Diocese of Sodor and Man The Parish Church of Saint Matthew the Apostle Douglas. Parish Profile. August Website:

Transcription

1 Parish Profile August 2012 Website:

2 CONTENTS 1. The Challenge 1 2. The Person 1 3. Styles and Traditions of Worship 2 4. Mission Plan 3 5. Church Leadership 3 6. The Parish 4 7. The Fellowship 4 8. The Church Building 5 9. The Vicarage Church Finances Parish Activities Children and Youth Work Services Music Communications and Policies What the Island and Douglas has to offer 12 Appendix 13 Map of St. Matthew s Parish Accounts and Balance Sheet 14

3 1. The Challenge Saint Matthew s Church family is a happy worshipping community firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition. We are seeking to expand the existing congregation. We wish to maintain the Catholic tradition of the Church of England here in the Isle of Man and to continue the celebration of the Mass daily as witness to the command of Jesus. 2. The Person The Bishop of Sodor and Man is the Patron of the living. The PCC has passed Resolutions A, B and petitioned for alternative Episcopal oversight; pastoral care is provided by the Bishop of Beverley. The priest appointed must be of the same tradition and espouse the same values as regards matters of faith and order. The priest appointed will be required to perform additional duties within the diocese as appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. The Parish needs a priest who: is a man of prayer and who places the Mass and daily office at the centre of his life is enthusiastic and dynamic is dedicated to the mission and outreach of the church is able to encourage and nurture others especially newcomers in the faith believes that the expression of worship should be the best we can offer liturgically and musically [ 1 ]

4 3. Styles and Traditions of Worship The Sunday Solemn Mass is the centre of our Christian life and fellowship. The liturgy is within the Catholic tradition of the Church. There is normally an evening Solemn Mass on most Holy Days of Obligation falling on a weekday, although some such as Epiphany and Corpus Christi have been transferred to Sundays over recent years. The Easter Triduum liturgies are at the heart of our worship each year. Mass is said daily during the week at various times. We are the only church on the Island to have continued this tradition. [ 2 ]

5 4. Mission Plan Saint Matthew s is part of the Eastern Mission Partnership here on the Island. The partnership represents a coming together of all the churches within the Eastern district of the Island to focus on vision and working together in outreach. 5. Church Leadership Churchwardens Mrs Janet Creer and Mrs Amber Cordwell PCC Treasurer Mrs Amber Cordwell PCC Secretary Mrs Alex Tawney Child Protection Officer Mrs Janet Creer Sunday School Teachers Mrs Vicki Townend and Mrs Ayesha Erani-Kirkham Organist Mr John Riley Sacristan Mrs Janet Creer Master of Ceremonies Mr Paul Lewin Webmaster Mr Paul Lewin [ 3 ]

6 6. The Parish The resident population of the parish is around 1,800. There are a number of shops and offices. The church is located on the quayside in Douglas, the Island s capital. The parish is a somewhat scattered community since the waves of redevelopment of the town moved generations of people away from the town centre and quayside. There is now though a huge regeneration project being conducted for the quayside area and it hoped that in future more residential properties will be built near Saint Matthew s and offer a new opportunity for outreach. The parish also includes a housing estate some distance from the church which has a primary school. This is the only school within the parish. Since 1878, the steady teaching of the Christian faith and its worship in accordance with the Catholic tradition in the Church of England has been built up and maintained, at times in the face of opposition from outside the parish. The tradition of the Island has generally been Low Church and the very extensive popularity of nonconformity on the Island, however Saint Matthew s has continued the Catholic ceremonial and traditional teaching. Saint Matthew s congregation is drawn not only from the immediate parish but the Island as a whole, as people appreciate the unique witness that we represent. 7. The Fellowship The normal Sunday Mass congregation numbers between 40 and 50 for the sung Mass and for the earlier Low Mass. During 2011 there were 16 baptisms, 1 wedding and 10 funerals. Confirmation preparation classes are held as appropriate. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Lady Chapel and those that cannot attend church through age or infirmity receive Holy Communion weekly. The electoral roll currently comprises 107 names; 47 male and 60 female. Some of those on the electoral role whilst not living in the parish have been connected with the church for several generations and are descended from the original congregation. [ 4 ]

7 8. The Church Building The church was built to the design of the famous Victorian architect John Loughborough Pearson and must have been one of the last before his death. The church was built in stages. The Nave was consecrated on 10 July 1901 and its foundation stone laid in August 1895 and had been in use since August The chancel was finally completed and consecrated on the 200 th anniversary of the consecration of the old church, Saint Matthew s Day, 21 September The plans for the church halls, built in 1912, bear the signature of his son. The Sunday and other Solemn Masses are celebrated at the High Altar. Said Masses are celebrated in the Lady Chapel and once a month a Requiem Mass is said at the Valkyrie Chapel Requiem Altar (an altar made from the wood of a wrecked ship.) The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a Tabernacle on the Lady Chapel Altar. The church buildings are kept in good repair and much work has been achieved during the last incumbency. The church roof has been renewed in recent times. A total re-wiring of the church and halls has been undertaken in Heating is by gas heaters in the church and an oil fired boiler and radiators in the church halls. The last Quinquennial inspection was undertaken in September The church has two large halls which are rented out on a regular basis and are very busy all week. The halls are linked to the church by a cloister which has recently been glazed. Kitchen and toilet facilities are located in the ground floor. The church has no churchyard and the surround is mainly paved with a small quayside garden. [ 5 ]

8 9. The Vicarage Saint Matthew s Vicarage is situated just over one mile from the church in a sought after location. It is a large semi-detached house with three bedrooms, two attic rooms, two reception rooms, a breakfast room and kitchen. There are two bathrooms, one ensuite and a separate w.c. The house will require refurbishment. With effect from January 2013 all Vicarages in the Isle of Man will fall under the care and maintenance of the diocese. St Matthew s Vicarage must be brought in line with the green guide or may perhaps be sold and a more modern property purchased. There is a Parish Office located with the church buildings on North Quay. 10. Church Finances The PCC always pays its Parish Share in full (the 2011 Assessment was 26,043). A copy of the 2012 church accounts is annexed. We have in recent years been the beneficiaries of a substantial legacy. We are also the sole beneficiary of a trust fund established by Mr G A Ring, one time Attorney General of the Island. We support The Children s Society, U.S.P.G and other charities. The Parish subscribes to Forward in Faith. [ 6 ]

9 11. Parish Activities The laity is involved in the presentation of worship in the following ways: Lay Eucharistic Ministers administer the Chalice Altar Servers Choir members Lesson Readers Intercessors Sidespersons There is an annual pilgrimage to Walsingham where we join with members of other parishes on the Island. We have Stations of the Cross each Tuesday evening in Lent. Lunches are held at various times throughout the year in the church hall after Sunday service. A Harvest Supper is arranged in October with entertainment. Saint Matthew s Mothers Union is the oldest branch on the Island and still continues. The branch joins in Diocesan events and also organises some social activities in addition to meetings during the year. The Sunday School have an outing at Christmas and perform a Nativity Pageant on the first Sunday after Christmas which is much enjoyed by all. With the consent and encouragement of the Diocesan Bishop, St. Matthew s welcomes our friends from the local Orthodox communities (Antiochian and Russian) to celebrate their Liturgy in the church. [ 7 ]

10 12. Children and Youth Work We are extremely fortunate to have two trained primary school teachers as our Sunday School leaders and the group continues to thrive. The Sunday School meets on the first two Sundays of each month with additional meetings at certain times such as Easter and Mothering Sunday. The children meet at the same time as the Sung Mass and join the main congregation for communion. The children present their work to the congregation each month and we enjoy their singing and presentations. The children also take an active part in worship when appropriate and are included in the offertory procession. Currently the children are confirmed and then receive Holy Communion, although we are open to introduce First Communion followed by Confirmation at a later date. In 2011 we had eight Confirmation candidates confirmed by the Bishop of Beverley. [ 8 ]

11 13. Services Our services are as follows: Sunday 9.00a.m 10.30a.m Low Mass Solemn Mass and Sermon Monday 12 noon Low Mass Tuesday 6.00p.m. Low Mass Wednesday 10.00a.m. Thursday 11.00a.m. Friday 11.00a.m. Low Mass Low Mass Low Mass Saturday 9.15a.m. Low Mass [ 9 ]

12 14. Music The worship is traditional in its ceremonial and the music is mostly fully congregational settings of the Mass though on certain special occasions other choirs will come to perform more elaborate masses and motets. Our choir is currently very small but with dedicated members. The church is often used for large choir performances and organ recitals. Our organist, who is Chairman of the Isle of Man Organists Association will play at weddings and funerals subject to availability. We are fortunate in having a young person from the congregation who can provide organist cover. The organ was originally built by Messrs Ernest Wadsworth Limited of Manchester in 1922 and was rebuilt by Messrs Wood of Huddersfield in A new two manual drawstop console in oak was provided and the action is electropneumatic with solid state note switching. A grand piano is available for occasional use. The hymnbook used is the English Hymnal with a supplementary booklet of Catholic Hymns compiled by the church. [ 10 ]

13 15. Communications and Policies There are: weekly Sunday Mass reading sheets. notices are announced each Sunday from the pulpit notice boards both inside and outside the church and in the lower church hall. tables at back of the church for leaflets and publications monthly Parish magazine seasonal reflection booklets available during Lent, Easter and Advent parish website updated by our Master of Ceremonies. The website updates daily. Baptisms take place either on Sunday afternoons or during the Sunday Mass with preparation undertaken by the Vicar. A few weddings take place annually with preparation undertaken by the Vicar. Funerals in church are generally for members of the congregation often with a requiem Mass. Bereavement visiting is usually undertaken by the Vicar. [ 11 ]

14 16. What the Island and Douglas has to offer Douglas has been the Island s capital since 1874 and has a population of 27,938. Douglas is also the centre of the Island s thriving finance sector and the location of the main government offices and high court. A college of further education is located in Douglas and an international business school is located in the Parish. The International Business School being located in Saint Matthew s parish gives further opportunity for outreach. There are twelve state primary and two secondary schools in Douglas. Saint Thomas s Church of England School is close to the town s main shopping area. There is a large sports complex and swimming pool in Douglas and the Island is a great centre for all sports. There are two cinemas in the town. One is located in the Villa Marina, a recently refurbished entertainment complex. For such a small area the Island has no fewer than nine golf courses which all enjoy the stunning Scenery of the Island. Music thrives in the Island and there is a beautifully restored Matcham theatre in Douglas where numerous professional and amateur shows are performed. There are symphony orchestra concerts and various choirs perform regularly, especially at the Villa Marina. This Island nation has a long tradition of self-governance and a proud culture with Celtic roots. St Patrick and St Maughold are said to have brought the Christian faith to the Island in the sixth century and the remains of small Celtic chapels or keeills (which is simply Manx Gaelic for church, from Latin cella, i.e. a hermit s cell) are dotted around the Island. There is an annual ecumenical Praying the Keeills week in May, in the organization of which members of St Matthew s congregation are involved. The Manx Gaelic language, a Celtic tongue, was spoken by the majority of the population until the nineteenth century, and although the last traditional native speaker died in 1974, the language is currently being revived and certain members of St Matthew s congregation have been keen supporters. Museums and National Heritage sites throughout the Island have won numerous awards. A Victorian Steam Railway and Electric Railway are great attractions The Island is famous for its stunning scenery from rugged moorland to leafy glens and beautiful beaches. Walking is popular as is cycling. The Island also enjoys a low crime rate. [ 12 ]

15 Educational opportunities on the Island are first class. There are three primary schools and a secondary school in close proximity to the Vicarage. Higher education facilities exist on the Island and, in addition, young people wishing to follow degree courses in the United Kingdom are assisted by grants. The Isle of Man is a low tax jurisdiction and in addition to this stipends are paid at an enhanced level. The Diocese of Sodor and Man is a good place in which to work particularly for priests committed to the worship and mission of God and collaborative ministry. Although the Island is geographically isolated from the rest of the United Kingdom, travel to the mainland is efficient with daily sea-ferry services offered by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Flights to a wide selection of UK destinations leave daily with a number of flights per a day on the more popular routes. [ 13 ]

16 APPENDIX: MAP OF ST. MATTHEW S PARISH [ 14 ]

17 ST MATTHEW S CHURCH, DOUGLAS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS up to 31 st DECEMBER 2012 GENERAL ACCOUNT 2011 RECEIPTS 2011 PAYMENTS Balance brought forward 22, General Running Costs 6,881 Church & Hall Light & Heat 9, Collections 965 Postage, Stationery & Printing 1, ,566 Plate 11, Cleaning Materials, etc ,760 Freewill Offerings 14, ,504 Vicar s Travel & other Expenses 2, Easter Offering , , Less Contribution Ring Trust 2, , Missions & Charities 529 Collections & Donations 1, ,267 Vicarage Repairs, heating, etc 5, ,825 Church & Hall Repairs, etc 24, Miscellaneous Less Contribution Ring Trust 1, , Interest on Investments 11, ,152 Hall Letting 8, ,058 Salaries Vicar, organist, sacristan 1, Sale of Magazines, wall safe, etc Less Contribution Ring Trust 1, ,585 Gift Day 1, Fees Miscellaneous 346 Votive Candles & Sacred Heart Lamp ,043 Diocesan Quota 26, / Legacies / / 855 Easter Offering After Service Refreshments After Service Refreshments Parish Meals 3, Parish Meals 3, ,733 Donations 1, Altar Requisites Sunday s Cool Sunday s Cool Father Duncan s Retirement Gift 1, Father Duncan s Retirement Gift 1, Miscellaneous 727 Miscellaneous 7, Less Contribution Ring Trust , ,248 Missions & Charities 1, Organ Tuning & Repairs , Contract Payments Rewiring Church & Halls 4, ,000 Transfers from Reserves, Post Office, etc 30, Transfer to Britannia (Vicar & Wardens Account) 10, , ,400 Ring Trustees Donations to Running Costs 5, Plus Grants per Ring Trustees 5, Plus Balance carried forward 12, , ,466.38

18 RECEIPTS DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS PAYMENTS BRITANNIA INTERNATIONAL (GLADYS WATERHOUSE BEQUEST) (Account No ) Balance at 1 st January , Balance at 31 st December , Interest , , BRITANNIA INTERNATIONAL (VICAR & WARDENS ACCOUNT) (Account No ) (Balance at 1 st January ,476.52) Interest Post Office Investment Account Transfer from Post Office Investment Account 10, Transfer from current account 4.67 Interest Britannia International Balance at 31 st December , , , ISLE OF MAN BANK BONUS SAVER ACCOUNT No 1 (DENIS DORAN BEQUEST) (Account No ) Balance at 1 st January , Transferred to Current Account , Interest Balance at 31 st December , , , ISLE OF MAN BANK BONUS SAVER ACCOUNT No 2 (DENIS DORAN BEQUEST) (Account No Balance at 1 st January , Interest 1, Balance at 31 st December , , , ISLE OF MAN BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNT (DENIS DORAN BEQUEST) (Platinum Fixed Term Deposit Account No ) 16

19 (To mature ) Balance at 1 st January , Transfer of Interest to Current Account ( ) 11, Interest 7, Balance at 31 st December , , ,