There is only one shepherd, Jesus Christ, but he calls others to share in his work of shepherding, guiding and teaching. The first to be called were the Apostles and now it is through their successors, the bishops that he continues his work as our Shepherd. So it was with great joy that the parish welcomed Bishop Michael Campbell OSA on his Parish Visitation.
The Bishop was fully engaged through the time that he was with us. His first engagement was to celebrate the Saturday 
Evening Vigil Mass and greet the congregation.
He then had an informal meeting with the local clergy. On Sunday morning after celebrating the 9.30am Mass and having coffee with the parishioners, he went with Fr Loughran to visit some of the sick and housebound.
After a light lunch, the afternoon was filled with meetings with the various groups that operate in the parish. Much impressed was he with the calibre of those whom he met and the work that they are doing.
A beautiful ceremony took place in the evening when the Bishop Confirmed 32 young people from our parish. On Monday morning after celebrating Mass he had the joy of visiting our Primary School. He recognised what a place of quality it is.
Over lunchtime he met with the volunteers who work in the Hospital Chaplaincy and with some of the Trust Board.
This was quite a punishing schedule but a time in which the Bishop was able to teach, encourage and celebrate the love of Christ with us. Please pray for Michael, our Bishop.
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