How do we best recognise service or farewell those leaving the Parish?

There have been a number of changes in personnel – both clergy and Parish volunteers - over recent months.  This raises the question of how we as a Parish should best recognise the contribution made by people in various aspects of Parish activities.  

Contributing time, talents or financial resources to the Parish is an individual choice and it is recognised each person gives according to their means.  For that reason it is seen as not appropriate to “single out” individuals for their contributions.  Preference is to recognise the contribution from our Parish and community collectively.  The Parish Council is considering a proposal to host an evening celebration at which the work of volunteers in the Parish is acknowledged and a collective vote of thanks and appreciation is offered.

The suggested date for this is in early May, around the anniversary of the dedication of the Church when it was enlarged – 5th May 1991.

The Parish Council is the body in the parish with appropriate standing and authority that can consider developing formal policies to manage this aspect of parish life.   The Council in consutation with the Clergy would decide on and manage special events to welcome or farewell those involved in the Parish.  Timing, style, appropriateness, proportion, cost, communication, who gets invited  and transparency are all “part of the mix” and need to be handled in a way that best reflects a Parish community desiring to bring people closer to Christ.

The busyness of life is almost a cliché, but it is also a fact!  While the Church stands as something of an oasis of calm in the midst of the rush and pressure,  there are other factors that impinge on the Parish, preventing the Parish from being in charge of its own affairs.  One of the challenges for the Parish Council is to receive necessary and relevant information so that parishioners’ initiatives are not stifled, and those with a contribution to make do not see themselves as ignored.   The Parish Council will also reflect on recent experiences in the light of our mission of bringing people closer to Christ to see whether we actually did that.

Thus any policy that is developed will reflect that mission, and ensure that our ability to be an hospitable and vibrant community are enhanced.  In the meantime, if you have any comment please send an email or drop a note through the slot in the parish office.


Father Joe Stack