Christmas Greetings and Thanks 2023
We come to celebrate another Christmas, looking back on the past year with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. We think particularly this year of the people in the Holy Land, especially in Bethlehem, praying earnestly for peace, there and indeed throughout the troubled parts of our world.
A very sincere and heartfelt thanks to the many who give so generously in every aspect of parish life in Kingscourt as we strive to reach out to one and all. Long before the word was coined, our parish and people was synodal in the approach to life and living the gospel message in this great parish. Our parish and people are walking together, working collaboratively together, worshiping together, having a real sense of co-responsibility and true ownership of what happens in our living and vibrant parish. Thank you all for your continued and generous financial support to the parish, which now allows us to plan and prioritise for the future needs of this wonderful parish and people.
A special word of thanks to Ciaran Boylan, Chair of the Parish Finance Committee and the wider committee for their wise and prudent management of our financial resources. Thanks to Annette O’Rourke and the Parish Pastoral Planning Team who look after the Mission of our parish, with many pastoral initiatives completed during the past year, which support and sustain a thriving community of faith. Thanks to the Baptismal teams, who welcome young parents, to the Bethany Bereavement Support team who give such comfort and solace to all bereaved families. Thanks to the members of the Parish Safeguarding Team who ensure best practice in our parish. Thanks to all engaged in Eucharistic Adoration, St. Vincent de Paul, the Ministers of Holy Communion and Readers and their co-ordinators. A special thanks to our great Altar Serving teams who assist at every Mass in our parish.
Thank you to all our choirs, Kingscourt Choir, Folk Group, Kingscourt Childrens Choir, Muff Choir and Muff Childrens Choir, Corlea Choir , soloists and instrumentalists. The dedication of all involved in our choirs is phenomenal. Thanks to Derek, Gavin, Cian, Sarah Rose, Karen, Niall, Mark, Olivia who lead the music. A very special thanks to Ann Burns who acts as co-ordinator of music in our parish, ensuring there is music ministry each morning and at weekend Masses.
A special word of appreciation to PJ and all our sacristan teams in our three churches for their work throughout the year, all done quietly, without any fuss or attention. You make a real difference! Thank you to all our collectors and counters, our cleaners, all who prepare the linens in our churches throughout the year. Thanks to Derek who keep the grounds and our cemetery in such a pristine condition. Thanks to Loretto and all who assist at The Parish Office with the ongoing demands of good governance and administration.
Grateful thanks to the chairpersons and volunteer boards of management from our four Catholic schools for giving so very generously of their time, expertise, and commitment in a total voluntary capacity to Catholic education. Thanks to our school principals, their teaching and ancillary staff.
Thanks to Daniel, Louise, and Stephen who maintain, monitor and update our webcam, website and social media, allowing people from all over the world, and especially those parishioners living away from Kingscourt the real opportunity feel part of the parish family.
Thanks to all who continue with such commitment and dedication in the very many sporting, voluntary, cultural and community groups in Kingscourt. The contribution of each, often done without fuss or fanfare, is to the benefit of all.
In the words of the late John O’Donohoe,
May the Angels in their beauty bless you this Christmas.
May the Angels of Compassion open your eyes this Christmas.
May the Angels of Encouragement confirm you this Christmas.
May the Angels of Bethlehem be your sheltering and joyful guardians this Christmastide and always.
Happy Christmas, Nollag Shona, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Wesolych Swiat, Buon Natale.
Gerry