After  17 years of Parish Office life, today I bid a very fond farewell to all the very many people I have come to know and love as Parish Secretary over those years. It takes many people to make a vibrant parish like ours – committed clergy, an energetic Parish Sister, hardworking sacristans, the housekeeper with the friendly smile and hot cuppa, and all the incredible volunteers who give of their time so unselfishly and willingly to our Parish.  I have seen all of this generosity in abundance and it has always truly amazed me!

But the most abiding memory for me as I leave the Parish Office, will be the memory I take of the wonderful people who walked through the Parish Office door, each with very different stories.  I have seen the circle of life from the happy newly weds and baby christenings to the other side of life which is the heartbreak of sickness and death. I have been in awe of how people can cope and of their resilience which can only come from the grace and help of our God.

A heartfelt and special thank you to everyone for all the many good wishes for my retirement.  It has been overwhelming and emotional. I am privileged and blessed to have made so many wonderful and life long friends through my work which I thank God for!

A special welcome to Jemma who takes over the reigns as Parish Secretary. I know she will get the support and kindness from our great Parish that I did!

God bless you all and God bless our wonderful Parish of Shannon!

With thanks, love and affection,

Teresa