by Gemma Lamarra

My parish has always been my anchor/comfort zone. In the last 40 years I have initiated or been involved in a string of groups at parish level. Pro-life groups, justice and peace groups, RCIA, prayer groups, retreats, parish pastoral council, social committee, as well as putting my training in spiritual accompaniment into practice. All of these groups depend on the support of the parish priest. A change in parish priest puts these opportunities at risk...

What if you find yourself in a position where you don’t want to be associated with the deeply restorationist ideology and practices of your parish priest? Where do we take our passions, gifts, experience and willingness to serve? To another parish where the same thing might happen?

That is the situation I find myself in. As I was leading parish groups, I felt I had a responsibility not to openly share some of my views. Now I feel suddenly free to do so.