A Memorial to Monsignor William Mitchell - RIP

Mgr William Mitchell, also known as Father Bill to many who knew him was a much loved priest of St Michaels Parish in Tetbury, Gloucestershire for 7 years. His untimely death in 2008 was a shock not just to our parish and his family, but to the town of Tetbury and the Diocese of Clifton. The students studying to become priests at The Beda Seminary in Rome where he was Rector for nine years and his many friends and parishioners of previous parishes he had served throughout the Clifton Diocese.

My family have known Mgr for over 40 years; he was a true friend to us all especially during difficult times, as well as celebrations. Mgr was a great support to me when my first husband Terry died in 2001. He also concelebrated the funeral mass for my father at the church of Our Lady and St Alphege, Bath. He was delighted for me when I met my husband Graham, that I had found happiness again. He attended the Blessing of our Marriage in Bath in 2007. He was due to perform the Ceremony of Convalidation of our Marriage, after Graham’s annulment had been granted, on return from his holiday. He often joined us for dinner and even attended a family BBQ where Graham’s family took him to their hearts. It was after Sunday Mass, when we had a birthday cake to celebrate his 70th Birthday that Maggie said we should have a birthday dinner, Graham was only too pleased to offer and we were delighted to hold a dinner party for Mgr’s 70th Birthday at Graham’s home in Malmesbury. I gave him a balloon with ‘70’ on to take home; I did think about tying it to the gate at St Michaels but thought better of it!

Mgr William was held in such high esteem that the funeral had to be held in St Mary’s because as Canon Roche said the priests alone would fill St Michaels. Due to his contribution to the ecumenical life of the diocese which was enormous, it was very fitting that his funeral was held at St Mary’s Parish Church. Mgr was a very humble man, he never forgot anyone and as his brother, Michael said he was not of the throw away society especially his friends.

Mgr was a very hard worker in whatever task he took on but he was never too busy to speak to anyone and would always sit down and chat if someone had a problem. He had a wonderful ability with words; his intelligence and deep faith shone through his homilies. Always with a twinkle in his eye he retained a bit of the child in him, when I was tidying out his desk drawer after becoming Parish Administrator I found some conkers, a hobby of his going back years! I also came across a big black spider made of felt; I jumped yards and threw it to the bottom of a book case! I am sure he was looking down at me laughing! Michaels’ words were very true when he said he did not throw anything away; you wouldn’t believe the amount of paperwork that Carol and I found that was ‘filed’ away just in case!

There were many memories of Mgr William on the Diocesan website after his death including messages from Bishop Rudderham’s family with whom he had kept in touch and attended family weddings and Christenings after the Bishop’s death.

Here are some of the kind words written:

• "Mgr’s unfailing gentleness, his kindly spiritual counsel and help, his pastoral skills and deep-seated theological learning and above all the sanctity that so evidently shone from him must qualify him for a very high place in heaven."
• "You were always sure of a good welcome – hospitality was a gift he had in abundance."
• "His passing was a shock, our loss hard to accept. His sermons were a joy to hear and be informed. In my life I count him among the best we have had in this Diocese."
• "It is five years since I first met Fr Bill but it feels as if he has always been there. Kind and gentle but with a wonderful wit that graced our table on a number of occasions. He has been a wonderful friend who has supported and inspired me. We will miss him deeply but who could ever forget such a man, he is truly a man of God."

Many people have a lot of memories of Mgr William, a wonderful priest and friend to many and whilst we have these memories we will never forget him and neither should we. We should always give thanks for all that he has given to us, this parish, his previous parishioners, the diocese, the Catholic Church as a whole and not forgetting his family and many friends.

As we remember Mgr William Mitchell, perhaps with sadness let us also remember that he is now at peace and out of pain enjoying a well earned rest with God whom he loved and served diligently in the kingdom of heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto Him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in Peace, Amen.

Elaine Wright
Parish Administrator
30th April 2010