Rev Andrew Sweeney

Vicar of Cogges and South Leigh
Vicar of North Leigh

Address:

Rev Andrew Sweeney
Cogges Priory, Church Lane, Witney, OX28 3LA
Tel: 01993 702155
Email: vicar@coggesparish.com

Andrew Sweeney was instituted as Vicar of Cogges and South Leigh at an Induction service on Tuesday 12th March 2002.

Christmas 2011 -- The message of Christianity is one of hope!

It is with much sadness that I am announcing that the Sweeney family will be leaving Witney, following my acceptance of a post back in Northern Ireland.

The timing of our move is largely as a result of the need to support ageing parents and settle our children into school in good time for their GCSE preparations.

We've loved our time here in Witney and South Leigh and it's been a real privilege to journey with you a little in times of great sorrow and genuine happiness. I have met many inspirational people who, in difficult times, have shown amazing courage and fortitude. Cathy and I have also experienced sadness when friends, who have become so dear to us, have died prematurely. Their families remain in our prayers.

There have been happy times -- too numerous to mention. Almost!

What a great decade of 6 Nations Rugby in the church! My aim was to encourage people through the door of St Mary's but I fear, after so many Irish wins in a row, my plan has back-fired! It might be an idea to ensure the next Vicar has no Celtic connections and, in fact, doesn't even like rugby!

Our boys have been so fortunate to grow up in a lovely place and in such a beautiful setting as The Priory. The Paddock has often been overrun with my boys and their friends kicking balls over rugby posts, into goals amd hitting golf balls over the river towards the leisure centre!

It's been a real pleasure working with Marilyn Trigg, the Head Teacher in Blake CoE School, and her amazing staff. Sharing the love of God with your children, especially in Wednesday Assemblies, is always a high point of my week. One of the biggest back-handed compliments I ever received was from two parents a few years ago, when they said "The school has become too Christian since you've arrived!"

Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Marilyn Trigg, Ali Laithwaite and the staff, the school received an 'outstanding' Church of England inspection, not once, but twice over the past six years. For the school to be 'outstanding' in how it is distinctively Christian in ethos ought to be celebrated, not discouraged, surely?

The message of Christianity is one of hope -- hope that we're not alone when life is caving in on us; hope that oblivion is not the end; hope that somehow there is a purpose to life that expands rather than diminishes.

In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile and challenging for our children and young people, is it not more important than ever that they know they are loved by God?

So we head to a town called Ballymoney, near the Causeway Coast, where I will be licensed as the new Rector of Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin on Sunday 19th February.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your love, support and friendship over the years.

With my love