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An new Prelate of Honour
Bishop Ellis greets the recently honoured Monsignor McLean.
Bishop McGuiness, himself recently ordained a bishop looks on.

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Backword

by Monsignor John F. McLean

It was with some trepidation that I arrived in my native town 25 years ago ....... is a prophet ever accepted, I asked myself, in his own country?

Then there were those considerable debts, and the Mass-centre at Spondon - both shades of my past experience in Leicester.

But a parish is made up of people, not bricks-and-mortar and debts. Here I found a wonderful and dedicated group of many people, and we have worked closely together ever since. All that has been achieved is due entirely to the kindness of the parishioners. Whether it be the Sacred Liturgy or the running of the Club: when I am asked why this or that is successful, I always say with sincerity: “Because I have such wonderful people”. So much of what has been created in this parish is due to their willingness to take responsibility. On the functions they organised we based the building of the Hall and the Club, and then, the extensions of the Church. The Daily Draw, especially, demanded at its peak a whole army of volunteer helpers and a dedicated Committee, which was at work most nights of the week - not just for weeks, but for years - until the huge debt we inherited, and the huger ones we incurred, were gradually tamed and brought to submission.

It is certainly true to say that we have never hoarded money, spending it as carefully as possible on the property of the parish.

Many people who attended St. Joseph’s School with me in my youth now live in my parish. I have to mention their friendliness in accepting me as their parish priest, because it has always made me very thankful to them, and glad to serve them in all humility as well as I can.

It gives me great delight to have arrived at this Jubilee, and I am filled with the memories of all those who, early and late, have finished their part in this story and gone to God. I have had the privilege of looking after many of them in their sickness, and have always asked them to remember us all at the throne of God. I am sure that this they constantly do.

JOHN McLEAN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My grateful thanks to all those who have helped in the compilation of this history by supplying information and photographs, and especially to Father Philip O’Dowd for writing it.

Monsignor J. F. McLean