As we come to the close of the great Jubilee Year of Hope, we can look back with gratitude and appreciation for the blessings during this past year, as families, individuals and a parish faith community. We appreciate the gift of the present and look forward to a New Year carrying the lesson of life and love which we have learned.
Our parish is truly blessed by the involvement, the engagement, the commitment and the dedication of so many parishioners with a real of ownership and zest for the parish community in every aspect of life.
Sincere thanks to Ciaran and the Parish Finance Committee, who prudently manage the financial resources of the parish, attending to the material needs of our parish and planning for the future.
A special word of appreciation to Annette and the Pastoral Team who look after the mission of the parish. Going forward their expertise will now navigate the new realities of our Pastoral Area with the various challenges and indeed opportunities which lie ahead.
Thank you to Loretto for the work at the Parish Office and all who assist in different volunteer ways of administration. A special thank you to Derek for his work, not just in maintaining our cemetery and parish grounds, but in keeping them to such a high standard. Thank you to the members of our Baptismal teams for their time and commitment in welcoming new families into the faith life of the parish. Thank you to The Bethany Bereavement Support Team for their outreach and journeying with those who have lost a loved one. Thanks to our Professional Counsellors who offer professional assistance to people in their time of difficulty, challenge or crisis. Thank you to our Safeguarding Team who ensure best practice with the engagement of our children and young people in parish activities. Thank you to the Conference of St Vincent de Paul for their work, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year. Thank you to all involved in Eucharistic Adoration, to our Co-Ordinators and all who minister as Ministers of the Word and Ministers of Holy Communion. A special thank you to our very committed and wonderful Altar Serving Teams in our Churches.
Our parish is blessed by wonderful music ministry which enhances all our liturgies, raising our minds and hearts to God. A very special word of thanks to Ann Burns, who in a totally voluntary capacity simply makes things happen.! Thank you to our wonderful musicians, Derek, Gavin, Cian, Karen, Bernie, Ann Marie, Jessie, Sarah, Aoife, Sabine, Dylan, Olivia, Dara, Regina and Paul for all their work with all our choirs and the commitment of the individual choir members.
PJ Fleming leads our Sacristy Team and what a team in Kingscourt, Muff and Corlea who do so much quietly behind the scenes! We are truly indebted to you. A sincere thanks to our counters and collectors, those who prepare linens, decorate our churches and keep these holy places clean, gleaming and in pristine condition. Our many visitors all remark on the upkeep of our sacred places.
We live in a highly technical age. Our thanks to Louise, Daniel and Stephen who regularly update our website and social media, and taking care of our web cam to allow people from all over the world connect with our parish faith community in our posts and all services and ceremonies in our parish.
Thank you to the Chairpersons of the Boards of Management and their volunteer board members for their untiring commitment to our Catholic school communities. Thank you to our Principals, Secretaries, Teaching staff, Caretakers, SNA’s, and Ancillary staff for their very positive contribution to the life of our schools.
Thank you to all involved in our Cultural, Voluntary, Community and Sporting groups of the parish. Barry and the Kingscourt Stars brought great pride to our parish in becoming County Champions this year. As was mentioned before, they did not just look back on history, they made history!
To all who marked a milestone or special occasion this year, Congratulations! To all who are home for Christmas in Dún an Rí, or who have made their home here this year either from other parts of Ireland or beyond, a Warm Welcome. To all who are working in essential services in these days, a very special and heartfelt Thank You!
The New Year will once again bring change, challenge, opportunity and adventure. Our wonderful parish faith community will continue to walk together, work together and worship together on our pilgrim journey in life as the People of God.
May your family and friends who need a miracle be blessed.
May whoever is feeling unwell or weak be given strength.
May all those who bear heavy burdens have their load lightened.
May the Christ Child of Bethlehem fill one and all with happiness and joy.
Gerry
