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Acknowledgements

First, I want to acknowledge the debt of gratitude I owe to my parents and to those who were helpful in my initial vocational development. As a questioning teenager exploring faith, I was deeply impressed by the simple holiness of John Clayton, a Roman Catholic priest who showed great hospitality to this young seeker. I am also grateful for the subsequent guidance I received from many priests, some of whom have now died and, in particular, I realize the debt I owe to Richard Buck, Bill Kirkpatrick, Peter Laister and Jim Cotter, and the immense help I received from Brothers Michael and Damian SSF as well as many others, ordained and lay. Outstanding among them was Sister Mary Teresa SLG, a hermit whose care of me as my vocation developed, often chaotically, deepened my desire for God and who introduced me to the riches of the Carmelite tradition.

In putting my thoughts in order, the assistance of a number of people was invaluable, and I am especially grateful for the help I received from the Bishop of Southwark, Sister Sue CSF, Sister Leo OSCl, and the Reverends David D. Anderson and Ed Sniecienski, Fathers Nicholas Cranfield, John Cullen, Neil Evans, Richard Peers SMMS, Paul Symonds and Brett Ward. Their careful reading of various chapters, constructive criticisms and insightful suggestions were extremely helpful as was the discussion I had with a group of clergy attending the Southwark Diocesan IME (Initial Ministerial Education).

I would also like to thank the editorial staff at Canterbury Press for their patience, help and advice to this novice author.

My particular thanks go to someone who wishes to remain anonymous but whose very careful and professional reading and the comments she was able to make were invaluable, as was the help I received from Ann Lewin who proof read the whole book and whose poetry has been inspirational.

The observations of all involved saved me from too many mistakes, and their suggestions as to what was missing and what needed attention were of great help.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank Chris, my long-suffering partner, who had to cope with my being shut away in our office for many hours. Without his initial encouragement and ongoing support this book could never have been written.