Megan Cornwell’s article “Burdens of office” (3 December) came as no surprise to me. Providentially, I find myself in Brittany, the priest moderator of a parish that comprises 11 previous parishes. At 77 years old, one might expect me to be one of those burdened. But I am in a fulfilling priestly ministry because I am at the service of the Equipe d’Animation Pastorale, which accepts pastoral responsibility for the parish. I preside at the Eucharist and celebrate baptisms and weddings. The laity take responsibility for funerals and accompany the bereaved in a way I could not. Perhaps the experience of the French Church has some lessons for us.

(FR) Peter Webb
Plussulien, France