Doncaster Minster. We need to be fit for purpose

Last Updated on Monday, 19 September 2011 10:42

Canon Paul Shackerley and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu

Vicar – Canon Paul Shackerley
Location – Doncaster Minster, Minster Office, St George House, Church Street, Doncaster, DN1 1RD 
Contact – 01302 323748
Website – www.doncasterminster.org

Rob Marshall speaks with Canon Paul Shackerley – Vicar of Doncaster Minster.

It’s a year since Canon Paul Shackerley arrived as the new Vicar of Doncaster Minster and Paul is generally happy with progress which has been made.

The Minster community have generally responded positively to some of the early changes which Paul has brought about, though Paul admits that change isn’t ever easy.

“Taking the Bishop’s challenge to go for growth, we are looking at good governance, good policies, a new vision statement and a strategy which is in line with the diocesan strategy. I am obviously keen for complete synergy between the mission of the Diocese and the mission of the Minster.”

A new fundraiser begins work later this month (funded partly by English Heritage) and re-ordering (“rather than restoring”) will be on the agenda for the magnificent Gilbert Scott building – a landmark for everyone arriving at Doncaster Railway Station.

“We need to be fit for purpose,” says Paul as he reflects on the connections the Minster have already made with the local community.

“We have good relations with the local council, the Director of Tourism, the Director of the Chamber of Commerce – as well as the elected and civic mayors,” he says, before adding: “We have also been assisted by some students from Doncaster College who have been helping us to look at how we come across to the local community – our logo and signs and publicity. That bit has been exciting – working with these young people.”

“Partnership is the key,” says Paul. “We can provide a great venue for key events in Doncaster . Once the Cultural Quarter has had the finishing touches put to it I am very hopeful that the Minster Quarter will become a focus for the town.”

“What are we offering which is unique to Doncaster? I would hope, as a church, that we are offering the opportunity to transform society: to talk about the dignity of all human beings; we want to offer a quality of life which is different and celebrate the glory of God in this place.”

Paul speaks convincingly of the Minster's task to embrace the local community, which is an important aspect of the new vision: “We are concerned about the economy, about business and about jobs. We are offering a Gospel to people which has justice at its heart.”

Paul understands that not everyone likes changes to patterns of worship but he has had to make some early changes to ensure that the liturgy reflects the context in which the Minster finds itself. And mission will increasingly be on the agenda as Paul – with his clergy and lay team – look at possibilities by traditional methods of mission alongside what are now known as fresh expressions of church.

After chatting for an hour it is clear that Paul has engaged himself fully in the task of bringing the Gospel afresh to the heart of Doncaster through the life and witness of this iconic building. But what about himself? His own time? His Day off? How does he relax with such a check list of Things to do?

“I did buy myself a new baby grand piano which has been great for relaxing and I have taking up learning jazz piano at the Doncaster Jazz School. That has been and is very good for relaxation and is both new and exciting.”

But above all?: “What is energising me the most is working in partnership with people who have a vision to grow Doncaster.”