Farewell message from Fr Patrick

I want to thank you all for enriching my life over many years. You have generously accepted me as your leader. You have cared for my personal wellbeing. You have been patient in coping with my shortcomings and have trusted me to use my gifts for the growth and wellbeing of all. I have always seen my ministry as a shared ministry where we endeavour to work in a collaborative way to proclaim the Good News.... Simply, yet wholeheartedly trying to implement the VERY good news of the Second Vatican Council (nothing terribly extraordinary!).

What a privilege it has been for me to minister to the family of God here in Forest Hill. I will always cherish the spirit of welcome made present here. I will have many happy memories to sustain me in my new way of life without your companionship. Friendship and goodwill are precious gifts, and these I have received in abundance during my years here. I could go on, but I leave you with some thoughts I have often shared in the privilege I have had to talk with you at Liturgies each weekend.

Continue to love and care for one another; to be compassionate, understanding, forgiving. Be at peace with one another and promote the gift of justice for all. Reach out to many who are a little unsure about their faith journey and to those who feel they are not really part of the community. Continue to reach out to the wider world. Accept one another just 'as you are' simply because that is the way the Lord accepts you!

Adjust, move, change and so 'grow'. Do together, whatever needs to be done to continue the will to build a community of love, justice and peace here in your parish.

So with me on my final weekend as your (I hope Pastor), I would want you to join me in a very warm welcome to Fr Roman Kot as he begins a new part of his ministry.
Please remember that this is a new experience for him and it will be a time to 'take stock' to 'look' and 'listen' (good management & pastoral care ! ).

You need now to 'move on' (;as I will probably 'stumble' on ) and keep in mind what we sing and pray about 'ALL ARE WELCOME' - be sure that this is 'real'.

Our thanks - Chair of the Parish Pastoral Forum - Clare Thomson.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Father Patrick this weekend after 29 years of faithful service in our community. We wish him well in the new steps he is taking in his life and hope that he will stay in contact with us. The PPF, and all the other parish groups, are looking forward to welcoming and working with our new parish priest, Father Roman Kot, hope that we can help him to settle quickly into his new home.

Our Parish Administrative Assistant leaves her post in the Parish on Thursday this week. Andrea has been with us for five years and now moves on to prepare for a completely new career. We thank her for her loyal service to the Community of the Parish through many and various types of support to Groups as well as working in what is mostly a very busy Parish Office. We wish Andrea every success for her future.