By Con McHugh

The Induction of Fr Oliver Holt OSB as Parish Priest took place on the Third Sunday of Advent, Saturday 14 December 2024, at the 5.30pm Vigil Mass for Sunday. 

Fr Oliver has been in position since September and is already well known to parishioners and the other churches in Stratford.

The main Celebrant was Abbot Paul Gunter OSB, Abbot of Douai Abbey, whose associations with Stratford stretch back to his early years, with fond memories. Thirty-three years have elapsed since he first returned to St Gregory’s on the day after he was Ordained. 

The Catholic parish of St Gregory the Great is served by Clergy from Douai Abbey and is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Douai Abbey also serve Our Lady & St Joseph in Alcester and St Mary’s in Studley. 

Abbot Paul’s homily reflected on the role of a parish priest, as well as the Third Sunday in Advent. Some points to mention:

“To me, it was apparent how difficult it would be to find a priest who would follow Fr Alexander. His contribution touched your lives in so many ways, and he leaves a fine legacy in this beautified church. Please keep him in your prayers as he recovers from his illness. He is making steady progress…

“At the risk of embarrassing Fr Oliver, and conscious of the sacrifices Douai is making, I know that in selecting him for Stratford, you are receiving a worthy successor…

“Quite apart from his administrative experience, a vast cultural and linguistic resource in literature, and poetry especially, and both of these honed during years as a housemaster at Douai teaching English, there is his service as guest master, a job which he loved….   

“Fr Oliver is particularly aware of the importance of 'welcoming the stranger’ ..

“So, I commend to you Fr Oliver and ask you to see in him your leader, your pastor, and to take care of him. He will give himself for you…

“The induction of a new parish priest is about ministry; his service and yours, that in all things God may be glorified…

“The Third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday, calls us to attune ourselves to a 'reset', God's 'reset', that is. Throughout Advent, our thoughts are on the One who is to come, as a people waiting for the coming of our redeemer.”

Watch! Abbot Paul's Homily

Following the Homily the Mass continued with the Rite of Induction: Profession of Faith, Oath of Fidelity, Custody of the Church, Praying the Word of God, Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, Sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing, the Eucharist and the Tabernacle. The Rite was concluded with the Certificate of Induction being signed and witnessed. 

At the end of Mass Fr Oliver thanked all those who had helped to prepare for this memorable occasion and thanked Abbot Paul for leading the Mass.

Following Mass there a reception in the school hall with food and drink prepared by parishioners. 

Fr David Hartley, the Dean of Banbury and Warwick Deanery, joined to offer his congratulations. A lovely time was had by all.