Advertisement Pax ChristiICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Brentwood: Diocese announces restructuring plans


Brentwood Cathedral

Brentwood Cathedral

Following a review, the Diocese of Brentwood has announced restructuring plans this week which will mean some redundancies at Cathedral House and Walsingham House and devolution of activities from the centre to parishes.

In a statement the diocesan press office said: 'The Diocese of Brentwood is a thriving and diverse diocese covering Essex and a large part of East London. Over recent years, and especially in the last decade, the diocese has been growing rapidly. At the same time there have been many changes in society, including the development of social media and changing working practices, which particularly affect families and young people. All of this is the context in which Church and people interact.

'The guiding vision for the Diocese of Brentwood is to proclaim the Gospel - and this vision must be delivered and shared across its 83 Parishes in a way that addresses the challenges of today. At the same time, the cost to the Diocese of maintaining its central administration has grown year-on-year, resulting in a series of increasing budget deficits which required urgent action.

'These two considerations led to a strategic and pastoral review of the work of the Diocese at its centre - its Commissions - and how they serve the Parishes. The outcome of the review was a decision to close the Commissions in order to reduce expenditure, while devolving to the Parishes some of their activities. These devolved activities will come under the leadership of three Pastoral Vicariates - for Education, Formation and Evangelisation. This restructuring is likely to lead to potential redundancies among the staff who previously worked for the Commissions.'

Recently appointed Episcopal Vicar for Administration, Fr Andrew Headon, said: "The review has made clear that restructuring is necessary at the centre in order to reduce the budget deficits which have grown in recent years, along with some decentralisation which will encourage the development of local solutions for local needs. Unfortunately, the reshaping of our central administration will inevitably bring some redundancies. We understand that this will be a difficult and painful time for all staff and we will support them through the process to the best of our abilities."

He added: "These changes are necessary if the Diocese is to remain on a viable financial footing. They also mean that resources can be reallocated where the pastoral needs and missionary opportunities are greatest, and thus invigorate the Church's mission throughout the Diocese of Brentwood."

The Diocese as a Charity is a single employer. Staff are either taken on by parishes or by the Curia. The Curia is funded by a levy (quota) from the parishes.

In May 173 people were on the diocesan payroll of whom 40 worked at Cathedral House or Walsingham House. This central number of employees has been reduced to 31 as a result of an anticipated annual budget overspend of £300k pa (cost of central employees and Commissions exceeding the quota).

For more information on the Diocese of Brentwood see: http://dioceseofbrentwood.net/

Adverts

Catholic Women's League

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon