Thank you, Fr Simon...

Fr Simon has finally taken his leave of us to take up his new post at St Michael and All Angels after a brief sojourn of just under 4 years, following what has become a trend for this parish (a fellow-parishioner tells me that our record is 6 years). His time with us has been one of tremendous growth for the parish. Of course, he has his detractors but you can't please all of the people all of the time and he has certainly pleased the majority of us. If there is one thing that mildly irritated me about him, it is the way he always apologised for the length of his homilies. If the Holy Spirit blesses you with words to say, say them, no matter how long it takes you. The Sunday mass is possibly the only chance that many of us get to unpack scripture and I often feel desperately short-changed when I have cause to attend mass at other parishes - many priests seem to find a 3 minute sermon an overexertion! So, Fr Simon, preach the gospel always and particularly on Sunday, use words, as many as it takes to make the point.

I have heard many parishioners speak of the sincere care and support that he has offered them during times of bereavement; his great sensitivity is a gift which will prove an advantage to him in his hospital chaplaincy role. He has attracted many young families to church, bucking the national trend. His theological knowledge is admirable and as good as any I have experienced. I believe that he believes what he preaches - this should be taken as read but it isn't always the case. Above all he is fun-loving and real. When he was inducted as parish priest here four years ago, I was chatting to some of his former parishioners from St Aidan's and I asked what he was like. The response came, "He's just like one of the kids - he's always playing football..." Four years on we can all probably agree with that.

Fr Simon, thank you for revitalising our community by your encouraging spirit. We will miss you greatly but we wish you every blessing in your new parish and may you continue to respond with vigour to God's call on your life. May your new parishioners take you to their hearts and may you enthuse them to take responsibility for and ownership of the running of their parish in ways that they have never done before.