Fr Colven
As many, if not most of you will know, Fr Christopher retires at the end of August, and will lay down his burden of responsibility for the cure of souls at St James’s. We all have so many reasons to be grateful to him for his unfailing care and love for everyone at Spanish Place. His will be hard shoes to fill, though Mgr Philip Whitmore will, I am sure, make himself as loved as Fr Christopher.
We have received enquiries as to a farewell gift for Fr Christopher. The Parish will, of course, be making a gift to him. However, should any of you wish to be associated with this on a personal level, this will, of course, be possible.
I must stress that this is not in any way a request for donations, nor is it a suggestion that anyone should feel the need to make one. The biggest gift we can give Fr Christopher is our love and our prayers and our continued friendship. This, I know, will mean more to him than anything else.
However, should anyone *wish* to make a contribution, then this can be done through the Parish Office (perhaps marking the envelope “Rector’s Farewell”) or by use of the digital collection "plates" located in the Church or the donate section of the website. Alternatively, click the giving button at top of page.
Please do let me stress again that this is a response to people who have already asked about a collection for Fr Christopher. There is no need whatsoever to give, and there will be no list of those who do. It will be entirely anonymous and on behalf of the Parish as a whole.
Yours in Christ
Christopher Raper
Chairman of Parish Finance
On the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (Wednesday 14th September) Father Colven will say the 6pm Mass. A farewell reception will follow in the Social Centre, to which everyone is welcome!