My Dear Friends,   20 Sept 2009

Go to the people, live with them,

learn from them, love them,

Start with what they know,

build with what they have.

Then, when the work is accomplished,

the people will say,

'We have done this together.'

'Parting is such sweet sorrow.'

Shakespeare's words, spoken in 'Romeo and Juliet,' express the sorrowful feelings of those saying goodbye. When there is sorrow in parting, it is 'sweet' because it shows that the people saying goodbye must have meant a lot to each other. I will be moving out of the Presbytery on Tuesday 29 September, when Fr Kevin Lowry will arrive and become your new Parish Priest.

'Time is like a fashionable host

that slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand,

and with arms outstretched, as he would fly,

grasps in the comer;

welcome ever smiles, and farewell goes out sighing.' Troilus and Cressida

Leaving our Lady & St Edward's

(Reprint of announcement for those who missed it at the beginning of the Summer holidays.)

I am sorry to have to tell you that, for medical reasons, I will be stepping down as Parish Priest of Our Lady & St Edward's on 1 October. A health check-up last November showed that there was a defect in a valve in the heart that causes 'Atrial Fibrillation' and an irregular heartbeat.

Although medication has eased the problem, the symptoms continue to occur, particularly at Sunday Masses and on many other occasions. Medical opinion advises me that if I continue to work as I do, I will aggravate the condition. So, I have taken this difficult decision - with the approval and blessing of the Bishop.

During the next ten weeks, as I continue my ministry here, I will also be trying to find a new home - the first time I have ever had to undertake such a task. I hope that, after a break, I will be able to continue my ministry through supply work. Thankfully, physical exercise is recommended for my condition. In September, I will have completed six years as Parish Priest of Our Lady and St Edward's and I am sure the change will be in the best interests of the parish. I am delighted to say that the Bishop has appointed, as your new Parish Priest, the Parish Priest of St Benedict's, Whitehaven - Fr Kevin Lowry.

LEAVING THANKS (Further thoughts in my last newsletter next week.)

Many thanks to -

• all who give part of their week to celebrate Mass on Sundays;

• those who ensure that Mass is celebrated with reverence and joy - Ministers of the Word and Eucharist, musicians, singers, servers.

• liturgists and catechists who teach the children to appreciate the riches of the Sacraments, the Mass and Liturgical Year;

• children for enriching so many parish celebrations and their parents for encouraging them and bringing them to church;

• Peter Williams, who serves people and groups,

  in their happy times and illnesses, parish outings and holidays,

  and encouraged us to support the people of Kalomo;

• those who welcome you, count the flock, gather your offerings,

  play recorded hymn accompaniment, prepare the ministers' rotas and proof-read the newsletter;

• those who advise on building maintenance and health and safety matters;

• those who arrange the flowers, care for the vestments, altar linen and vessels, and clean and maintain the church'

• those who contribute to the parish and other charities through collections and the Gift Aid Scheme, and those who organise these schemes;

• those who count and bank your generous offerings;

• those who look after the Repository and Fairtrade stall making them attractive features;

• those who prepare and serve breakfast for such large numbers after 8.30am Mass on Sundays;

• the members of parish groups and committees who help so many, pastorally and socially;

• those who give so much time in looking after the Parish Centre, ensuring that it is a lovely welcoming place for people of allages;

• those who help to adorn the sanctuary, particularly during Advent, Christmas. Lent & Easter, Feastdays and special occasions

• teachers and staff for their invaluable support in our parish celebrations and for guiding the children;

• those who gave their strength in assisting to maintain the grounds and for ensuring that it will be a simpler task for all who follow;

• those who give many hours in running the troops and youth activities;

• those who organize different groups, plan and lead the parish walks;

• others for their guidance and support, privately and in committee.