Shortly after Fr Enda announced his move to Westland Row, a group of parishioners from both parishes came together to organise a farewell reception for and and presentation of some mementoes to Fr Enda. The reception of farewell -- as well as one of welcome for Fr John -- was held in St Mary's GAA Hall on Thursday, 6th October. Matt O'Sullivan, Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council (SRB), expressed the thanks and appreciation of the parishioners of our two parishes for the work done by Fr Enda during his eight years among us (2008-2016). He then went on to welcome Fr John as Moderator for our two parishes. Tribute was also paid to Seán O'Rourke, outgoing Parish Pastoral Worker, for his many years of valuable service. Read more on this subject in this week's Newsletter (see link, this page top right).
The gifts presented included a collage in water colour of the parishes' three churches and Mass Centre by artist Ray Walsh; a wooden chalice and paten hand-turned by Hervé Dergfosse; a celebration cake, cut by Fr Enda and distributed on the night, and, finally, a gift cheque. In addition, parishioners helped out very generously with food and drink on the night, e.g. the wonderfully iced cake (seen below) by Carmel Kenny. Thanks to all who contributed to a memorable evening.
For photographs of the occasion, click here. (As usual, just click on slide to proceed to the next.) If you appear without your name, please send it to me, donalmcmahon@eircom.net and I will be very happy to enter it. Bridget Breen (Newcastle) took almost all the photos while Donal McMahon did the presentation and one or two photos.
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| Thank you, Carmel, for putting it so well! |
