My Dear Parishioners,   

 

When I was in my mid-teens I asked myself,

'At the end of my life, what would I have liked to have done?'

There was a clear answer.

 

I went to St Patrick's College, Carlow for six years  to study for the Priesthood.

After my Ordination I was appointed to -

The Cathedral, Lancaster for 12 years,

St Teresa's Preston for 6 years,

St Cuthbert's, Blackpool for 2 years

(with temporary posts at English Martyrs, Poulton-le-Fylde,

St Mary's, Great Ecccleston)

Hill Chapel for 20 years.

 

When the Bishop asked me to move from Hill Chapel,

I was truly shocked - not because I was leaving Hill Chapel,

but because I was being appointed to Our Lady and St Edward's.

I felt that it was too great a compliment and, over Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

pleaded with the Bishop to find a better priest for this parish.

Finally, we came to an understanding -

if I were struggling, I could move elsewhere the following Spring.

 

So, I came to Fulwood as part of your family.

During Mass, we have often prayed,

'May all of us who share in the Body and Blood of Christ

be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.

'Remember your church (your family) throughout the world;

make us grow in love, together with the Pope, the Bishop and the clergy.'

We are not just to love each other, we are to grow in love.

 

I am delighted to say that I have met here the very finest of people,

whose faith, generosity, goodness have been an example to me -

and will continue to be.

 

I wish to thank again many of those I mentioned in last week's newsletter.

I thank those who did so much to enhance the church and the grounds,

making this a fitting place for the celebration of the Mass.

Closest to my heart are those who did so much,

through music and the liturgy to enrich our celebrations.

 

My very special thanks to the teachers and children in the school.

The school was like a second home to me.

No priest in the land could have received more support.

The example of the staff was an inspiration.

 

The goodness of the children in class, corridors and playground always lifted my spirits;

their wall-displays were always so colourful and beautiful, and enhanced the entire school.

 

 

After every visit to the school, I came away a better person.

Some people say that I have never lost my enthusiasm;

this is due in great measure to being surrounded by children all my life.

 

At last, there is relief for parents now!

I won't be chasing you around the playground

or along the road asking you to bring your children to read!

Your children brought much joy, meaning and depth to our celebrations.

 

In every congregation and among my friends are those who struggle with belief in God.

I have often found them to be an inspiration,

helping me to look at my faith in another practical way,

Sometimes, they would say, 'I don't believe in God.'

They believed! - in a God spelt with two 'o' s.

 

Every priest feels he could have done better.

So, I step aside now, not with any great feeling of achievement

but with a feeling that I could have done more.

Whatever good I did was simply accomplished by opening with you,

in the Liturgical Calendar of Seasons and Feasts, the gifts of the Lord.

 

The motto on my Ordination Card was,

'What shall I give to the Lord for all he has given to me?'

I have received much and I enjoyed sharing it with you.

 

A priest told us in college, 'Find people who are better than you, and learn from them.'

I certainly met those people here and I thank you for all you have taught me.

 

     Two friends were walking through the desert when they had an argument.

     One slapped the other in the face.

     The one who was slapped wrote in the sand,

     'Today my best friend slapped me in the face.'

    

     Then they walked until they found an oasis, where they swam.

     The one who had been slapped was drowning; his friend saved him.

     The man who was saved carved on a stone,

     'Today, my best friend saved my life.'

    

      His friend said.

      'After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand;

    after I saved you, you carved on a stone.

    Why?'

    

      The friend replied,

    'When someone hurts us we should write it in sand

    where the winds of forgiveness will ease it away.

   

    When someone helps us,

    we should engrave it on stone where no wind can erase it.

   

    Learn to write your hurts in the sand

    and carve your benefits in stone.'

 

 

 

St Teresa's Relics: Carmelite Monastery 11.00am - 3.00pm Mon 28 Sept. Lancaster: M/T/W 28/29/30 Sept: details in porch.

Bible Study: St John's Gospel 9.45am Wed Youth Holy Hour: 7.00pm Tuesdays

Games snooker, table-tennis, darts 5.45 - 7.45pm Fridays 

 

Parish Priest Patrick McMahon 01772 862437           Deacon Peter Williams 01772 863444

 

Website www.pat.fulwoodpreston.org Email pat@fulwoodpreston.org   

Lancaster Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees - Charity Number: 234331