There has been a sequence of disturbing news in our Parish in recent times.

Firstly, the news that Father Rickard had suffered a serious injury, this requiring St Philomena’s to share with Bell Block and return to Masses only on the first and third Sundays. It seems unlikely that Father Rickard will be able to return to his former duties. With this in mind I have prepared a revised timetable to present to the North Taranaki Pastoral Council. This timetable, with a slight tweaking of Mass times would allow all parishes to enjoy the celebration of Mass every Sunday.

Then came the news that Suzy Dymock and her family are also departing to live in Australia. Suzy is an important member of the guitar group and is also my appointee as one of the Bishop’s representatives on the St Pius Board of Trustees; a willing worker for both church and school. The family has an identity in our Parish and will be missed when they leave at the end of the year.

As if all of this was not enough, yesterday the news that the Principal of our school has resigned to take up an important position in the Palmerston North Diocese where part of her job description is encouraging co-operation between church and school in the diocese. I cannot think of any person better equipped to carry out that duty. Lorraine will be hard to replace.

However, in our Parish, we always seem to find someone prepared to hold up their hand and carry on the good work. In the school’s case, of course, it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to interview a replacement for the principal’s position. The Board members are a very level-headed group of people and I am sure they will make a wise choice.

I am also sure that in spite of the few set backs I have listed our Parish will continue to thrive because of the commitment of all our people.

God bless you all

Trevor Carter