It is with gratitude that I take the words of Mad Priest to heart. (See comment on *Mondays" below). This is where I have been going wrong now for almost thirty years! This is indeed a noble tactic which I had never thought of. Instead of making sure that my absence in the parish while I am on holiday is seamless, and I'm not missed in the slightest, I now see the wisdom in inviting the most boring priest in Scotland to replace me. The problem is that, in my parish, the blame for everything tends to lie with the individual who isn't there and therefore can't defend themselves! One does not want to put oneself at risk for being at fault. This is why I have continued the practice that Mad Priest condemns. (And quite rightly too, I now see!)
I suppose the best thing would be to do an exchange with another priest in a hugely successful parish. The tactic would be to undermine him, or her, and cause havoc in the place with the flower arrangers etc, spreading scandal and innuendo, amongst other things. Any other ideas for causing havoc in a parish of your choice?
From now on I'll be talent-spotting for various individuals who could fill in for me in the future. Any suggestions?
