| Parish Week of Prayer 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Week of Prayer  All those who attended the Parish ‘Week of Prayer’ have provided very positive feedback on the initiative. I am certain that the graces received and shared during this time will have far reaching effects in our lives. A word of thanks is due to many people who fulfilled particular roles: to the invited speakers; to those who read; to all who provided music and song; to the P7 classes who made the posters; to those who designed and co-ordinated the visual displays; to the sacristy team and the altar servers. I am also grateful to local business owners who kindly advertised the event; to those who made and erected the sign on the Church grounds; and to ‘The Portadown Times’ for its special feature. The Parish was honoured to have the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend Seán Brady as celebrant and homilist at the Saturday Evening Mass. His Grace reminded us of the common priesthood we exercise as baptised persons and he spoke eloquently of the importance of Holy Orders and especially the ministerial priesthood to the life of the Church. Archbishop Brady also took the opportunity to talk about the Permanent Diaconate, which is to be introduced in Ireland. Sign Up Sunday  ‘Sign Up Sunday’ presented an important opportunity for Parish Groups and Societies and I congratulate them on their respective stalls. It is gratifying to see the committed work that is being undertaken by so many dedicated people of all ages in the Parish. May God bless you with new members to help continue and expand your apostolic work.Parish Garden Party  Much planning and effort was required to prepare for the ‘Parish Garden Party’ – a first for the Parish but not, I hope, the last. A debt of gratitude is owed to all those who assisted in the organisation of the event along with those who cooked and served food and those who stayed to tidy up afterwards. Thank you to those who donated equipment, food and beverages for the occasion. The provision of musical entertainment added to the festive atmosphere and I am appreciative to those who provided it. Those who took time to supervise the play area for children are also owed thanks. The evening was a veritable Parish celebration and the fine weather was a blessing from God.Together may we continue to live the Sacraments and strengthen our community in faith. Cemetery Sunday  A word of thanks to all who attended Holy Mass on Cemetery Sunday. The dignified celebration of the Holy Sacrifice, led by Fr. Brian White, was assisted by those who prepared the graveyard and Altar; by the reverence of parishioners and visitors; by the listening and joining in prayer; and by the active participation in the hymns and chants. The celebration was a fitting remembrance of our deceased loved ones. We pray for the happy repose of their souls. May they rest in peace.Silver Jubilee  The celebrations as part of the ‘Parish Garden Party’ to mark the silver jubilee of my ordination to the priesthood were a lovely surprise and source of joy to me. Mass on Sunday morning was a sacred moment – the beautiful music and song and the presence of so many who were going to Cemetery Sunday Mass was quite humbling. I am most grateful for all your kind wishes, presents and above all prayers. Thank you for wanting to mark this special occasion with me. I look forward to sharing more times together as we live our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us pray for each other.Very Rev Michael O’Dwyer, PP VF To view pictures from the various events please click on the appropriate category below: Week of Prayer Parish Garden Party Cemetery Sunday |