A statement from Fr John McLoughlin

Following a decision that the Parish of The Resurrection is no longer able to continue to function as a viable parish, and given the fact that it would not be financially viable or feasible for St Bridget’s parish to continue at the church site at Cinnamon Brow without the support of the existing partnership, it was decided, at the Joint Council meeting held on Tuesday 18 October 2022, that the Church of the Resurrection and St Bridget will close.

This has not been a quick or easy decision, nor has the decision been made without exhausting other possibilities or options. It is with great sadness that I make this statement, conscious of all that has been done and accomplished by our ecumenical presence at Cinnamon Brow over the last 30 plus years.

However, despite this sadness, I am always filled with hope in the good Lord, who constantly calls us forward in faith to the place he wants us to be and who, in his love, always provides new beginnings and new ventures for us.

The last Mass at St Bridget’s will be held on Sunday 20 November 2022: Feast of Christ the King.

The First Sunday of Advent (27 November 2022) will mark, not only the start of a new liturgical year, but also the coming together of St Bridget’s and St Stephen’s parishioners for Mass at St Stephen’s church. This means change for all of us as a new time for Sunday Mass will need to be introduced from the first Sunday of Advent. I will speak with you all about a proposed change to the Sunday Mass time next week. Please keep this situation at the forefront of your prayers in the weeks ahead.

I am also conscious that Fr John Gildea of St Peter’s (Woolston) died last Monday – May He Rest in Peace. Initially, Fr Raymond will be able to look after the parish of St Peter’s. But when he returns to his Congregation in Africa I suspect that the support of St Peter’s will be left to the deanery clergy. As we have fewer priests these days than in the past, it is very difficult to find a replacement for every priest who retires or dies.

So, as you pray, for the repose of the soul of Fr John Gildea and for the consolation of all those who mourn his passing, pray too, for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. And remember – the promotion of vocations is over to you! If you see someone you think might have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, for goodness sake, tell them. The Lord uses our voices to speak to the ones he is calling!

Fr John McLoughlin
19 October 2022