Farewell from Fr Darren and the family…
It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was writing for the parish magazine to tell you a little about your new curate and the rest of the family, before we arrived; now I am writing as we are leaving – my last Sunday with you will be on 12 February and we move a day or two after that.
Feelings are always mixed at times like this. Being at Holy Trinity with St Nicholas has been an excellent opportunity for me as a curate learning my craft; I have had a range of experiences that many curates in other places do not. I can honestly say that, while the learning doesn’t stop, I do feel ready to be an incumbent and my time here has made that possible. So thank you, everyone, for all that you have done to help me in my formation during this stage of my ministry. I hope that just as you have given, you will have also received something from us during our time here.
Naturally, we are all very excited about our move to Shillingstone (between Blandford and Sturminster Newton, in case you can’t place it) for all sorts of reasons. But we will miss you all and hope that in due course at least some of you will come and visit us at the Rectory in Shillingstone. The Okeford Benefice consists of the five parishes of Shillingstone, Child Okeford, Okeford Fitzpaine, Manston and Hamoon. The first three are larger villages; the latter two small hamlets.
My appointment is as Priest-in-Charge (Rector designate) of the Okeford Benefice. The licensing service will be led by Bishop Graham at the Church of the Holy Rood, Shillingstone on Thursday 8 March at 7.30pm, followed by a gathering in the church centre there. It would be lovely if some of you are able to come and join with us for that occasion.
Darren A’Court
2 February 2012