Glory and Honour, Thanksgiving and Praise , was the entrance hymn, which indicated to the congregation, gathered at Sacred Heart, Delaford, the celebration they were about to experience.

You may remember Fr Gerard County CSSp spent his final year of formation (as a deacon) as well as his first few months of priesthood in the Sacred Heart parish, Delaford, with Speyside, Roxborough and Goodwood as outstations. A sense of love and affection developed among the parishioners for him.

That feeling was so strong, that it rippled outward among some non-Catholic members of the community. As a deacon, he was affectionately called “Rev”, mostly by the youths, this goes to show how lovable he was (and still is) as he often articulated jokes and experiences to help the youths in those days.

As some would say though, God had other plans. After spending just a few months as parish priest, Fr County was sent to Mexico , where up to this day he continues in his ministry as priest. He visited the parish twice thereafter.

Fr Gerard County

On the second to last occasion, he concelebrated Mass with Fr Philip Forde CSSp, who was at that time, parish priest of Sacred Heart. Fr Forde is now retired at his hometown.

In light of this, nothing but a celebration was planned, after hearing of Fr County's intention to celebrate with the parish, ten years of priestly ordination. Actually, his ordination was January 25, 1996 , he however, celebrated his tenth anniversary with the parish on February 12.

The Mass commenced with the usual vibrant singing of the music ministry - a vibrancy that never ceased throughout the liturgy. In his greeting, Fr County exclaimed, “Ah feelin de vibes.” A vibe he confessed he misses.

In his homily, he urged the gathering, never to lose the ability as Catholic Christians, to welcome, embrace, love and care for those who are lost and can't find their way. (The gospel reading was about Jesus healing the man with leprosy).

He also encouraged everyone to imitate the heart of Jesus - the Sacred Heart - the patron of Delaford RC, He again confessed how much he missed the parish saying, “A priest never forgets the first parish, for which he had a responsibility.”

A First Communion candidate was asked to present Fr County with a gift on behalf of the entire parish. As the child approached, it wasn't long before Fr County realised that the boy was Keivis Arthur, the first child he baptised, back in his diaconate days.

He also blessed and presented to the church, a baby, something he said is customary in Mexico , and so, “I feel as though I'm back in Mexico ” were his words. Masses were celebrated earlier at Roxborough and later at Goodwood.

Fr County will continue to remain in the prayers of the parishioners of Sacred Heart, as they know, they will remain in his. Continue the good work in Mexico , and wherever God sends you, God's richest blessings Fr County. Ad multos annos .