Congratulations, Joel! Today we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Joel, who has passed his final exam to become a Chartered Accountant. It is a tremendous achievement and the result of years of hard work, perseverance and dedication. I have had the privilege of knowing Joel for the past 16 years, since I first arrived at St Joseph’s, Wolverhampton. I have watched him grow and mature into the wonderful young man he is today, and a real blessing to all who know him. But, as proud as we are of the exams he has passed, far more important than any qualification is the person he has become. There is something of today’s Gospel in Joel’s story. Jesus tells us that following him means being prepared to take up our cross. Often we imagine that in terms of great sacrifices, but frequently the cross is carried much more quietly: noticing somebody who needs support, giving our time when nobody else sees, checking that someone is all right, or simply being there when we are needed. That is something Joel does incredibly well. Much of what he does happens behind the scenes and without recognition. He quietly reaches out to people, cares for them and supports them, and I can say personally that this includes caring for and supporting me as his Parish Priest. Those quiet acts of kindness mean more than he probably realises. Over the years Joel has served our parish as an altar server, and today continues serving as an Altar Server Chaperone and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. But his Christian service goes far beyond the roles he holds. It is seen most clearly in the person he is. Joel reminds us that discipleship is not about being noticed. It is about quietly taking up the cross, following Christ and loving the people God places around us. Joel, we are enormously proud of what you have achieved, but even prouder of the person you have become. You are truly becoming the person God created you to be. Today, at Mass, we asked Joel to stand at the front of the church so that we could congratulate him, thank him for all that he does and present him with a small gift as a token of our appreciation. Joel, I am sorry for putting you on the spot and making you stand in front of everyone. I know you would much rather serve quietly and without attention, but we wanted as a Faith Family to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate you. Congratulations, and, above all, thank you for being you! God bless, Fr Craig