For around a quarter of a century Pat Lynch was a wonderful Lay Pastoral Minister in St Ann's parish, collaborating with three successive parish priests. No surprise, then, that Pat decided last year that the time had come to retire as Lay Pastoral Minister - though she will continue to be closely involved in a number of parish activities. We all, not least myself, owe her a great debt of gratitude, and I hope we expressed our thanks in a suitable way in the parish get-together on 22 September, when we also officially welcomed Pat's successor in the role. I'm delighted to say that JULIE HINDMARCH is now the parish's new Lay Pastoral Minister, and it quickly became clear that she has the enthusiastic support of all the parish in her ministry. Just as the extent of Pat's work evolved over the years so no doubt will Julie's, according to her particular gifts and talents, but she began it with the great advantage of being already well known and well respected by the parish community. I'm deeply grateful to Julie for agreeing to take on this ministry and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.

Father Chris