I sat in Carracastle Church on Sunday evening. I was there for “The Light Is On For You” Lenten Confessions. The priests of our Parish Cluster go to one another’s churches for one hour (longer if needed) to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I looked at this cross and it took me back nearly thirty years. Carracastle was my first appointment. I remember asking a man to make a Cross for Good Friday. This is the cross he produced along with a set of smaller crosses for the Altar Servers – still, as far as I know, in use today.
The man, since dead, was called Des Callaghan. May he rest in peace. He took huge pride in the making of this cross and I’ve no doubt was happy to see it used. I was happy to see it in its Lenten place on Sunday last. Des was a handy man and was more than happy to use his talents in the name of God and in the name of the parish. I was glad I asked him.
LENTEN THOUGHT: What talents can we bring to our parish community?
This reflection Fr Vincent reminds me of the many class groups that received First Penance in St James Church.We used that same cross as one of the symbols brought to into the Sanctuary usually by a parent of one of the children. The priests stole then placed by the priest on the cross. I pray during this Holy Week that parents will return to the Sacarement of Penance with the children and be blessed as we approach Good Friday
With my amateur carpentry skills, I made a star years ago for the St. Agnes Cathedral Christmas pageant. It was not a challenging project, but I never had one that meant more. To watch the children assemble with “my” star. Made for Him.
I wonder where the star is now.
To make a cross is so simple, but I know it was a gift to the maker.