Fr Antonio Pineda
n the message I wrote to introduce myself in November 2020, I listed my passions as IT, web design and reading and collecting books. Now, as I leave Bishop’s Stortford almost three years later, I can say that I am still that same person. I still like IT and books, for example. I still like to wind up people. I still like to giggle and tell (sometimes unfunny) jokes. And, as Debbie would tell you with a big sigh, I am still a big fan of Bryan Adams.
And yet, I’m also very different in a lot of ways. My role as assistant priest of the Catholic parish of Bishop’s Stortford has enriched my being as a priest in ways that will shape my future ministry. Through my interactions with you good people and through the undertaking of my duties such as leading the catechetical programmes, I have learned and received much.
I have been a part of your lives through the sacraments. We shared the Liturgy together, I baptised your children, and I was part of your children’s First Holy Communion. I even had the privilege of accompanying many adults in their journey towards being received into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). I was there for the less happy times too such as anointing of the sick and funerals. The many occasions when you shared with me your concerns, burdens and fears for the future I consider to be blessed times.
These are all very special moments that will remain with me forever. In truth, I am not really saying goodbye because parts of Bishop’s Stortford will always stay with me.
It is customary to thank people in messages such as this. I couldn’t possibly thank everyone who deserves acknowledgement, but I can at least try to highlight a few who made my three years in Bishop’s Stortford the meaningful experience that it is.
I am grateful to all the catechists for helping me with the First Holy Communion and RCIA programmes; to the stewards and other church volunteers who ensured the smooth (and safe) running of the Masses; to the servers, sacristans, readers and Eucharistic ministers for their dedication to the Liturgy. I also thank those wonderful individuals who helped me in emergencies such as when my car would not start, when I had a toothache or when I needed get to the airport at 3:00 am. I thank those who always had a smile to give and a kind word to say, especially when I had things on my mind.
Where would I have been without the Parish Team? I am grateful to Fr Peter for his words of wisdom and guidance; to Debbie for being my go-to person for anything (and for being the kind and thoughtful person that she truly is); and to Sophie for her support in our catechetical programmes.
For the times that I made mistakes, the times when I was less than you expected … I am sorry. I draw valuable lessons from those too.
“I thank you, Lord, with all my heart: you have heard the words of my mouth.” These words of thanksgiving are from the Responsorial Psalm this Sunday. How apt they are! When I was ordained, I prayed to God that He would send me to a place where I could learn how to be a holy priest. Bishop’s Stortford was that place. I did not know what to expect when I heard that Cardinal Vincent Nichols was sending me here but, as St Paul writes in the Second Reading, “How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods!” There was no better place that the Cardinal could have sent me to.
I am confident that you will show Fr Marco the same welcome and support that you gave me. Please pray for him also.
It’s been a great privilege to serve the Catholic parish of Bishop’s Stortford. You have been an important part of my growth as a Catholic priest and you will remain both in my heart and in my prayers. I ask that I remain in yours as I begin my ministry as parish priest of St Theresa of the Child Jesus in Headstone Lane, Harrow.
I shall continue to write my Sunday musings and post them on my new parish website: www.sttheresa.org.uk. The website is not live yet but it will be available from 1 October.
Thank you and God bless you.
Fr Antonio