On Sunday 21 July we bade a fond farewell to Michael and Will, who have worked as our pastoral assistants in the parish this year.
They have worked extremely hard this year in many areas of parish life: visiting the sick; taking part in the chaplaincy at Croydon College; working each week at the Croydon Refugee Day Centre; studying theology and contributing to our catechesis programme; as well as taking a full part in the liturgical life of our parish.
We are very grateful for their wonderful contribution to the life of St Michael's, and are proud that Michael and Will during their year with us have been recommended for ordination training. They will each begin their seminary formation next term, Michael at St Stephen's House, Oxford, and Will at Westcott House, Cambridge.
It has been a privilege for us to play a part in their formation and we wish them every blessing as they continue their journey of discernment, and hope they will come back and visit us.
Fr Tim hosted a farewell lunch at the vicarage during Will and Michael's final week, to which members of the PCC were invited along with supporters and representatives from the various funding bodies who contribute financially to our pastoral assistant initiative. On Sunday after Mass there was a reception in the church hall, with cake, wine, speeches and presentations to say goodbye.
If you would like to know more about the pastoral assistant scheme in our parish, click here