WMOF 2018
Sally Casey
The parish of Dunloy and Cloughmills in the Diocese of Down and Connor enjoyed huge success after holding a ‘Together in Parish’ event organised by the parish pastoral council and local groups, to launch celebrations for the WMOF2018.
Bunting and flags of the world were erected on Saturday and these fluttered in the summer sunshine giving everyone a sense that something special was going to happen.
The day, held on Sunday June 24, began with a Family Mass celebrated in both Sacred Heart Cloughmills and St Joseph’s Church, Dunloy by administrator Fr Liam Blayney with the the youth of the parish and children from St Brigid’s and St Joseph’s Primary Schools.
Prayer tree
Each church had a ‘Prayer Tree’, organised by both schools and hung with petitions gathered from families in the parish.
The beautiful music of our local Comhaltas group, who played both at Mass and afterwards in St Joseph’s Parish Centre, gave an extra special touch to the celebration.
Parishioners were invited to gather for refreshments and chat after the later Mass and a large number enjoyed this, along with the lively music.
Fr Blayney, an accomplished musician, entertained us with a couple of sing-along songs!
The parish Holy Family Icon was visible along with a petition box and cards intended to be added to WMOF Icon when it comes to a nearby parish.
Rhona McAuley, Chairperson of the parish pastoral council had prepared a PowerPoint presentation of images and information which was projected throughout.
She outlined our plans for August 26 which include an outdoor large screening of the Papal Mass from Phoenix Park during our Free Family Fun Day to take place in the GAA grounds.
This will be organised thanks to the assistance of members of the GAA, Comhaltas, SVP and other local groups who have been planning this event with the parish pastoral council.
Almost 100 parishioners plan to travel on Sunday August 26, tickets have been booked, a bus has been chartered with many travelling on their own for part of the week or for the final day. For many of us, this will bring back memories of being in the Phoenix Park in September 1979 when St Pope John Paul II visited Ireland.
There is a real sense of anticipation and participation as the Parish of Dunloy and Cloughmills enters into the spirit of welcome for Pope Francis to Ireland.
Sally Casey writes on behalf of Dunloy and Cloughmills parish pastoral council.
