Fr Father Terry: As you know, our diocese is gradually moving to a system of moderated parishes. For us, this means that the different communities which currently form the Worthing Deanery will canonically become a single parish. At present, the deanery consists of the parishes of Worthing and Lancing, Adur Valley, East Preston, Goring, High Salvington, and Littlehampton and Rustington. The bishop will meet with clergy and laity in the new year to consider, with us, the implications involved in all of this. At first, the individual parish priests in each of the parishes will retain their status and role and will be supported and encouraged in their ministry by the moderator, who has a responsibility to foster communion and unity across the new look parish. In time, of course, when parish priests retire or die, the situation, in each case, will need to be considered and, where necessary, appropriate changes made. It is the role of the moderator,
working with the people and clergy of the various communities (and, of course, with the bishop), to oversee and minister that process. Thus, a moderated parish needs a moderator and Bishop Richard has appointed me as moderator for this area. I am excited about this invitation and opportunity. In time, there will be a formal induction of the moderator to set this new model in motion. Please pray for me and for the various communities that will, in due course, make up the moderated parish. There will be lots of opportunities to discuss this face-to-face when I return to the parish in mid September. On another note, I look forward to being with you all on 29th June to celebrate my Silver Jubilee of ordination.
