Rector's Annual Report (continued from page 18)

for his willingness to be there for me.

Nell-Leone is almost an institution, and it would have been easy for her to be indifferent to the latest priest. But no - she has tried so hard to be of assistance in every way. And in doing so has had to adjust and understand some strange new ways. And the third person is Irene Eastham. Before I came she organised my social security no., bank account & 101 practical things that needed to be done. And so many questions I had about the way things are done she has answered immediately! My smooth settling-in was due to these 3 people, and I am most grateful.

Finally I would like to pay tribute to the priests who have gone before me. To Frs Woodridge, Krulac, Edwards, Lefevbre and others, who looked after Services in the vacancy, and to Frs Thrumston & Barta, our faithful honorary assistants. One of the first things I did was to invite these 2 priests to continue celebrating the 7am Mass on Tuesdays & Thursdays as long as their health allows, and I thank them. To their ranks has returned Fr Krulac, who says the Wednesday Mass. And, of course, Fr George. His appointment as full-time assistant is a sign of the new life and growth in our parish. I challenged you to find the money to make it possible, and we found it! And how grateful I am for the special ministry he provides, as well as assisting me in various ways.

So now we look forward to a year of growth and grace in our beloved parish. May the prayers of Our Lady and all the saints, in whose honour we are dedicated in this place, assist us at the throne of grace. 
To conclude I would like to pay tribute to those members who have passed through death to the life eternal, and I ask you to remember them in prayer.