Farewell Fr.David & Lesley

Today we sadly have to report that Fr.David is leaving us. Sadly back in December Fr.David announced that he would be leaving us in February. This seamed so far off but time has just flown by and that time is now here.

Fr David's Farewell notice:
Today is my last morning St Edmund’s Parish. It is regrettable, but I must do what Bishop Patrick requires me to do. It has been a pleasure to meet all of you and, at least, begin to get to know you. Lesley and I thank you all so much for your kindness, hard work, and willingness to meet new challenges. We would have loved the opportunity to have journeyed with you further, but alas it was not to be. You must now continue on with your new Priest in Charge: Canon Alf Hayes. I am sure you will extend to him the same very warm welcome Lesley and I received when we arrived. Please keep us in your prayers, and we will pray for you and St Edmund’s Parish.

A few words from the Parish Secretary:

It is with sad hearts that today we bid a fond farewell to Fr. David Burns. He has been with us for only a short time, yet in this time he has shown such love and care for all here at St. Edmund’s. We wish him health and happiness at his new parish in Milnthorpe.

Please continue to pray for Fr.David & Lesley, that with God's Grace they may find happiness in there new Parish in Milnthorpe.

Goodbye Fr. David you will be missed!

Fr. David's Last Mass

Today Fr. David celebrated his last Mass with us here at St Edmund's.The Mass was followed by a short presentation to Fr.David which included a few words from our Chair of the Parish Council and the presentation of a card and money donated by parishioners. Just before the end of the presentation 3 ladies of the parish (Mrs. E. Wright, Mrs M, McCann, Mrs. P. Garrett) accompanied by Susan our organist sang Gods Blessing to Fr. David.

Maureen secretary to the Parish Council wrote the following note:
We were all very sad to hear the announcement that Fr. David is to leave us in February. It seems no time at all since he joined us as priest in charge at St Edmund's, but he quickly established himself as a key member of our parish family. Many of us welcomed the return to simplicity in our services and there have been lots of favourable comments about the down to earth homilies delivered by this devout priest. Like Fr David, we hoped that he would be with us for many years.

For a number of years, parishioners had done a lot of the basic work of running the Parish. Fr. David allowed us to continue to “get on with it “ but took a keen interest in all aspects of parish life. His style of guidance rather than direction has been much appreciated.

The past year has been a difficult time for the parish, with the threat of closure hanging over us, and for individuals who have suffered bereavements and other difficulties. Fr. David has supported and encouraged us through such problems and we thank him for that.

We are very sorry to lose Fr. David and we wish him well in his new parish. A warm welcome will always await you should you return to visit St Edmund's.

A Sorrowfull Anouncement

Today Fr. David announced that sadly he shall be leaving us in February. This is a great surprise to us all, but sadly Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue has decided that he would like Fr David to move to Milnthorpe to be Parish Priest at Christ the King. Fr David's Replacement shall be Canon Alf Hayes. It is with this we thank Fr. David for all he has done for us in the short time he has had with us. *