And so, goodbye

Dear Brothers and Sisters

I am writing this last newsletter almost exactly seven years after I wrote the first one, in October 2019.  Today I really just want to say a big thank you for all the faith and commitment you have shared in this time.  It has been a remarkable period with the unprecedented pandemic which arrived after five months here.

I am so pleased that ours is a parish that bounced back from that adversity.  Since then, the parish community has grown, financial giving has increased, the sacramental programmes have thrived and, by God’s grace, we can rightly say that this is dynamic community of faith.

Of course, that doesn’t all mean that there aren’t significant ways in which the Lord is calling us to develop and grow.  I am thrilled that three priests who are Xaverian Missionaries will be taking over.  They have great experience, wisdom and faith and I am sure that they will bring about changes and much needed new initiatives.

I hope and pray that you will give them your full support.  Perhaps this is a time for some of you to step forward and take on new roles.  Please keep me in your prayers, just as I will keep the parish in mine.

I will be able to return to England quite frequently in my new role and I will keep my diocesan email address, so I really do intend to stay in touch and to visit the parish when possible.

Thank you so much for everything you have shared and for your good wishes and prayers.

God bless, Fr Kevin.