Archdiocese snatches Catholic Society's Home

The University of Birmingham Catholic Society share that the Archdiocese of Birmingham has decided to close Newman House Chaplaincy this summer. 

Writing on Facebook, they state: 

"Newman House has been the home or our society and the wider Catholic community ever since the building was opened in 1966. This news will be very upsetting to the generations of Catholic students who have found the faith, received the sacraments of initiation, and met lifelong friends - even spouses - at the chaplaincy.

We are particularly disappointed that this news comes at such short notice at the busiest time of the academic year, and without any prior warning or consultation process between the Archdiocese and the student body. There has also as yet been no official communication from the Archdiocese to our society, or the house residents, regarding the closure or any possible alternative provision - leaving us in the dark for the new academic year. We are exploring our options and have written to the Archdiocese to seek clarification."

This does seem a strange decision from the Archdiocese if one considers that their goal and mission is the growth and development of the Catholic faith. One can only assume that a shortage of money and a lack of any ambition means this nice site in Edgbaston will do nicely as a source of cash. Who cares about the Catholics or the future?

I'm sure that there is an accounting issue behind this decision and the Archdiocese has realised that there is some sort of financial disparity between costs and income, but can the only recourse be to sell it off? Especially without consulting any of the faithful who will suffer from this? Do the Archdiocese really lack compassion to that extent?

Down-grading the care of young Catholics, who are the future of the Church, is not only an act of self-sabotage, but also one of ill thought through, even incompetent, pastoral care.

If anyone in the Archdiocese of Birmingham actually cared, they would put a really keen sound priest in there and make it the centre of  activities. This strategy has proven to be a success in the past. For example, when Fr. Julian Green was there, Newman House was a powerhouse of Catholic life & gave rise to young, practising Catholics with vocations to the priesthood, religious life, prayer and witness.

If you wanted to enact pastoral transformation of the church in England, with the objective of evangelisation, you would put your priests in the universities, secondary schools & hospitals. They could say their Sunday masses in the parish, but their work would be in those places. It would transform the church in 20 years from a moribund entity propping up dull, Parish life as a hobby for the retired with which religious inclinations and CINO schools, and turn it into something inspirational & alive. Such a shame the bishops of England and Wales don't appear interested in that!