One of the things I recently discovered is that the word “goodbye” comes from the phrase “God be with ye.” I think that’s a fitting way to begin.

As I prepare to leave Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, I don’t really like the word goodbye. Not because I am sad to be leaving (although there is certainly some sadness), but because in the Christian life goodbye is never the end of the story. For us it is always: God be with you. Another word that has captured my attention is “companion.” It comes from the Latin words com (“with”) and panis (“bread”). A companion is literally someone with whom you share bread. How fitting that is for a parish community.

Over the past few years, we have shared much more than morning teas, parish dinners and family celebrations. We have gathered around the Bread of Life. We have stood side by side at the altar. We have shared in the Eucharist. We have prayed together, laughed together, mourned together and witnessed God’s grace at work in one another’s lives.

This weekend, as we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, we are reminded that we are not simply individuals who attend the same church (“Me and Jesus”). We are one body, nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation and united in Christ (“We and Jesus”). True companionship in every sense of the word.

People often say that your first parish is a bit like your first love. There is something about it that leaves a permanent impression upon your heart. It shapes you, forms you, and becomes part of who you are. No matter where life takes you afterwards, it always holds a special place within you. That is certainly true for me.

When I arrived, I came as a newly ordained priest, eager to serve but with much still to learn. You welcomed me, encouraged me, prayed for me, challenged me, and allowed me the privilege of walking with you through some of the most important moments of your lives. For that, I will always be grateful. I will miss the conversations after Mass, the excitement of our children and young people, the generosity of our volunteers, the faithfulness of our parishioners, the vibrant buzz of the parish at church, all the various parish initiatives, and the countless moments, both big and small, that have made this parish feel like home.

While I may be leaving Caloundra, I take great comfort in knowing that our paths will continue to cross in the most important place possible, at the Eucharist. Every time we gather around the altar, we are united with Christ and with one another. Distance cannot change that. Different parishes cannot change that. The Body of Christ is bigger than geography.

So rather than saying goodbye, perhaps it is better to say: See you in the Eucharist. Know that I will continue to pray for you, just as I ask you to continue to pray for me. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your priest. Thank you for your faith, your kindness, your encouragement, and your friendship. May God continue to bless Our Lady of the Rosary Parish abundantly. And until we meet again in the Eucharist…

Goodbye and God bless from your fellow companion, Fr Gerard