Our Lady Of Good Hope Catholic Church

Fr. David's goodbye Dinner

Right from Father David's arrival at Our Lady Of Good Hope we were introduced to a spiritual renewal of our faith. His commitment to teaching us the way to eternal happiness with Our Lord was unwavering.

Sometimes it was tough to listen to and I remember while visiting my father at the seniors lodge in Kamloops, I complained how this new priest was so strict with the church's teachings and rules. He listened quietly as he could not see any more as I went on and on. Then he stopped me and simply said," Chris, priests go to school for years to learn the rules-- did you ever stop to think he knows a bit more than you do and is right. I couldn't argue that point.

Throughout his six years with us Father David has brought new and exciting programs to our parish. From bringing Father Claudio in for "Jesus the Listener " a deeply touching and spiritual seminar, to the up lifting concert of the Catholic Christian singer Mark Mallett. The adult bible studies and Alpha programs inspired many to reach a deeper connection with their faith.

Father David's compassion eased the pain of the sick and dying of our parish and his tender words of comfort consoled the bereaved. His sometimes lengthy homily's had us strain to hear his voice when topics touched his heart and startled us when he was passionately and loudly made us heed his warnings of our sinful ways.

Father's outstanding organizational skills have seen the birth of many projects in our parish. From suggestion boxes to elaborate dinners, he surprised us at his unending ideas. And without him to remind us how the more we give the more receive we wouldn't have seen our parish debt resolved, nor the new roof and furnace.

There are the little things too that many of us won't forget. Like his reverence of Our Father in Heaven by a simple bow of his head at the name of Jesus. His amazing cuisine flair made me want to bring store brought delights instead to trying to match his talents in the kitchen. Father's gift of creativity had the church filled with many splendid floral arrangements from our gardens which looked as professional as any florist. There are the wonderful songs he brought to the choir which filled the church with joy. And who could not get a shiver of awe from the Holy feel to the Easter and Christmas Vigil Masses. Or not stop what they are doing at the sound of an ambulance racing by to say the Lord's Prayer.

We will miss little GT too as she was a joy to watch play ball at coffee time after Masses.

Thank you for all your teachings and patience, strength and perseverance in getting us a bit closer to seeing Heaven. May the Lord be generous in giving you much happiness Holy Spirit Parish and may the people of your new parish be as glad to see you come as we are sad to see you go.

Father on behalf of all the people of the parish we would like to present you with this cash gift of $755.00 for you to help with your many pilgrimages and so you can remember our little parish please accept this painting of Our Lady of Good Hope Church.

The church hall was filled with over eighty people for Fr. David's  goodbye dinner. Here he cuts not one, but two cakes in his honor.

We wish Fr. Hughes all our best and thank him, for his six years of service to our catholic community. Good Luck in New Westminster Fr. David!