Mass in Annaghneal Community Hall

On Wednesday 22nd July 2015 the faithful gathered in Annaghneal to join with Monsignor Michael Walsh, assisted by Fr Jackie Sharpe CSSp,  in the celebration of the Eucharist. Members of the parish choir led by Aideen Wiley sang uplifting hymns, Michael Grogan played appropriate music, Bridget McGrath was the reader and young people from the locality delivered the prayers of the faithful. It was a wonderfully spiritual occasion in a lovely part of our parish.

Monsignor Walsh ( known to family and friends in Ireland, and to his parishioners in New Jersey USA,  simply as Fr Mike)  had just commenced his vacation in his native parish. In welcoming everybody to Annaghneal he asked the congregation not to underestimate gatherings of Christian communities such as this one in Annaghneal or the Masses celebrated a few years ago on the shore of Lough Bridget because they can have unforeseen influence.It was the idea of local gatherings such as these that led to popular Masses being celebrated in parishioners’  back gardens in his American parishes and he expects that the Eucharist will be celebrated for well attended local gatherings there more frequently in the future. Msgr Walsh told this community group that as followers of Jesus we all have a mission and a responsibility and that we should all proudly participate in the celebration of the Eucharist in blessed gatherings such as this one in Annaghneal.

Teresa Clohessy, speaking on behalf of the Bodyke & Tuamgraney Parish Pastoral Council, welcomed everybody to Annaghneal and she thanked Msgr Walsh, Fr Sharpe and all who had participated in the ceremony. Teresa made a special presentation to Padraig Walsh in recognition of his long involvement in the preservation and upkeep of Annaghneal Community Hall.

There was no hurrying away after the Mass and everybody enjoyed home-baked produce, provided by the wonderful local community, and hot food,  prepared by Finbar O’Halloran, as they renewed acquaintance and chatted.  Jo McGrath took these great photographs during the evening: