Farewell To Our Pastor, Fr. John McAuley

The following remarks were prepared by David Lamb, Chairman of the English Speaking Parish Council of St. Anne's on the occasion of the departure of our Pastor, Fr. John McAuley, M.M.

Fr John arrived at St Anne's a little more than four years ago. His first weekend, or perhaps day, at St Anne's was on Service Sunday, when without much warning he was quickly thrust into the Parish ministries and operations. He handled that cooly with his able manner with which we have now become accustomed. Since then, it is safe to say that Fr John has been involved in every aspect of our Parish. He has shown himself to be truly a "hands-on" individual who gets things done!

Fr John arrived here amidst change. Fr Ed served as our Pastor for a short time after the long tenure of Fr Wurth. At the time, the Parish was looking for a bit of stablity and Fr John stepped up to that role and became the steady and trusted pair of hands that guided the tilller of our Parish. Fr John's calm, capable and confident demeanour was just what the Parish needed. Fr John has clearly been the glue or bond that has held St Anne's together.

In summary, Fr. John has been an inspirational Pastor whose diligence, spirituality and leadership have greatly benefited the St. Anne's community. He has been instrumental in ensuring that the Parish receives maintenance and care both spiritually and tangibly!

We will miss Fr. John but we will keep him in our hearts and prayers and know he will do the same for St. Anne's.