News:
Mission 28 February – 8 March 2015

Seapatrick Parish Mission – ‘Belonging’

At the Service of Reconciliation, many priests from the diocese including Canon Liam Stevenson and Father Stephan Crossan were present when Father Ciarán O’Callaghan and Father Noel Kehoe led the congregation in a reflection on the effects of sinfulness in our lives. The aridity and joylessness was conveyed symbolically in a depiction of a desert scene. All present were given a stone which represented the pain and powerlessness in us if we cannot repent and let go. After a communal preparation, opportunity was given for individual celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

‘This is something we should do more often.’ was the most common response to ‘The Inter- church Songs of Praise’.  It certainly was a key event and a highlight of the Mission which was also attended by Bishop John McAreavey.  Canon Stevenson welcomed the Ministers from Banbridge Methodist Church, Bannside Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Church, The Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church, Scarva/Lougnbrickand Presbyterian Church and the members of their congregations who had joined them. Micah 6:6 – 8 and John 17:21 – 26 were read by Ministers from the Inter-church Fellowship. Father Noel Kehoe introduced the Psalm while the hymns were introduced by members of the Churches who spoke about the history of the hymn and what it meant to them personally. In his address Father Ciarán O’Callaghan spoke of an experience of belonging together in Christ.  In 1977 he, along with four other young men, novices in the Redemptorist Community passed through Banbridge on route to Belfast. It was a time when the many atrocities had created an atmosphere of fear and distrust.  A puncture brought their journey to a halt just outside the town and the discovery that the spare tyre was also flat left them trying to flag down a car for help. Eventually, one stopped. He spoke of his relief, and his admiration for the elderly couple who despite their apprehension came to their aid.  Indeed, the couple had for the first time in their married life missed Church so that he and his friends could reach their destination.  However, they assured him that they had done the right thing.  Little did they realise that they did more for him that day than help them get a puncture fixed; they gave him insight into the oneness of true Christian discipleship.
The Inter-church Songs of Praise concluded with Grace celebrated by all the Ministers of the participating Churches. Afterwards all were invited to refreshments in the Parish Centre.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul organised a Mass for the elderly and the sick on Saturday 7 March. This was a joyous occasion and one where the needs of the large congregation were catered for sensitively. It was followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.