A recent lunch for newcomers and adult enquirers’ retreat both reminded me of what a great thing it is to be in a parish of all sorts seeking to find our way as followers of Jesus. Those gatherings included young and old, people preparing for marriage, newly married, partnered and single, married with children, empty nesters and just about every other kind of category you can imagine.

At the enquirers’ retreat in particular we had a wide range of beliefs and concerns. Some of us were in times of great joy and others carrying great sorrows, which over the weekend were shared as gifts that made our talk of community into a reality. I expect that some people who expressed interest will find their way into a Wednesday night GIFT group and others into various ministries of our parish and in the wider community.

While we were away the church was full as our children’s choir sang and some of our teenagers marked a rite of passage in Rite 13. Another wonderful time at All Saints’ with much to celebrate and much for which I give thanks.