As we look back on the year 2016, a historic one! We rightly remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, thus bequeathing to our generation a land of hope and promise. These celebrations gave to our younger generation an appreciation of our past and the realisation of how blessed we are to live in peace.
The year just ending allowed us to express heartfelt thanks to Fr. John for his nineteen years of generous ministry among us, John we wish you every blessing in this your first Christmas in Kilcock. Our young people were exemplary as they represented us at the World Youth Day in Krakow, we were very proud of them, and I know they deeply appreciated your support with their fundraising efforts.
Over recent months works continued with the Church Steeple and Organ, it is our dearest hope that it will keep most of the rain out! Organ works were delayed owing to difficulties with moisture, it being a sensitive instrument and valuable, we addressed these issues in early December.
On 30th November we had a lovely evening in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, in Ballycane, when we were joined by Bishop Denis and it was an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the ministry and participation of so many people in our parish, almost 700 people actively involved in so many ways. During this celebration we also expressed gratitude to Mairead for her years of dedicated ministry in the parish. Compliments also to the many groups and organisations in our Town who make great efforts towards making Naas a pleasant place to live, most especially the Tidy Towns. Also a small group of people who worked on improving the Christmas lights, they look wonderful, well done!
As a Parish Team we are continually encouraged and inspired by the support we receive and we are truly grateful for it. The people of Naas, Sallins and Two Mile House take enormous pride in their local communities, seeing the churches, where we worship as the heart beat of each community. I want to acknowledge the generosity of so many, each and every Sunday, in the various collections that ensures our parishes are maintained and indeed thrive, thank you!
The decorations are up, the cards are posted, the choirs are rehearsed, and the baby Jesus is almost ready to go in to the Crib. Just as the Crib will not be complete without the infant neither will our Christmas without the same Jesus being at the heart of it. For this is the celebration of a love story retold again and again. God has come among us, His name is Emmanuel, a name which means God is with us. I pray you feel the closeness and love of God in your family, and most especially if you are coping with grief or illness. Christmas is the promise that we are not alone, we are not abandoned, God has visited his people.
On behalf of myself, Joe, Michael, Alex, and Deacon Fergal….. May we wish you all a happy, safe and Holy Christmas. And finally our prayer that “Jesus the Prince of Peace will bring Peace to our troubled world and as the Holy Family struggled to find a place to call home, we pray that all who experience homelessness may find a place in 2017 to call their home”.
Fr. Liam.
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