Sitting surrounded by congratulations cards, he recalls that, "Although a cradle Catholic, I never dreamt of becoming a cleric. It was a slow, insidious development! Eventually, it just 'felt right', and after selection I embarked on a 3-year part-time course. From then on, life was measured in essays!"

Peter remains a property manager by day, but is now entitled to conduct baptisms, weddings and funerals. "In practice, it's really more of the things we both do anyway," says Peter, acknowledging the part played by his wife Maureen. Activities will include home visiting and some preaching, in addition to their ongoing work in short-term fostering. A highlight of every year is the Easter pilgrimage-cum-holiday to Lourdes, which Peter runs for children with special needs.

We wish him well in his ministry.