In his message for World Day of the Poor, to be observed for the first time on 19 November, Pope Francis asks us to 'draw near to the poor, to encounter them, to meet their gaze, to embrace them'.
Clergy and parish stewards came together on 30 September to discuss the renewal and restructuring ideas put out by the Diocese. The Bishop asked all in the Diocese to share their thoughts, hopes and fears prior to any formal proposals.
Two wide-ranging interviews with Tim Gillett at BBC Essex give a real insight into the thinking of Bishop Alan Williams and his Director of Development Steven Webb.
Since 2001 Fr Stewart has worked as Diocesan Archivist while acting pursuing historical research and writing, acting as a supply priest and as chaplain to foreign language groups.
The next meeting of clergy and stewards at the Ursuline School, Brentwood on 30 September will focus on questions about proposals to renew and restructure the diocese.
