An attempt to respond to the problem of the shortage of priests and prevent the risk that many parishes could be abolished as a consequence are the main objectives of the pastoral plan launched by the Bishop of Nottingham, Malcolm McMahon, at the time of his nomination in 2000. This is the first attempt of “Christian renewal” through specific objectives for this Catholic diocese in northern England. The Nottingham pastoral plan comprises six areas: work, evangelization, liturgy, education and training, structures, communication and spirituality. The parishes can choose between these areas depending on their needs. The plan will be organized as a work plan with specific objectives, agendas, responsibilities and criteria of success. There are ten parishes without priests in the diocese at the present time. The plan is also an attempt to convince the laity to assume greater responsibility within the Church. “Many Catholics, the elderly but also the young, don’t know they are called to serve the church in a concrete way through voluntary service as well as by the practice of their faith”, explains Catherine Brady, member of the parish council of St. Mary’s, one of the parishes that is organizing the pastoral plan.
