Mr Rutledge has been a priest for the diocese of Portsmouth for 30 years. In that time, he has been moved to many different areas, each for varying lengths of time. His previous post was in Basingstoke.
‘Our bishop can move us around whenever he wants and we must go wherever he sends us,’ he said.
‘This is absolutely the most wonderful place I’ve ever lived. Like most people coming from the mainland, I really didn’t know much about Guernsey – it’s a bit of a mystery.
‘I’ve come to find that it’s the best-kept secret from the UK and I’m so blessed to have actually spent some time here.
‘It’s so hard to leave. I’m not a painter but I found the light here very different and whenever I return I think “I’m home”.
‘I will miss the coastal walks, the quirky way that things happen here and the people – they’re all so friendly. I’ve loved working with other faith leaders, and I’ve enjoyed working in the hospital, the prison and the nursing homes we look after. I’ve carved a bit of a life for myself out here and I’m really going to miss it.’
Despite losing a few members of the local Catholic congregation over Covid, Mr Rutledge said the island’s numbers are gradually building back up. With an influx of Africans, Filipinos, hospital workers and people continually moving to the island, he said the three local Catholic churches now see around 800 people.
Sunday will be his final mass on the island before he moves to his next post in Andover.
‘I’m looking forward to another new challenge,’ he said.
‘Andover’s going to be different. It’s very rural – I shall miss the sea. But I’m pleased I’ll be able to connect with my friends, my brother and sister more easily again.
‘I will take a little bit of Guernsey with me, wherever I go. I’ll just now have to stop ending my sentences in “eh?” and “cheerie”.’
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