 |
Father
Gerry McArdle inside the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic
Church in Nechells, Birmingham, where he has officiated since
the late 1990s |
Birmingham’s
renowned for being a multi-cultural society. People from all walks
of life mingle together and live in harmony and have done for many
years. Sadly, the city has been given a bad press recently focussing
on the problems of racial unrest that took place a short time ago
in the north of Birmingham.
One man, who’s been working closely with citizens of various
faiths and numerous committee leaders, is Father Gerry McCardle, from
St Joseph’s church in Nechells.
He tells me: “Our community has experienced a certain amount
of turmoil but there are so many people working diligently to ensure
peace ensues. I’m just one of the many who have been attending
a number of meetings that are open to everyone from any nationality
and any religion. We have a joint objective and that is the hope that
harmony will prevail.”
I’m told that there have been gatherings where more than 700
people have attended to discuss a range of problems they wish to address.
Obviously, the recent disturbances have been high on the agenda although
other social problems that cause people concern have been a topic of
conversation. For instance, ensuring the safety and security of communities
as well as encouraging and assisting people to live in clean and healthy
environments are issues that are a priority for many. A further concern
that many will identify with is the fact that people are still struggling
to be paid a minimum wage and in some cases are being treated unfairly
due to the fact that they are from an ethnic minority background.
Father McCardle says: “Meeting up as we do and so frequently,
promotes power among people. We have one to one interviews with discontented
members of society or meet with large groups of people to discuss and
address their concerns. I believe people are stronger when they work
together.”
 |
The
Church on the hill, St. Joseph’s, which was completed
in 1872 |
Not
having met Father McCardle before, I’d suggest he’s
a determined man and a gentleman who is aware that his position in
society has placed upon him a huge responsibility albeit with an
enormous amount of respect in return from members of the community.
There’s no doubt that with thirty-four years experience as a
priest and having served a number of parishes in and around the West
Midlands, this man appears to excel and value his role in the community
and enjoys the smooth running of the striking building that is St Joseph’s.
And with that, I delve into some of its history – of the church
as well as the priest in question!
Thanks to Heritage Funding, St Joseph’s is now the proud owner
of a brand new roof which will, no doubt, be most welcomed by its parishioners,
particularly with the extreme winter conditions we have recently been
promised from the likes of Central’s weather girl, Charlie
Neil.
The church started out as a cemetery chapel but with congregation attendances
soaring due to the influx of numerous Irish settlers, a larger church
was required, land was bought and building began in 1867 and was completed
in 1872.
Sadly, attendances at Mass these days has taken a dip for many churches.
It would appear social factors contribute in a major way leading
to fewer parishioners. People move away, houses are demolished and
replaced by busy shopping malls resulting in some churches becoming
isolated resulting in less people passing through the church’s doors week
in and week out. Although, I’m quickly reassured by Father McCardle
that there’s many pairs of feet walking through the doors of
his church and that makes him a very happy man.
So what of the man himself? He’s quite reserved and doesn’t
give much away although I did find out he’s from Burren in
Northern Ireland, famous for its football as well as its stunning
hilly walks. And, he admits, he enjoys returning back home to catch
up with family life - when his parishioners can spare him that is.
He’s more concerned with making sure I take heed that his parish
and the community are his chief concern rather than my inquisitive
nature delving into his life back in Ireland. So he swiftly moves on
to address the important role the local school, St Joseph’s
on Rocky Lane, plays in this society.
He says: “St Joseph’s school is a credit to the local community.
There are so many different cultures within the school and a range
of languages being spoken. The school events arranged by staff are
always well attended by parents who endeavour to be supportive throughout
the year. The children are our future so it’s wonderful to
see such unity existing.”
Father McCardle is a very focussed man with tremendous vision. He understands
that problems lie beneath the surface and being part of a team who
work diligently in the best interests of the neighbourhood, is his
way of working towards a reassuring and undisturbed future for the
community.
He’s a busy man so I hasten to thank him for his time but he
tells of one last thing he’d like me to mention.
He adds: “By the way, would you ever give a mention to the readers
that we’re hoping to build a new parish hall in the near future.
We’re anticipating that we’ll have some funding provided
but it’s going to be very expensive. So, if there’s any
Harp readers who’d like to make a donation, my door is always
open!”
You know what, whatever the cost - and it’s a large amount that’s
required - Father Gerry McCardle probably won’t bat an eyelid
or lose any sleep over the concern of raising funds for this new venture
because with him, you know the future of the parish hall, St Joseph’s
and this local community, are in very safe hands. |
