Continuing a series of articles written by students for the priesthood from our diocese describing their Pastoral Placement.
"Exciting Times Ahead!"
“Hello my name is Andrew Shaw, a church student at Ushaw College. My summer placement was in the family of parishes of North Tyneside. I was living in the parish house of St. Edward’s in Whitley Bay with Father David Russell.
In my first week the focus was ministry within the various schools of the Family of Parishes. I spent most of my time at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Yet I was also privileged to be invited to the end of year masses at St. Thomas More and St. Cuthbert’s. All the celebrations were well attended and good fun. Listening and talking with staff and students was a great privilege. I would like to thank all the pupils at Star of the Sea for making me feel most welcome at lunchtime and allowing me to sit with them and eat lunch. School dinners have improved greatly since I was there.
The following week the focus was directed toward the many practicalities of ordained ministry. I was happy to visit many people in their homes. Most for a variety of reasons cannot join the worshipping community as they once did. I felt so privileged and humbled to listen to their stories, the struggles and joys of life. Also during this time, particular attention was given to ‘behind the scenes’ responsibilities. Such as administration and accurate record keeping for first sacraments, deaths and marriages. Work which goes by unseen.
Sharing in the happy times of people’s lives is a great privilege, which I was able to do at two baptisms. This was a great experience, seeing parents willing to share their faith and experiences with their children as they begin their pilgrimage of life.
It was an honour to share in the pain and loss of bereavement. There were a number of funerals that I attended while on placement, some of which left a lasting impression. Two of these were people who had clearly tried to live their lives following the gospel message and what impact they had on so many lives in a variety of good and different ways. It made me think, what impression do I make when I meet someone?
I really enjoyed my time in the Family of Parishes in North Tyneside. If only the time could have been longer. With three other priests of the diocese Father David is working with seven different worshipping communities. Taking into account the change in circumstances and the exciting situation the seven different communities now find themselves in, new ways of working are slowly and cautiously beginning to evolve. Any change is unsettling and having listened to many people the greatest difficulty for most was the realisation that they no longer have a priest in residence within their community. This in itself generates many emotions, all genuine and heart felt. It was difficult to visit all the various communities in the four weeks, one of which I managed on the final Sunday of my placement. I feel that after this experience within the family of parishes, we are approaching a very exciting and perhaps challenging time for the Church in our diocese and I feel privileged to be part of it working with many committed, faithful and loyal people.
I would like to thank everyone who made me feel so welcome. Your generosity and hospitality were gratefully received. Please continue to pray for me as I continue to pray for you all.”
Andrew is completing his formation at Ushaw at present, and will hopefully be ordained to the Diaconate later this year.