12th July 1982 - the Parish of Our Lady of Hal was handed over to the Archdiocese of Westminster with Father Patrick Nolan’s first appointment as Parish Priest. 

Fr Pat writes:

It was a very daunting task taking over from a very active and demanding Parish. The Scheut Fathers responsibility as guardians of the Faith was greatly admired and respected and their Ministry here was greatly appreciated by the thousands of parishioners who came through these doors.  It was a great honour to be asked by Cardinal Basil Hume to come here and the great majority of parishioners welcomed me with open arms. One person asked me if I was a Circular or diocesan Priest. I was a little portly at the time.

Father Van Pelt was my predecessor and remained in the Parish. During my tenure here he was of enormous help and I greatly appreciated his presence and help. My first task here was to paint the interior of the church and Presbytery and install new lighting in the church. The lights are still here and each one was sponsored by parishioners and friends.

We had thriving games of Bingo every Saturday evening and this had a great tradition because it raised thousands of pounds for the Church and Parish Centre.  In the past, the Parish Priest always called the numbers, so it fell to me to continue the practice. This continued for a few years until a Bingo Hall opened in the vicinity and the prizes were much better and inviting.  I cannot now remember the numbers which had associations with every day life, all I remember is the number 88, was two upholstered ladies. Our Parish Centre was used for Dances, Receptions and meetings.

A large room on the first floor was called the Geranium Room full of a variety of Geraniums. The first meeting of the AA took place there in 1983.

However, I tried to apply my priestly ministry as best I could and Vatican 11 was just taking effect.  According to the Vatican Document on Priestly ministry the duties of the priest are preaching the Word of God, Administration of the Sacraments and the Pastoral Care of the flock.  

Looking back I enjoyed my time here.  In the 80’s, we started an experiment in Camden, set up by Cardinal Hume when four Seminarians from the Diocese lived and worked in the Parish. They attended Lectures and were a great asset to the body and soul of the Parish.  

During my Ministry here we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Parish and Cardinal Hume presided. In the congregation were the Belgian Ambassador to the Court of St. James, many dignitaries , the Father General of the Scheut Fathers and his assistants from Belgium. It was a splendid occasion and many people came from far and wide.

The Church was also consecrated during my Ministry here. In 1985 I celebrated my tenth anniversary of Priesthood.

In 1987 I had Heart Surgery and I was away for a few months. I shall never, ever forget the kindness and generosity and concern of this community. I had a very good and efficient Assistant Priest who took over during my absence. I returned on Saint Patrick's Day 1988. It took one whole day to open the many good wishes from the community.

I settled down to work again and on a lovely summers evening when a group of us were having drinks in the heavenly garden when the Vicar General of the Diocese phoned and asked to speak to me. He wouldn't tell me over the phone what he wanted. He came at 9.30pm to ask me to go to The church of the Holy Redeemer and St. Thomas More in Chelsea. The Cardinal who was on holiday in Scotland phoned and asked him to contact me. He wanted an active priest to take over the parish.  Needless to say I dropped my glass and, eventually, when I got over the shock I bowed to his wishes. 

I was extremely happy here and would never ask for a move. So I bade farewell on the 29th September 1989. I had a great send off with a super party in the Parish Centre.

Here I am back in the church I loved and here to roost. Very happy that I can serve the community when available. The great thing about retirement is to remain active, adopt the philosophy of positivity and, with no maintenance or administration; one can concentrate on the great Ministry of Priesthood.

A few words of gratitude to Fr. Dominic who had the vision and initiative to convert part of the Presbytery into three self-contained flats for retired priests. No one in the Clerical State has ever contemplated or took action to provide accommodation such as these flats at an economic rent which suits the occupier and the Parish. Our Prayers at this point of time are with Father Dominic and gracious thanks to him.

Sincerely,

Fr. Patrick.