From Fr. Peter's Desk, 9th November, 2018

At the Family Mass labels were distributed so that the names of loved ones
now departed could be placed on the tree beside the Altar. At 12.00 Mass
names were gently pronounced and each family stood forward and placed the
candle in front of the altar. Each candle with the name of a loved one.
Then the big candle was called. It represents all who had died during the
last twelve months. It was beautifully decorated with autumn leaves; a
tender reminder of the changing of the seasons and the cycle of life.
Finally, the Blue Book was called forward; it contains the names, inscribed
in beautiful calligraphy, of all who have been buried from the Parish. The
choir sang softly as all went quietly back to their places to listen and
participate in the Mass. After communion, the psalm of remembrance read and
we all repeated: “We will remember them.” So much organisation was put into
this Mass: Funeral Team, Parish Office, Bethany Team, Choir, Readers,
Stewards, Failte team, Ministers of the Eucharist, Altar Society all giving
of their time and of their efforts to enfold all the grieving in the love
of God and the love of the community. Finally, after much discussion, the
chairs for the Parish Centre have arrived and have received the approval of
all those who work or volunteer in the centre. More updating and
maintenance will be taking place from now to Christmas … and there are
even rumours of rumours that the heating might be fixed before the next
visit of Pope Francis. The communications team had another meeting which
resulted in progress in the updating of the Parish website. The renovation
and maintenance of the webpage require a lot of effort, expertise and
creativity. The revamped website is programmed to go live in January.