In light of recent media interest in changes taking place within the Diocese of Leeds, the Right Reverend Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds, has issued the following statement:"During the course of my absence from the diocese these last few weeks there has been some public interest in the alterations in the pastoral provision for the Pontefract and Wakefield deaneries of the diocese.
These changes have come about in order to provide more effective pastoral care of Catholics both due to the shrinking Catholic population in West Yorkshire and the numbers of priests available in the diocese to provide for them.
"The process that has lead to this decision began throughout the diocese in 2004, and was followed up with a more extensive period of consultation in the deaneries of Pontefract and Wakefield last Autumn.
It is sad, but nonetheless a fact, that I am no longer able to provide the same number of Masses in the many churches of the diocese as in previous years.
However, the level of provision being made for Pontefract and Wakefield is in line with the changes that are being made throughout the entire diocese.
"In addition, I have received a request for the provision of Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite (i.e., according to the Latin Missal of the Venerable Pope John XXIII) in the Pontefract Deanery.
I am more than happy to make this provision available, as indeed I have in other parts of the diocese, and have arranged for the Extraordinary Form of the Mass to be celebrated each Sunday at 3.0pm in St. Joseph's Parish Church, Castleford.
"I am aware of how difficult it is for people to leave familiar and much loved churches, and I am very conscious of the sadness being felt at this time.
However, as the Church we need to look at the future which is being presented to us with prudence and courage and with an eye to providing realistically, and therefore as effectively as possible within our means, for present and future generations."
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