dymchurch there are still worshipers who helped raised the funds to build it.
Drop the 7pm Sunday Mass (only an estimated 22 "Normal" attendees in It was accepted that the present Mass schedule was set up many years ago when
2010)
Marsh
Close Lydd (average 2010 Mass count 21)
Close Dymchurch (average 2010 Mass count 34)
Provide one Mass at Littlestone at 11am (the timing to allow a priest to
cover the 8.30am at Hythe as well) and improve the building so that it
can be consecrated and the Blessed Sacrament reserved. The first
improvement would include a permanent sanctuary and the second a
choir above the back of the church to provide additional seating and pro-
vide for a wheelchair accessible confessional below. It would be of great
benefit if a hall could be added to make the facility a centre for the com-
munity as well as centre for worship.
5. COMMENTS
There is recent evidence, when Mass was not possible at Dymchurch due
to flooding from the damaged roof, that a majority of people opted for the
9.30 Mass at Hythe, with a small number going to Littlestone. Some,
having met their obligation by making an effort to get to St Monica's,
chose neither, making it not possible to quantify the split.
Should this proposal be finally accepted the sale of the properties at
Dymchurch and Lydd would be very likely to provide most of the funds
needed to accomplish the improvements envisaged for Littlestone.
The parish has been split into many small groups by the large number
of poorly attended Masses. Once the pain of closure is over the larger
Mass communities should contribute to a much healthier and lively
spiritual and social life. As it stands, all the smaller Mass communities
are ageing and "dying."
Flood prevention works being carried out along the coast suggests that,
in spite of opposition by the Environment Agency, Shepway District
Council's decision to allow new developments will be successful in
assuring the medium term security of the area from being allowed to
flood permanently.
Summary of the Counsel Discussions
Great concern was expressed regarding the difficulties that would arise with
regard to transport if the closures were to be actioned. It was recognised that
distress would be caused by the loss of much loved churches; in the case of
private transport was less available. Today, many people without cars are already
being provided with lifts and so with a little effort it should be possible to provide
transport for all parishioners who are without a car.
It was agreed that by forming a larger worshipping group at St Augustine’s,
Littlestone a livelier and more vibrant community could be built.
It was understood that in the period when the Marsh communities come together
there would be a “settling down” period during which matters of who does what
would have to be discussed and decided upon, but with good will these things
could be resolved.
Ultimately it was accepted that we are coming to the end of a period when we
have been very blessed by the number of clergy available to serve in the parish
but that, in the light of clergy numbers reducing throughout the UK, we cannot
continue as if nothing needs to be changed. The ministries of Mgr Klyberg and
Canon Cronin have been and still are much valued but we cannot expect them to
be always available. It is also wrong to plan a Mass schedule that ignores the
Canonical norms and makes no allowances for legitimate absences by our SOLT
priests who need opportunities to go on retreat, on holiday and who may on
occasion be sick.
Recommendations
The counsel unanimously recommended to Fr Fred that the proposals in Deacon
Ray’s paper be accepted and carried forward to an open meeting of parishioners.
It was also recommended that the meeting should take place very soon and a date
of Monday 7th February was set for a meeting to be held at St Augustine’s,
Littlestone at 7pm.
The counsel requested that a summary of the paper and the counsel’s proceedings
should be made available in a Newsletter Extra to be published on the weekend of
29th /30th January.
Those who are unable to attend are invited to make written contributions to be
raised at the meeting.
These may be on paper or by email to catholic.hythe@gmail.com
A copy of the Newsletter extra is to be made available to al the housebound.
Footnote
In order not to proceed down a blind alley the paper presented to the counsel had
been sent to Bishop John Hine prior to the counsel meeting and a meeting
between the Bishop, Fr Fred, Chris Harvey and Deacon Ray was held. The
process being adopted has the approval of the Bishop who has accepted in
principle the need to review and simplify the Mass schedule. However no decision
will be taken at any level until the consultation is completed.