Fr. Stephen and I wish all our parishioners a very happy Easter.

Re-Opening of St. Peter’s Church.
This year will be a landmark one for our parish as it will mark the re-opening of our beautiful church after its greatest ever refurbishment. We would like the occasion to be special and memorable and the re-opening to inspire a renewal of faith and the further development of community involvement in the everyday life of our parish.

Official Re-Opening.
Bishop McAreavey will re-dedicate St. Peter’s on a date which has yet to be fixed. As the Church is the spiritual centre of our parish we intend the re-opening Mass to involve the organisations and groupings which are part of our parish community.

We are also hoping to follow the re-opening Mass with a reception in order to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. On a practical (and affordable) level we will be asking for volunteers to help us on the day.

After the reopening St. Peter’s will resume its central position as the ‘teach an phobail’ for our parish community. Its doors will be open to welcome God’s people to Mass, to the other Sacraments, many of which are also family occasions, and to prayer. It will be where we assemble in the presence of Jesus Christ to be nourished and inspired by Him.

Parish volunteers and workers.
 I would like to express our gratitude and deep appreciation to the many people who give wonderful service to our parish. This includes new volunteers as well as the ‘old faithfuls’.

Baptism Team.
During the past year a very enthusiastic Baptism Team has been established to support the parents of children who are presented for baptism. This is a most important outreach for families as their children make their baptismal entry into our parish and into our Church.

Youth Ministry.
Under the direction of The Diocesan Youth Director, our local Youth Ministry Team is organising and promoting the John Paul II award scheme for young people aged 16-18 and it is very heartening and welcoming to have a greater involvement of youth in the life of our parish. It is good that our parish will be represented at World Youth Day in Madrid next August at which Pope Benedict is expected to be present.

Liturgy Group.
The Parish Pastoral Council is planning to establish a Liturgy Group. One of its first tasks will be to organise the liturgy for the reopening of St. Peter’s, but it will have an ongoing role in the vital and important responsibility of developing our parish liturgies and in supporting all who serve us so well in all our liturgical gatherings.

A Peaceful future.
 Last summer we were shocked and frightened at the bomb explosion which injured children, the attempt to burn a train, and the street disturbances in our town. The vast majority of our parishioners totally abhor and reject these unwanted and dangerous activities. The use of illegal drugs and the plague of excessive and underage drinking are very worrying. As a parish we would want to play our part with others in promoting peace and creating a better way of life for all our young people. In this regard I would like to pay tribute to the GAA Clubs and other sporting organisations for the constructive and positive influences which they have on the young people who are involved with them.

In conclusion Fr Stephen and I express our sincere gratitude to all our many volunteers, to our dedicated and committed Parish staff and we wish all our parishioners every happiness and blessing.

Yours sincerely,
Monsignor Aidan Hamill, P.P.