May 2008

Our former Dean, David Richardson, was installed as Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Holy See in a colourful ceremony in the Church of Santa Maria Spora Minerva on 7 May.  Archbishop Rowan Williams who was in Rome for a number of ecumenical engagements was the preacher. “….partly because of the work of the previous couple of Directors, especially Bishop John Flack, tremendously deep foundations have been laid of personal trust and confidence; and in terms of ease of access and honesty of discussion, I think we’re in a very good phase of that relationship and I am absolutely confident that the new director will be building on that.”

On the eve of his installation, the Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral bestowed on David Richardson the title of Dean Emeritus.  This honour recognises his ministry in two metropolitan cathedrals (Adelaide and Melbourne) for the past two decades, his marvellous achievement in restoring the building of St Paul’s Cathedral, and his ministry which built up the attendances and finances in Melbourne. 

I have now been at St Paul’s as Interim Dean for five weeks. The most significant event has been the Chapter’s endorsement of a pilot project to found a ministry towards international students based on the Cathedral. Initially the focus will be on Chinese and Asian students. The pilot program will be overseen by Canon Robert Vun who has considerable experience in such ministry.

Working in partnership with Dr Irene Donohue Clyne and in association with this new student outreach, the cathedral is exploring ways of updating our welcome brochures in foreign languages. 

Stewardship is quite different to fund raising.  Stewardship focuses on how we manage the many resources which come to us from the hand of a beneficent Creator.  Out giving is a response to God’s great gift of God’s own self for us and for our salvation.  Christian giving is thanks-giving, the giving of grateful hearts.  Each June we renew our financial commitments to the ministry of the Cathedral. Soon information and ways in which we can respond will be provided for us. There will be a special emphasis on 15 and 22 June.  The new giving cycle begins on 6 July.

Our Cathedral Festival will be observed on Sunday 29 June t the 10.30 am Choral Eucharist.  That service will be followed by the Festival Luncheon.  Tickets will soon be available.  Booking is essential.

Finally, the Cathedral community is delighted that our senior Canon, The Revd Barbara Darling of St James’ Dandenong, has been appointed as an Assistant Bishop in our Diocese.  Our prayers and best wishes follow her on her way towards consecration on 31 May.

As ever, the strength of the Cathedral is its human fellowship and Christlike spirit.  I commend it to you and invite your further participation in its many opportunities for worship and service.

Sincerely

Canon Barry Smith
Interim Dean.