Holy Souls Church

A reflection from Pope Francis for the Year of Prayer

Sixth Sunday of Easter

We now consider the importance of perseverance in prayer.  Reflecting on Saint Paul's encouragement to pray unceasingly, the Russian ascetic tradition developed the prayer of the heart, based on repeating the words, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner", until they become like the air we breathe.  Prayer thus becomes the backdrop against which every action of our lives finds its deepest meaning. If God can find time for each of us, surely we can find time for him!

To read the full reflection and find more resources at dioceseofnottingham.uk/yearofprayer

Parish Merger

Approximately three years ago, Bishop Patrick set out his vision for the restructuring of our parish structures within the Diocese of Nottingham.  This included proposals that our local deaneries should be merged into larger areas and that similarly our parishes should be merged to create stronger more sustainable structures for the future.  Our Deanery has now expanded to include the northern half of Lincolnshire, including the city of Lincoln itself.  Many of the proposed parish mergers have now taken effect across the Diocese.  It was proposed by the diocese that our three local parishes should merge into one parish, that is Holy Souls, St Bernadette's and St Norbert's. 

Our local consultation has included the parish councils of each of these parishes and, where applicable, also the parish finance committees.  All have agreed, after consultation, that the proposed merger should go ahead and the necessary paperwork showing this consultation has been forwarded onto Canon Andrew Cole, our Dean. 

The next stage is that the proposed merger should be approved by the Lincoln Deanery and then by the Council of Priests of our Diocese.  If the proposal goes ahead this will mean: There will be one parish council and one finance committee over the whole area.  These will have representation from each church community; the three parish bank accounts will be merged into one. Provision will be made for legacies and ring-fenced funds, where appropriate, so that they are not used contrary to the intention for which they were given; we will need to decide on a new parish name.  Each church will retain its existing dedication.  Please submit any suggestions you may have to me, in writing,before 31^st May.

If you would like to make your views known about the proposed merger, I would be very grateful if you could do so, in writing,  to me also before 31^st May.

Canon Matthew Jakes