Chai Brady
Parishioners enjoy the sunshine after Trim and Boardsmill Parish’s annual Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday. 
At a time when Catholics are feeling “disheartened” the World Meeting of Families comes at no better time according to a parish priest in Meath after a special family event.
Trim and Boardsmill Parish’s annual Corpus Christi Procession was held on Sunday last, the Feast of Corpus Christi.
The procession this year had a distinctly family theme as the parish are preparing for the WMOF and the visit of Pope Francis in August, Fr Seán Henry told The Irish Catholic.
For this reason the people of Trim and Boardsmill were joined by priests and parishioners from the surrounding parishes in the Athboy Deanery last Sunday.
The procession, held in brilliant sunshine, was attended by a few hundred people and many children who made their First Holy Communion joined in.
The procession began with prayers in St Patrick’s Church, Fr Warren Collier, CC was cross bearer followed by the First Communion children and parents, Special Ministers of the Eucharist and Readers and parishioners. Members of the Knights of St Columbanus were present and walked alongside Fr Seán Henry, parish priest who carried the Blessed Sacrament. Other priests present were Fr Pat O’Connor, the Vicar of the Deanery, Fr Michael Whittaker, Fr Michael Meade and Fr Michael Kilmartin.
Procession
The procession made its way through the extensive Church grounds and returned to the church for Benediction. Trim Church Choir under the direction of Miriam Mooney led the singing, and prayers were led by members of the readers.
“Even though times have changed, I think the Corpus Christi procession is a reminder to all of us that we are members of the Catholic family and we are drawn together as Jesus intended us to by the real presence,” Fr Henry said.
“As a family we are invited to sit around and share as the first disciples did with the Lord. The bread of life which we share is the gift of Jesus Himself. He gives Himself to us that we might come together. The invitation to adore and partake of the Body of Christ is to have life in us and share it with our neighbour.”
After the procession people sat on the grass and shared food and water. Many families brought picnic baskets with them, they sat down together and enjoyed themselves. Refreshments were available in the Parish Centre organised by the Parish Pastoral Council. Chairs were provided for older people who sat in the sunshine.
Music was provided by local musicians and singers, a carnival atmosphere prevailed, and tourists to Trim Castle stopped and enjoyed the music as well. It was a beautiful day, and all who came enjoyed the occasion but most of all the coming together was praised by all.
“I think the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis comes at a good time for our Catholic Community. Many faithful Catholics are disheartened, some are floundering in a sea of doubt and disappointment. We all need to realise that we are not a national Church but part of the universal Catholic Family. It is a privilege for the Irish Church to host this meeting and in particular to welcome Pope Francis our Leader and Spiritual Father on earth. I am confident he will give us a lift and inspire us to steady the ship and follow our Lord as he calls us to do.”
Wondering what to do on Father’s Day?
Excitement is ramping up for a day of fun in Innovate Wexford Park with music and sports for all the family in preparation for the World Meeting of Families on Father’s Day.
A number of bands will be taking part and plenty of sporting activities for dads, mums and kids have been arranged. Participants are invited to take part in a fitness challenge designed by hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald, or try a penalty shootout while meeting some of our top Wexford sports people like Lee Chin and Mark Fanning.
Take a tour of the dressing rooms, as the kids talk to Mickey, Minnie Mouse and Paws or play with Bricks for Kidz Lego, or attend story-telling or even get their faces painted.
For the artistic there will be flower arranging and musical entertainment.
The event in Innovate Wexford Park takes place on Sunday, June 17 at 2.30pm to 4.30pm for an afternoon of fun, frolics and sporting challenges with free ice cream for the children!
For further details contact Fr Jim Fegan – the Ferns Diocesan Delegate for wmof2018 – at +353 (87) 239 5087.
Archdiocese announces big event to kick-off WMOF
To launch the World Meeting of Families the Archdiocese of Armagh and Armagh City will host a kick off opening festival on Tuesday, August 21, starting at 5pm sharp in the Shambles Market.
Free to all, the festival promises to be a joyful, fun celebration of family, of all ages and includes live music, dance, bouncy castles, face painting and a other fun activities.
At 7pm there’ll be a procession from the Shambles Market to St Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by more music and Evening Prayer from 7.30-8.15pm.
For more details contact Mrs Sharon Dunne, the Armagh Diocesan Delegate for WMOF 2018 at: Tel: 00353 (0) 42 933 6393 or Mob: 00353 (0) 87 641 7334
Email: dunnesharon.pastoralcentre@gmail.com
KandLe Diocese calls families to join in Knock pilgrimage
Families in particular are encouraged to take part in Kildare and Leighlin diocesan pilgrimage to Knock Shrine as the diocese prepares for the World Meeting of Families this August.
Organisers have said they hope that, as in previous years, the diocese will be represented with “as many pilgrims as possible” travelling from parishes on June 3.
The notice says: “As we prepare for the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Frances in August our pilgrimage might be promoted as an opportunity for families from around the diocese to make the pilgrimage to our National Shrine. Every parish is encouraged to make every effort to participate in our Diocesan pilgrimage.”
Useful information for pilgrims include:
-Buses travelling from various parishes around the diocese will arrive into Knock between 11am and 12.30pm depending on time of departure.
-Upon arrival: pilgrims may use this time for lunch, shopping, availing of Confession, visiting the Chapel of Adoration or making the Way of the Cross.
-Anointing of the Sick takes place at 2.30pm.
-Pilgrimage Mass takes place at 3pm and will be celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty with the Diocesan Choir in attendance and led by Fr Liam Lawton.
-Ceremonies are usually concluded by 5pm.
-Please advise pilgrims travelling with you about the time of departure.
-Pilgrims are invited to bring their parish banner and assign someone to carry it in the Rosary procession. The person with the banner should make their way to the basilica sacristy by 2.15pm for instructions. Please contact Faith Development Services to make arrangements regarding your parish banner.
For further queries contact Fr Ger Ahern, Baltinglass on 087-6288891 or email aherngerard@eircom.net
