Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
November/December 2008

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Farewell Father Logan

by Fergus O'Kelly

So we have said a reluctant goodbye to Fr. Logan after twenty years. Retirement to Richmond beckons, where he can have a much deserved rest from his 'labours in the vineyard'. He will be sorely missed, not just by the congregation of St. Osmund's, but by all who came in contact with him throughout Barnes since his arrival.

His quiet and dignified presence on the altar always promoted a prayerful and spiritual quality in the Mass and other services at St. Osmund's. Sunday Mass at 10.30 was the liturgical highlight of the week and Fr. Logan loved and encouraged music during the service. Mind you, it wasn't just any music. He was very particular that the liturgical content of the hymns and psalms was "correct." And he wasn't keen on the vogue for "happy clappy" music.

After Mass he would mingle with the congregation and it was then, as it were "close up," that you could detect the twinkle in his eye. For Fr. Logan was blessed with a lovely quiet sense of humour alongside his serious devotion to his role as pastor to the parish; one of the many reasons that he was so much loved. You'll have noticed that I have referred to him as Fr. Logan throughout, and that is because he truly was the father of the parish. Most of us addressed him as 'father' although he was 'Tony' to his fellow clerics in the parish.

He has been a keen steam train spotter for many years and the presbytery is dotted with rail magazines. He'll be able to spend more time at his hobby. Now that he is cleaning up his desk he'll be able to see the surface for the first time in twenty years!

We had a wonderful party in the presbytery garden on Sunday 28th September, and it seemed the entire parish turned up to say farewell to him! He'll be living in Richmond from now on, so let's hope we haven't seen the last of him. So, although he'll be out of sight, he will never be out of mind. May retirement be a happy and a holy one.

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