The sense in which a priest belongs to his parish is sometimes so profound that when the time comes for him to move on, there is a process of grieving that needs careful and sensitive handling on all sides Change is the one thing in life which is constant. Most of us have a kind of innate conservatism that resists disruption of our familiar routines and habits, but even if that is our nature, the time will come when life moves on, and we are obliged to adjust to new ­circumstances. My bishop has asked me to move to a new parish after spending 22 very happy years in my current appointment. While I agree that a move might well benefit the parish and me, a gentle process of grieving began in the parishioners and in me once the announcement had been made. Curiously, the anticipation of a