We reproduce this on our Web Site because even today, more than 12 years afterwards, it very succinctly, and successfully, captures not only the sentiment felt by the Parish but also the spirit of the Parish, engendered and now inherited in this new century. For those with the time it is a good read. The photos here were not previously published by the Parish Magazine ...

The following text first appeared in the Parish Magazine published in 1994. It is the text of the address given by Tony Barrance at the Thanksgiving Mass on 26th June 1994. This was attended by many present and former members of the parish, both priests and laity.

When asked if I would speak of our appreciation and gratitude to the Redemptorists - on behalf of all in Bishop's Stortford - Much Hadham and Sawbridgeworth - I felt very privileged. However this sense of privilege soon gave way to feelings of inadequacy and trepidation. I know that there are many parishioners who have been influenced by the presence of Redemptorists for far longer than my 22 years in this parish - and as such - have a significantly greater wealth of background knowledge and history of how the parish has developed - under the stewardship of the Redemptorists - both Priests and Brothers.

So - how do I do justice in just a few minutes - to 94 years. Of course its impossible - and my attempt to do so will inevitably be unsatisfactory and will be bound to miss important landmarks. Equally it would be unacceptable to leave it at that and simply say 'thank you' even though we have spent the last hour or so in the most appropriate celebration of those 94 years. This thanksgiving is a tribute to all - Redemptorists and parishioners. To reflect on the last 94 years is very much a re-living of 20th century history. It's a period that could be likened to the life-span of anyone who (depending on your point of view and experience!) has had the fortune or misfortune to live for 94 years. The development of the parish has taken place against the background influences of that social history - and we think back over just the last ten years - with all the change facing society in Britain and the world at large - then we can appreciate the magnitude of history and change that has taken place since that day when Redemptorists first established themselves in Portland Road.

What we have experienced in Bishop's Stortford could be compared with the birth of Christianity. The early church mission - 33 years with Jesus of Nazareth - during which - the foundations of the mission were established. But with the return of Jesus to our Father - the disciples were. left with the responsibility to continue to spread the faith - and so it has been for 2000 years.

In this parish - we have been privileged to receive 94 years of missionary support - preparing us as a body - but also as individuals - for today - when the Redemptorist Congregation withdraw from Bishop's Stortford. We have been given every opportunity to 'grow up' in the faith - and if I may analogize between the 'good parent and the responsible parent' - the 'good parent' does everything for the children. The 'responsible parent' makes sure that the children can do everything for themselves - giving them freedom and responsibility. Every 'responsible' parent knows there is a time to 'let go' - and the Redemptorists are very well aware that this point has been reached in our parish.

I would like to quote from the Redemptorist Constitution, an extract used by John Trenchard - in the parish Magazine for June 1990. "Seek new apostolic initiatives and so cannot allow itself to settle down in surroundings and structures in which our work would no longer be missionary".

In that context 94 years in Bishop's Stortford presents two indications - either it has been a hard slog and a long time waiting for us to 'grow up'- or - as a community we have provided beneficial support to the Order in its training of priests and brothers involved in missionary work - both as a as a home in which to re-charge the batteries. We hope it was the latter! It is important however to remember the essential reason for establishing the Order in Bishops Stortford - missionary work.

The decision to leave Bishop's Stortford has been painful for Redemptorists and Parish alike - and it seems fitting at this point to quote from a past Redemptorist Publication - 'Catholic Life' - June 1979. This extract is taken from 'The Four Loves' by C.S. Lewis. "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung, and possibly be broken ...... Christ did not teach and suffer - that we might become, even in the natural loves, more careful of our own happiness. If a man is not uncalculating towards the earthly beloveds whom he has seen, he is none the more likely to be so - towards God - whom he has not. We shall draw nearer to God, not by trying to avoid the sufferings inherent in all loves, but by accepting them and offering them to him." And so this painful decision has provoked serious thought over a considerable period - and has been influenced - inevitably - by the Redemptorist personnel crisis - of which we all are acutely aware. As part of this decision making - there has been much discerning prayer a striving for guidance. The parish involved itself in this - particularly - on the 10th January 1992 in a service of support for the Redemptorist Congregation - while they were meeting at Hawkstone to discern their future. And so we accept that the Holy Spirit must be present in this decision making and that we in Bishop's Stortford must function without the day-to-day support of the Order - and must become a 'more usual' parish of the Diocese.

In looking positively to the future we must never forget our foundation - but it will be up to us all to continue the mission of the church in Bishop's Stortford - Sawbridgeworth - Much Hadham - in the Spirit in which we have been guided and grounded through the years.

In recognising the reduction in active Priests and Brothers we can appreciate the frustration within the Order in not being able to do all that used to be done Thanks be to God then for the highly successful Redemptorist Publications. This must be evidence of the Orders recognition that it has talents to exploit modern media in order to continue its missionary work. Through that medium alone Redemptorist aims are extended to thousands if not millions of people each week - and it is our hope that the parish will keep this stimulating link in future.

On these occasions it seems appropriate to reflect on individuals - and in the case of the Redemptorists what a rich variety of characters have 'manned' the parish - characters who have laughed with us - argued with us - cried with us - talked with us - listened to us - even - dare I say it - frustrated us!

As I said at the start - my memory is less than a quarter of the 94 years - but some of you can and no doubt will add many name to my recollections.

Who could forget the sonorous voice of Fr. Tony Hodgetts and Bach's Toccata and Fugue on the pipe organ - the enormous football banner of Fr. Bernard Crowe - the 'Tevye' of Fr. McGreevy in 'Fiddler' - the joke with which Fr. Terry Creech always ended Mass - the wicked wit of Fr. Fraser - the way we daren't look at our watch while Fr. Rodgers was preaching - because he'd be bound to stop preaching - and comment - and his great kindness when we were in trouble

- the humility of Fr. Teasdale - the speed of Fr. Capitanio especially going up and down stairs - and his gentle wit - the scholarly and up to the minute sermons of Fr. Griffin - the elegantly executed Sword dance - and Highland Fling of Fr. McEwen - plus kilt - the warmth - and depth of understanding of Fr. Joe O'Connell

- Fr. Lucas standing in the left aisle welcoming us to Mass with that unforgettable smile - Fr. Joe Hanton known sometime in Sawbridgeworth by the 'young Laybourns'- as Mr. Handsome - and who is seen so regularly reading his Office at St Joseph's School that one child asked "haven't you finished reading that book yet?"- Brother Malachy feeding a casual caller at the side door of the monastery with. a huge plate of food and an enormous cup of stewed tea - Brothers Cajetan - Liam and James - making sure we didn't penetrate too far beyond the front door of the Monastery!.... the ubiquitous - and unfailingly courteous Fr John Trenchard - who has worked single-mindedly for Parish and Order - in exceptional circumstances - and who inimitably - has brought us to realise that nothing of any lasting value is built - without a foundation of honesty.

These cameos will be cherished memories but they don't reveal the depth of what each person has given - the building up of a community from nothing to a flourishing parish and monastery a well managed retrenchment with disposal of the monastery and the handing over of a vibrant and financially sound parish - an imposing church - with challenging roof! - a presbytery and parish centre.

Of course the real value of all these things is in the personal involvement of Redemptorist Priests and Brothers over a long period - particularly in the two schools - but also in the inception of the wide-ranging parish organisations both spiritual and practical - which have given so many of us - young and older - a vehicle through which we could begin to use our gifts for each other. And then there has been the Redemptorist involvement in the life-cycle of so many families - being along-side us in our sorrows as well as our happiness - at birth, Baptism - First Communion - Confirmation - Marriage - illness - death. And through all the struggles in between we have evolved into a faithful - thinking community.

We have much to be thankful for - and the most fitting tribute we can pay to the Order will be to carry forward the work of Christ in His church - as they would wish. If we are to be honest - then to be a little sad on this occasion ie appropriate - but to allow the Redemptorist departure to dampen our sense of community - would be to nullify all that the Congregation has established in 94 years.

I hope I have conveyed to you - our Redemptorist companions here today - something of the esteem in which you are held. That so many of us have felt the need to be here - is a true reflection of the respect - affection and gratitude - that the parish has for you all.

Our hope is that your continuing missionary work will flourish. Our prayer is that new ways will emerge - to ensure that your 'Good News' reaches all who are willing to listen. We thank God who brought us together in the first place - for the inestimable benefit of your presence in our lives.