A Catholic priest has stepped down from Holy Family Church in Coventry after nearly a decade of service, leaving behind a candid poem reflecting on his experience.
Fr Pat Brennan, who was ordained in 1992 and has led three parishes simultaneously, announced his departure in the church newsletter, saying he leaves “with many fond memories” but also acknowledging challenges.
“You can’t please all the people,” he wrote. “And those few who have been vocal in criticism in and outside of the parish, have contributed to my leaving.”
Fr Brennan, who will continue serving at two other parishes in Bulkington and Bedworth, shared a reflective poem titled Not I Lord Surely!, questioning the impact of unwelcoming attitudes in church life.
This is the poem in full:
What makes people not come to church?
Could it be the people who already go?
The righteous, the clique, the worthy,
the disdainful look given, the thought you’re in my seat
the unfriendly, so that the stranger remains so.
Gossip flows from holy lips,
a hobby to talk about so and so, you know?
A mix of disgruntled, unlikeable,
entitled offended, who don’t want to know
Better than you, holier too,
tutting for a living, whispering about you know who…
Did you ever go inside and wish you hadn’t arrived
The words of love conveniently ignored
A plethora of benches occupied by the weekly bored
What makes people not come to church?
The cold indifference and quiet distain of those who already go.
If your first instinct when you hear the words “Go in peace” is time for war
Then think again, ask am I the reason people flee, am I to blame, is it me?
Not I surely?
So not quite the whole story.
Just don’t make it so
Continue to go, but in Christ’s likeness grow.
Rejected… this is how for some it can feel.
Yet each person who steps inside should be…
Welcomed, accepted, loved, forgiven, this is the mark of the Lord’s own seal.
What makes people stay and not run away?
Hearing Christ’s command to love and allowing those words in our heart to stay.
Despite the strong tone, Fr Brennan expressed gratitude for his time in Coventry: “I was very happy at Holy Family and had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people... The Covid times opened the parish up to many others… staying with us online since then.”
His departure, along with the poem, has garnered media attention, prompting further reflection.
Responding to the coverage, he penned another poem titled Slow News Day?, calling the experience of hearing his name on the radio “confusing", as reported by The Metro.
The Archdiocese of Birmingham praised Fr Brennan’s commitment, noting his years of dedicated ministry and heavy workload.
“Father Pat is an experienced and much-valued member of the clergy,” said a spokesperson.
Fr Charles Miller will take over as parish priest at Holy Family Church later this month.