Fr. John Byrne and I hope all our parishioners had a very happy New Year and we thank your for your kindness and generosity to us in the Christmas collection.

Many people are involved in very many ways in our parish. We are most grateful to everyone who lends a helping hand and who gives practical and valued support. We are also thankful to those who give financial support to us, to the parish and to other good causes throughout the year.

In particular I wish to highlight the generosity of our parishioners to Trocaire, especially to the Lenten offerings and the Christmas Gift token scheme. 

At present we are fortunate to have Rev. Stephen Crossan serving as a deacon in our parish. Stephen will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop McAreavy in Newry Cathedral next summer. This will be a great occasion for Stephen, for his family and for our diocese. We all look forward to his Ordination and we pray for Stephen and his fellow deacons during this time of final preparation.

2008 has been set aside as a year of special prayer for vocations. During this year we are asked to intensify our prayers and to foster vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Last September on man (from Rostrevor) began his training for the priesthood in Maynooth for our diocese. We pray that many more will follow.

Since last March there are now just two priests serving this parish (four priests five years ago). Thankfully, we are supported by excellent staff and many volunteers. Even with this support we face great challenges. In order to meet these, every parishioner is asked to consider how he/she can play a part in maintaining and developing the life of our parish. With this in mind, we are confident of the goodwill and talents of many people in our community, and we will want to seek new and practical ways in which people will have opportunities to help. We are most grateful to those who already offer their services and it is hoped others will come along as need arise.

In previous letters I have often referred to the need for repairs and improvements to our beautiful Church. I had intended to let you have a report on these in the autumn of this year, but due to unavoidable delays, this was not possible. This item is now to the fore with the Finance Council. A report, with recommendations, will be compiled, and hopefully, it will be ready in the near future. I will be letting you know about this when it becomes available.

Earlier this year I consulted our parishioners about converting the Curate's house, which was built as a single unit, into two self-contained units. As a result of this consultation the Finance Council has recommended that this conversion should be delayed until an actual need to make a change arises.

Given the large extent of possible developments and improvements in our parish the Finance Council is undertaking a review of all parish properities and assets so that the interests and needs of our parish are catered for in the best possible way.

I regret the slow progress in the building programme for St. Teresa's and Tannaghmore Primary Schools. This is due mainly to the procedures within the Department of Education and the Planning Service which take time. However, progress is being made and it is hoped the pupils will get new schools as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to thank all my priest colleagues for their help, support and friendship. In particular I thank Fr. John Byrne for his excellent priestly service in this parish. I also wish to praise and thank our faithful and dedicated staff for their constant and willing service.

Next Tuesday, 1st January, is the Feast of Mary the Mother of God, also World Day of Prayer for Peace. Through the intercession of Mary may there be peace in our troubled world, and may all our families be havens of peace and happiness in the coming year.

Rt, Rev. Mgr. Aidan Hamill. P.P.V.G