News: Father Bernard's Induction

Induction of Fr. Bernard Garratt

Parish Priest at Our Lady & St. Wulstan, Southam

On Sunday May 2nd 2010 we held the Induction Ceremony for Fr Bernard at our newly redecorated Church in Southam.

The Dean of Warwick, Canon Edward Stewart led the ceremony comprising of Vespers and Benediction and was accompanied by several priests from the Deanery. It was pleasing too that officials from various public local organisations, including the Mayor were also present. It was certainly a very warm and fulfilling occasion for everyone attending and the recently formed choir was in great voice!

Afterwards the congregation assembled at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School where lots of delicious food had been gathered together with plenty of champagne to keep everyone happy. In his address to the parishioners, Fr Bernard thanked everyone for attending especially the Dean and the visiting priests from the Deanery. Fr Bernard was given a wonderful commemorative card created by Rita Sheridan and signed by parishioners. Signatures were gathered over the preceding two weeks right under the nose of Fr Bernard who didn’t suspect a thing! His cake was made by Catherine Smith in the shape of a Bible with the design of our fantastic stained glass window on one ‘open page’ and a very personal prayer on the other ‘page’. He was given a laminated replica to keep as a reminder of his very special day.

The reception finished off a splendid occasion and parishioners went off happily contemplating the next function when copious amounts of wine might be offered!

Southam truly is a happy place right now!!