I am sure we can recall the time when our parents and grandparents schooled us in the importance of saying “please” and “thank you”. I find myself saying the almost exact say phrases when confronted by a child and increasingly, young adults who have either forgotten this life lesson or were indulged. Today (Saturday 8th November, 2025) it has been my great privilege to thank those parishioners of St Alban’s Church who have given outstanding service to this Parish and local community. The unseen work that enables the benches you sit on to be clean, the floors polished, the social events to run smoothly, the choir to sing, the altars to be adorned with flowers, catechising the children, supporting the safety of the Parish, building community, and so on all required commitment and love. Today’s recipients have showed both. None of those who received a diploma for Outstanding Achievement asked or even expected such recognition, but it was important that we did so. A few years ago we had a similar ceremony and it was always my intention that another should follow more quickly. For various reasons it took longer, but now it has indeed happened. Today I thank these remarkable men and women in your name and in my own. The “thank you” is sincere and the sentiment genuine. God Reward you.
