| Parent Testimonial |
“I
am delighted with the academic standards at Our Lady’s School
and would not hesitate to recommend it to other parents”
Mrs. Cross |
|
|
| School Newspaper
- Angel's Echo - An interview with our Local Priest, Father Kevin |
Olivia: Father Kevin, you
have an important link with Our Lady’s School. Can you
tell us about it?
In 1948, when Canon Boyle first came to Crowthorne, he wanted
to have a Catholic School for the local Catholic children. It
was just after the war and money was in short supply, so his
dream was not fulfilled until the early 1960’s. At this
time he persuaded his auntie to come over from Ireland to start
the School. Since that time, the Parish Priest has always been
involved with the School, either as a working Trustee or as
a spiritual guide for the pupils and staff.
Will: At what stage did you decide to become a Priest?
When I was around 34 years old, I felt I had a calling to the
monastic life – that means to be a monk in a monastery.
I then joined a monastery at the age of 36 and was very happy
and would have remained there for the rest of my life, if I
had not read a book called ‘The Living Priesthood’
by Father Michael Hollins. This book so moved me that it made
me want to work with God in a different way and after 7 years
of training I became a Priest 11 years ago.
Olivia: Is it a difficult job being a Parish Priest?
Yes it is a very difficult job indeed. One of the hardest things
about being a Priest is trying to please everybody all of the
time and you will know from your own life that this is impossible
to do. A Priest is never off duty – he is expected to
be available 24 hours of the day, every day of the year, when
he may be feeling unwell and very tired himself. He deals with
people who are happy (Marriages and Baptisms), he has to deal
with people who are very sad (ill or grieving for their deceased
loved ones). He has to bury people that eh knows and loves,
but grieve privately, and has nobody at home to share his joys
and sorrows with. However, having said all that, it is a very
rewarding and fulfilling vocation and I would not do anything
else.
Will: How many Masses do you do in one week?
A Priest does not DO Masses, nor does he say a Mass ‘He
celebrates Mass’. On average, I celebrate 12 Masses each
week, but in addition, there could be funeral Masses, Wedding
Masses, your School Mass once a month, Mass at Wellington College
once a month. I might also have to cover Mass at another church
when the regular Priest is away.
Olivia/Will: You come in to Our Lady’s once a
month to say Mass. What do you enjoy most about this?
I love coming to the School to celebrate Mass for the pupils
and staff because it is always a joyful experience and I am
always warmly welcomed. It is nice for the children to celebrate
with me and give thanks for what Jesus has done for us and how
he feeds us with his Body and his Blood. The children can then
go home to their family and friends to love and help the world
they live in.
Olivia: Who do you have to report to as a Priest?
Besides having to report to Sue, my Secretary (only joking),
I am accountable to Bishop Crispian Hollis, who is the Portsmouth
Diocesan Bishop (I am known ass the Bishop’s little helper!).
Will: Do you have a special message that you would like
to give the children, parents and teachers at Our Lady’s?
Yes I have. "Lord God, love your neighbour and work hard
for the benefit and the people of all the world, especially
those who are less fortunate than yourself."
Olivia: Thank you Father, for sparing the time for this
interview.
Thank you Olivia and Will for your interest and good luck with
your project. I am sure you will make very good journalists
when you grow up – or even a Priest or a Teacher!
Questions from Olivia and Will in Prep IV 2004/05
|
|
|
|
|
