Over the past three and a half years, it has been an incredible privilege to serve the Maroochydore parish.

It was quite a shock to hear that I would be leaving so soon, and it is not easy to say goodbye to such an amazing parish that I have poured so much of myself into.

At the same time, I look forward with excitement and trust as I begin this new adventure serving the Ipswich Catholic Community.

Firstly, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for your love, support, prayers, encouragement, and friendship over these past years.

There are so many memories that I will carry with me, but my favourite moments have been celebrating the Paschal Triduum.

There is something truly beautiful and breath-taking about the way our parish enters into those sacred days.

I will never forget, after one Good Friday, speaking to a lady in a wheelchair and asking what she thought of the liturgy, knowing that she could not reply.

She slowly lifted her head with tears streaming down her face. In that moment, she expressed exactly what the entire parish was feeling, the beauty and power of Christ’s Passion.

It is a moment I will never forget.

I also have fond memories of the Junior Ministers, especially the games and laughter before Bernie would begin.

To the 10:10 youth group, it has been a joy to watch you grow in your love for Jesus.

I will miss hearing your stories, your random encounters with me in public, and the way you have shared your lives so openly and honestly.

To the Young Adults Group: this ministry has been one of my major focuses during my time here.

Together, we have built something special.

From a small group of four people into a family of around thirty young adults gathering regularly.

Thank you for the friendships, the fun, and the countless memories we have shared together.

I will also deeply miss the NET Team and serving as your primary contact priest.

What you are doing is so counter-cultural and inspiring.

Your witness to Christ and your courage in living the Gospel boldly gives me great hope for the Church.

Serving you has been one of the greatest joys of my priesthood.

Over these years, I have also made some very special friendships.

Thank you for your support, your kindness, your pub catch-ups, conversations, card games, and the many moments we have shared together.

I especially want to thank Fr Peter for being such a wonderful mentor to me.

I left the seminary knowing plenty about theology, but very little about parish life.

Fr Peter has taught me what it means to be a good parish priest and how to build a parish community.

While it is sad to leave a parish like Maroochydore, I know that I am merely the Lord’s servant and must go where He calls me.

I look forward with hope to this next chapter in Ipswich and to seeing what God has in store.

My parting encouragement to you is this: no matter what life throws at you, stay close to the Catholic Church and remain faithful to the Eucharist.

The Church is the one place this side of Heaven where we encounter Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.

Stay close to Him, and He will never fail you.

Goodbye, thank you and farewell.