A Lifetime of Service: Fr Pat Cleary’s Retirement Celebration

In a touching display of community appreciation, the Parish of Thetford gathered on September 5 to celebrate the retirement of their beloved priest, Fr Pat Cleary. The evening was marked by an abundance of food, laughter, and heartfelt tributes that reflected the deep impact Fr Pat has had on his congregation and the broader Diocese of East Anglia. As he entered the parish hall, Fr Pat was greeted with enthusiastic applause, visibly moved by the outpouring of affection and the generous spread prepared in his honor. This celebration marked the conclusion of a remarkable journey in ministry that began decades ago and came full circle with his return to Thetford, the parish where his priesthood journey both began and concluded.

Fr Pat’s ministry spans over four decades of dedicated service, beginning with his ordination as a deacon in June 1978 and to the priesthood in December of the same year. He often reminisces about this significant period, noting that he witnessed three Popes during his ordination year — St Paul VI, John Paul I, and St John Paul II — as 1978 became known as “the year of three Popes.” Throughout his career, Fr Pat served in numerous parishes across the Diocese of East Anglia, starting as an assistant priest in Cambridge at Our Lady and the English Martyrs (OLEM) and St Mary’s in Ipswich, where he also served as chaplain to St Alban’s Catholic High School. His first appointment as Parish Priest came in 1985 in Thetford, establishing a special connection with the community that would endure throughout his ministry.

The celebration included the reading of a heartfelt letter from Bishop Peter Collins, who highlighted Fr Pat’s exceptional character and contributions. The Bishop noted that in Fr Pat’s training records, he was described as “a good type” and a man of “excellent character,” “trustworthy and a man with a resounding sense of humour” — qualities that resonated with the congregation, who responded with cheers and applause. Beyond his parish duties, Fr Pat took on significant responsibilities within the diocese, serving as rural dean in two deaneries, vocations director, and as part of the diocesan safeguarding team. His dedication was formally recognized when Bishop Alan made him a Canon of the Cathedral in 2020, acknowledging his years of faithful service to the Church and its communities.

Fr Pat’s ministry extended beyond the borders of England when he joined the Missionary Society of St James, serving in Peru before returning to the diocese in 1999. This international experience profoundly influenced his approach to ministry, bringing a global perspective to his pastoral work. After his return, he was appointed to parishes in Lowestoft, St Neots in Cambridge, and Wymondham before finally returning to Thetford in 2022, making his first parish also his last. During the celebration, Fr Pat spoke movingly about his time in Peru and how those experiences shaped his future work, interspersing his reflections with the good-natured humor for which he has become well-known among his parishioners and colleagues.

The tributes continued with Paul Gilbert, Chair of the Parish Council, thanking Fr Pat for his friendship, kindness, and generosity, highlighting his unwavering support for others and playfully inquiring about the possibility of a third tenure at Thetford. Deacon Justin Cross also paid tribute, emphasizing Fr Pat’s dedication and his joyful approach to serving both the parish and the wider diocese. The evening revealed not just a priest but a close friend to everyone in the community, someone whose ministry transcended formal religious duties to touch the hearts and souls of those he served. The bond between Fr Pat and the Thetford community was evident in every speech and in the warm atmosphere of the gathering.

Though retiring from full-time service, Fr Pat’s connection to the community and his passion for life beyond the priesthood remain strong. An avid sports enthusiast, he looks forward to attending cricket matches in Nottingham and football games in Ipswich during his retirement. Additionally, he plans to return to Peru in January for a reunion with those he ministered alongside during his time with the Society of St James. In a touching moment during the celebration, Fr Pat promised to return to Thetford for its 200th anniversary in 2026, ensuring that his relationship with the parish will continue in the years ahead. For the parishioners of Thetford, Fr Pat’s impact will endure long after his retirement, his ministry having woven itself into the fabric of their community and their individual spiritual journeys.