Pentecost this year began a new chapter for Our Lady Help of Christians in Cowley, as the Salesians of Don Bosco handed the care of the parish over to the Archdiocese of Birmingham after almost a century of ministry.

In a farewell video replacing the planned celebrations for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, Parish Priest Fr Peter Brealey SDB thanked parishioners for their kindness and generosity in building and maintaining the family of the parish, and referred to the photographs they had revisited, as a reminder of the shoulders they all stand on today. Fr Graham Forristalle SDB said he will especially treasure memories of working with the catechetical teams, and thanked the altar servers for their excellent ministry.

Frs Peter and Graham were joined by our Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody SDB, speaking from Thornleigh in Bolton, who opened with a saying given to him as a novice in Ireland: 'For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.' Fr Gerry said that although the Salesians of Don Bosco are leaving the parish, 'we know that it will be in the best of hands, and that the Salesian Sisters and the Cooperators will continue to maintain an active commitment to the Salesian charism.'