Dear brothers and sisters of

St. John the Baptist Parish, Perth,

As Fr. Anthony and I prepare to say goodbye after many wonderful years here, our hearts are filled with gratitude, affection, and thanksgiving. Leaving is never easy when a parish has become a home and its people have become family.

I first came to Perth in 2020, during the uncertain days of the pandemic. Churches were restricted, families were separated, and the future seemed unclear. Yet God taught us that the Church is not merely a building. We are the Body of Christ, and Christ never abandons His people. Even when we could not gather as we wished, God united us in faith, prayer, hope, and love.

During these years of ministry, we have been privileged to share many sacred moments with you: welcoming children through Baptism, celebrating marriages, accompanying families through funerals, and participating in countless conversations, visits, prayers, celebrations, struggles, and moments of grace. These encounters have been among the greatest treasures of our priesthood.

Together, we have sought to answer Christ’s missionary call, not simply to maintain a parish, but to become a people sent forth to welcome, serve, evangelize, and bring Christ’s love beyond our church doors.

Today’s Gospel speaks powerfully to this moment: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Following Jesus means trusting Him even when we cannot see the entire road ahead. St. Paul reminds us, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). These years have been a shared offering of our lives, joys, struggles, service, and faith.

We leave Perth with treasured memories, valued friendships, and deep gratitude. Thank you for your kindness, patience, generosity, encouragement, and prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share your joys and sorrows and your journey of faith. The chapter is changing, but the story belongs to God. And because the story belongs to God, we leave not with sadness, but with hope.

May St. John the Baptist continue to inspire us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Please remember us in your prayers, as we will remember you in ours. Thank you for six beautiful years. May God bless St. John the Baptist Parish, Perth, and each of you.

It is my pleasure today also to welcome Father Cyprian Ihedoro (SMMM) as your new Pastor.

Your Priest, Signing Off, Father Charles Enyinnia