A CHURCH congregation has said farewell to a much-loved parish priest.
More than 150 parishioners celebrated a farewell mass at St Oswald’s and St Thomas of Canterbury Church, on Parkgate Road, in honour of Father Peter Walsh, who is taking up a new position in West Kirby.
Father Peter has been at the church for six years and he and wife Adele have formed strong links with the local community.
Jane Wolfe, representing the Garden Quarter Association, and Brian Pearson, representing Theatre in the Quarter, spoke with great admiration and affection for the couple and what they have achieved.
According to church warden Noel Baker, the congregation has doubled in numbers during Fr Peter’s term of office.
Fr Peter said: “It has been an honour to work as a priest in the city of my birth and Adele and I are very sad to be leaving St Thomas’s which has been a wonderfully happy place to live and work. One highlight of our time here has been seeing the church transformed into a multi-use building welcoming art, music, drama and theatre events.
“We have made many friends and it has been a joy to see the congregation grow in number and be strengthened spiritually.”
Fr Peter will take up a position as vicar of St Andrew’s Church in West Kirby coupled with the post of Bishop’s Advisor in Ministerial Review where he will be responsible for administering a review process for clergy across Cheshire.
He will arrange a series of conversations to help priests reflect and discover their strengths and celebrate their ministry in their various Parish situations.
He sadded: “I am excited to be chosen to administer this new scheme and look forward to working with clergy in the administration of this positive process.”
