On this weekend I take up duties as the new Administrator for Togher Parish. I am acutely aware that the parishioners of Monasterboice are wondering what this might mean for our parish, so I wanted to take this opportunity to make a statement.
Although this marks a new phase in the administration of parishes in the St. Colmcille’s Pastoral Area, there will be no big changes in the short term. Myself and Fr. Pius will alternate between Monasterboice & Togher, and Fr. Daly will be celebrating some Masses too. We already have some experience with this through the Pastoral Area where for the last couple of years, we have ‘rotated’ around the parishes on the first weekend of the month. Hopefully that will continue.
here will be a need to co-ordinate the schedules of both parishes, of course, which is why it’s wonderful to have Ann McEvoy & Mary McCabe as the team in both Parish Offices, and we will continue to communicate all information on the Parish Bulletin, website (this one & www.togherparish.com) and social media channels.
I am thankful to the many parishioners who have wished me well, and offered support and help as I undertake this extra responsibility. I will be meeting the Parish Pastoral Council in the next couple of weeks, where we will no doubt discuss plans for the pastoral outreach in the light of the new situation.
I would like to pay tribute to Monsignor Jim Carroll, who was at the helm of Togher for the last couple of years. He oversaw much that time, and his whole focus was on nurturing the ‘community of faith’ as well as ‘the faith of the community’, which had been sustained so well over the long tenure of Fr. Tom Daly who is Pastor Emeritus and Assistant Pastor , I am delighted to continue to have his knowledge, experience and support.
It’s wonderful that we will be also joined by Fr. Akaninyewe Pius Ekpe (Fr. Pius) MSP, a member of the Saint Paul Missionary Order from his native country of Nigeria. Fr. Pius served in the Archdiocese before – in Haggardstown & Blackrock (summer relief from 2004 -2009), and more recently in Dunleer (summer relief 2015-2017), so he is no stranger to Co. Louth. Fr. Pius will be arriving during the month of October, and will reside in the Parish house in Big Strand Road, Clogherhead, A92 T938 – 041 98 89335.
Change is not easy, and I’m sure there will be things that might cause some bumps along the way. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time, & we will try to resolve any difficulties, but there is no doubt that huge change is coming to the way we worship/practice our faith. There are challenges ahead, but I’m certain that supporting each other & praying together, we can meet them.
Parish Prayer:
God Our Father, we thank you for our parish community.
Thank you for the many blessings that you have given us, but especially for calling us to serve as disciples of your son, Jesus Christ.
As we gather today, we ask that you send your Holy Spirit to guide us in everything that we do.
Transform our hearts and lead us closer to you.
Help us always to seek to be a parish that is centred on Christ and ablaze with His love.
We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us;
Our Lady of the Nativity, pray for us;
St. Borchill, pray for us;
St. Buite, pray for us;
St. Colmcille pray for us;
St. Finnian pray for us!
Monasterboice Parish 