In the late autumn I had to make the difficult decision to reduce the Masses celebrated at St Edmund’s Church.
At that point I had just injured my leg and was told I would be unable to stand to celebrate Mass for several months. I was also finally given permission to announce that Fr Ashley had been asked to move to West Wickham to minister there and would leave us in two weeks. This announcement had been embargoed by the diocese until that date.
This left our church with one functioning priest, Fr John, who has celebrated many extra Masses over the last few months for which I thank him.
With only a fortnight before Fr Ashley left us I had no time to meet with parishioners to discuss plans, but had to implement changes immediately.
It was a heart-breaking decision to cancel the 8.00 am Sunday Mass and also the 9.30 am Family Mass in the Hall which over just two years had built up a faithful and committed congregation of about 140 each week.
Even as the newsletter with the announcement of my decisions was being sent out to 1500 parishioners by email, I was offered Fr Damian’s services for one month. This was later extended to three months. I am so grateful to him for all he has given us in his time here.
The wonderful news is that after Easter we will be back to full strength with a permanent third priest joining our team. (More about him in a few weeks.).
Knowing this I have decided that from Easter morning we will re-instate the 8.00 am Sunday Mass.
Thank you all for your understanding and your patience during this time. I look forward to seeing many of you at 8.00 am on Easter morning!
Fr Steve