Fr David announces his retirement as Vicar at Mitcham Parish Church: On the Feast of the Epiphany Father David, our Vicar, announced his retirement later this year - here is some of the text: As you are all aware (and it hasn’t been kept a secret), I turn 70 years of age in March – slap-bang in the middle of Lent, and there is a rule made by the Bishop in an ‘Ad Clerum’ – a formal letter from the Bishop to his clergy - which says that incumbents, such as myself here as Vicar of Mitcham - should prepare to stand down from being ‘in charge’ of a Parish at the age of 70 – to make room for a new person to come into the life of a Parish. And indeed, we have read in The Bridge recently that the Bishop of Southwark, Bishop Christopher Chessun, is leaving the diocese in August this year on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Next month on Candlemas will mark my 11th year of ministry completed in the Parish in Mitcham, and with the advent of my 70th, I have been required to plan ahead, with the help of the Bishop and the Archdeacon, for my imminent retirement. As I was loathe to leave the Parish mid-way during Lent, I asked for permission to extend my time here through Eastertide into the summertime; and I am pleased to say that I shall be with you, as your Parish Priest, through to mid-July; beyond the major Festivals of our Lord - and even St Peter & St Paul’s Day will be duly celebrated while I am with you! I plan to step down soon afterwards, my final Sunday in the Parish being 19th July, and the Churchwardens are proposing a big BBQ Party to mark this transition on the previous Saturday 11th July. To begin with, my partner Andrew and I will continue to stay in the Vicarage after I have retired, as we prepare for our next accommodation to be ready and available for us to move into. I shall not have a licence from the Bishop, however, so I will not be able to take Services (anywhere) beyond 19th July. The PCC meets in a week’s time (13th), where we shall start to discuss the hand-over and plans for the future of the Parish. The Archdeacon is planning to help out, taking Services and supporting the PCC, and other Clergy will also come in - alongside Rev’d Jackie - to ensure that the life of the Parish continues; however, a lot falls on the Churchwardens, PCC and YOUR continued support. HOWEVER please be assured it is “Services as Usual” until mid-July - and I look forward to continuing to further God’s plans for the Parish with you until then… Father David
