THIS will be my last From The Desk for Greythorn. And I doubt that I will ever serve in another parish. I leave next Monday April 
17. My heart is tinged with gratitude, sadness and a sigh of relief as I prepare to drive north.
This weekend I am grateful to Bishop Terry Curtin for his presence. He was a longer serving PP at Greythorn before I arrived and left a large footprint. My shorter time here has barely given me a chance to initiate what he did and the last year has had its difficulties, with health being my main concern. I thank the Bishop for his presence and his friendship over many years, since the time I was first appointed to Australian Catholic University (ACU).
Ric Carnale has been a gentle and wise guide to our Parish Pastoral Council and has helped to steer the parish during most of the time since Georgina Biondi relinquished the position soon after I settled into the parish.
There were others of the ‘old guard’ who, at the time, I had expected to farewell. Like Sister Kathleen MSC, from the choir, they have all out lasted me and well and truly exceeded my contribution. But I conclude my specific thanks to Mario Landini, without whose help I would not have survived as long as I have.
At Greythorn I became aware of my shortcomings as a Pastor, having spent most of my life in teaching and educational administration. I did and still do miss the challenges of education in a fast changing global world. I can comfortably leave that to others.
At the parish I was first confronted with the ‘renovation’ of the worship space, the Church, for which excellent plans were already in place. We had a good builder and you, the generous parishioners, provided the finance necessary to see that the parish emerged debt free from this major change to the building. Thank-you for that.
I tried to visit as many of the sick and homes as I could but it took time to find the skills for that ministry too. But I did enjoy meeting many of you at home and enjoying your company.
There were no marriages during my time at Greythorn. That is partly the time in which we live and the relative isolation of the Church.
But we had a share of Baptisms and, of course, Funerals. These, more than anything, gave me the opportunity to meet with parishioners.
As I write these few words I realize that I could have done so much more. But it is not the time for personal criticism. Shall we say I did my best. I will miss you and I love you. As a priest I can only offer spiritual guidance and words of encouragement from the Gospel and from my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope that, in years to come, these small seeds will bear fruit.
We welcome as the new temporary resident priest at Greythorn and I wish him well. Also to you, my dear friends in Christ, may we celebrate a wonderful Easter together and I promise to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.