As we continue through the Christmas days and in the lead-up to New Year’s Day, may I wish you one and all every blessing, good health and happiness as we journey on.
Thank you for keeping in touch and for your support and kindness. Nothing, I’d hope, taken for granted. I’m glad to have had the chance to post a few bits and pieces here again throughout the year. This is the tenth year of “sherlockshome” and I think we’re doing okay. Sometimes I’d like to do a bit more and other times, I think I do too much so it’s about balance. Will continue to work at achieving this and, who knows how that will go!
I enjoyed Christmas in the parish this year and was so happy to see large congregations at our four Christmas Masses in Urlaur, Glann, Kilmovee and Kilkelly. There’s more than sentiment at work on days like these. There is something about connection and connecting and I am always pleased to witness that and be, in some way, part of it.
For many years now I have sung “The Little Drummer Boy” after Holy Commnion at Christmas Masses. It’s one of my favourite carols as it speaks of doing what comes natural and bringing the gift you might not even know you have. In the Drummer Boy’s case, the very drum he carried was to be his best gift that brought to the lips of the Baby Jesus, the wonderful response of a smile.
In Kilmovee Church this year, Kevin Kenneally, a Leaving Cert student from the parish, joined me for the Carol. He played the guitar and it was lovely to be joined by him. We had a bit of run through on Monday and I recorded it. The “live” version was better I think but thought I might include it here.
Just attended Sunday Mass. a gentle and welcoming priest made us all feel at home. The church was large, unlike the congregation, and the atmosphere one of joy and worship.
The priests in our group; Paul, Eddie, Dominic, Michael and myself concekebrated. The other members together with Trocaire staff were also present for what was an uplifting celebration of Eucharist.
After the Offertory gifts were presented a young couple stood at the foot of the Altar. The man cradled a baby and the priest went to them, took the baby in his arms and raised it to the Heavens and then showed the baby to the congregation. There was a round of applause that was more than the clapping of hands. It was pure welcome. Later we discovered the baby is forty days old and this is the ceremony of presentation.
At the Sign of Peace a small boy ran to the Altar and shook hands with us all. I thought this was an isolated incident and was pleased his parents didn’t feel they had to run after him. It wasn’t! Every child in the church ran to the Altar and greeted us all. A lovely moment.
Eddie spoke on behalf of the group and, in Spanish, thanked all for the welcome and spoke of Trocaire’s work.
This was a busy week in our parish. Cemetery Masses, Kilkelly Festival, Concert and the Urlaur Pattern. It was heart-warming to see so many people gather to remember, pray, shed a tear as well as to laugh, dance a step, whistle a tune or sing a song. A very balanced mix of emotions and a fine display of talent. We can be proud of our week in the parish.
One of the moments that stays very much with me this day, is the “Naming of Religious” from the parish that was a central part of our Pattern Mass this year. The Mass, celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, saw the church filled to capacity. The “calling by name” took place after the homily and before the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine. Four people from our community, took their turn to read from a prepared list that bore the name of 108 men and women from the parish who said “Yes” to the Lord’s call to serve Him and His Church as a priest, brother or sister. Perhaps some found another path later in life but the call, nonetheless was heard and responded to in Faith, Hope and Love. There were names missed too, of course, but there was a space for them in the sacred silence of St Joseph’s and it’s not too late to add any omitted names to a future list. For the moment, the Pattern Moment, we allowed those names be heard. As each list concluded, we sounded a bell, the great call to prayer, and after a little space for silence, said together words adapted from the Ceremony of Ordination; “May God, who begun the good work in them, bring it to fulfilment”.
It was, in truth, a very moving ceremony and locating it in the Eucharistic gathering of the Urlaur Pattern seemed so fitting. The Dominicans, who came as strangers to the lakeshore at Urlaur and built stone on stone to create “God’s House” must have rejoiced to hear this moment too. From a historic place of Faith to the newest Church in our diocese, the journey continues.
It’s remarkable to think we know of at least 108 men and women from our parish who, in living memory, found in their Souls, the willingness to say “yes” to God’s call. They served His Church in a variety of ministries at home and abroad. They truly made a difference.
That call remains a true need of our day too. How can we allow it be heard more clearly?
On Friday June 27th, I had the happy duty of celebrating the Wedding Mass of Sinéad Gray and Bob Coggins. I’ve known Sinéad since she was a young child during my five years in Collooney Parish and have, through the years, kept in contact with her parents Brendan and Sheila, herself, brother and sister. Always a welcoming home, I was happy to be part of this celebration – the first of their family weddings. They live in a lovely part of Collooney parish, immersed in what is known as Union Wood. Appropriately, Sinéad’s father is in the “wood” industry and a gifted tradesman.
The Wedding Mass was in Collooney Church, a favourite of mine and the reception afterwards at the back of Sinéad’s home. Well the “back” is a bit of an understatement!! The entire area around their home was turned into a venue – including the construction of a “honeymoon” suite by her father. It was an amazing and beautifully local setting. Full credit to all involved. And there were many involved!
I came home after a lovely meal and left, what I have no doubt, was a wonderful and musical celebration of a memorable day. Took a few photos along the way so sharing ….
Recently had the pleasure of celebrating a Wedding Mass in West Point, NY. This is the Cadet School for the US Army and the groom, James Malinda, graduated from there in recent weeks. His bride, Dominique Robbins, is a cousin of my cousins – if that makes sense! In recent years, I celebrated the marriages of two of her first cousins in Rockvile Centre. I met Dominque and her parents at both weddings and they kindly asked me to officiate at Dominuque’s Wedding. I was happy to do so.
It was good to catch up with my cousins again, to meet some old friends and, hopefully, make a few new ones. The setting at West Point was very special and the Church, beautiful. I’m told it’s the only Catholic Parish attached to a Military Base anywhere in the world. The Catholic Community at West Point has its own parish and clergy. The town of West Point is a separate parish and is actually in another diocese.
There was a great dignity to the celebration and it was a refreshing experience. One I am very glad to have been part of.
God bless this newly married couples and, for that matter, all married people.
And a short moment from their First Dance. The song “Jersey Girl” sung by Bruce Springsteen is obviously chosen since Dominique’s childhood years were spent in Jersey.
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