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As many of you will be aware, I have spent a considerable amount of time out of the parish this year, owing to ill health. However, I have kept my finger on the pulse. My colleagues, Sister Mary, Barry Fabish and secretary Syd Wells are only as far away as the phone, and I have used this method of communication to stay in touch. During my stay in Palmerston North I took the opportunity to visit Bishop Peter and spent a pleasant hour discussing many things including the future of the Diocese generally. The Bishop is very aware of the deep faith, enthusiasm and vibrancy of our Parish and promised to do all in his power to enable us to carry on supplying you, the parishioners, with all the services we now have. On the other hand, he warned that, because of the future shortages of priests, there will eventually be amalgamation of some parishes. If and when this happens, we will not be the only parish effected. Bishop Peter has made every effort to recruit more priests, canvassing schools and even to the extent of contacting other countries with a view to taking any surplus that they might have. He queried me as to whether we were bringing forward younger people to eventually take over positions in the Team and general administration of our parish.. I was able to reply in the affirmative. I will touch on this later. During the year some of our people retired from teaching Children’s Liturgy after giving yeoman service. We were able to bring in new people to train for this most important facet of our Church life. First Holy Communion instructors is another area causing concern because of the retirement of the two stalwarts who have been handling this important area. We feel sure that we have this covered. To answer Bishop Peter’s question with regard to bringing younger people forward, I was able to inform him of the following: - two young lasses are now Eucharistic Ministers.
- two young people on the Parish Council.
- one young person on the finance committee.
- and, of course, our young representative on PAC.
- the liturgy sheet and the rosters are now being produced by a young person. The future of the administration of this parish looks strong. Three young people and one family from this parish have registered to attend next year’s Youth Rally. A good representation for a small parish. We expect to support them in any way that we can. I thank all the people who continue to serve their Faith and this parish. Too many to name individually. Thanks also to my colleagues, Sister Mary, Barry Fabish, secretary Syd Wells and Treasurer, Greta Fabish. Happy and Holy Christmas to you all God Bless Trevoe Carter
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