Ballinhassig parish has three churches and recently it was the turn of the second of its churches to mark its bicentenary
Parishioners celebrating at Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centenary.
Bishop Fintan Gavin joined people from the parish to celebrate Mass.
People from the three church areas came together at different times to clean and paint the outside, to put up bunting, to erect the banners and memorial plaque.
Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centennary.
Beautiful flower arrangements greeted everyone and adorned the windows and altar. The children’s artwork added colour and beauty to the wonderful sparkling church which had been lovingly cleaned by other volunteers.
People represented the various ministry groups in the parish; Funeral Ministry, Ministry of the Word and Eucharist, Active Retired, Stewards, Parish Finance Committee and Parish Assembly along with representatives of those who had received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Communion, and all to the sound of the restored church bell calling us to prayer.
The Parish Choir under the direction of Tom Ryan, Henrietta O’ Meara and supported by musicians Gerard Murphy and Eamonn Long led the congregation into a spiritual celebration.
Kitty Butler and Maura Holland with Bishop Fintan at Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centennary.
Members of the parish's three choirs with Bishop Fintan Gavin at Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centennary.
Deacon John Guirey, local historian John L O'Sullivan, Bishop Fintan Gavin and Fr Christy Fitzgerald PP at Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centenary.
Mary O'Halloran, chairperson of the parish assembly, with Bishop Fintan Gavin at Ballygarvan Church for its bi-centenary.
Parish priest Fr Christy Fitzgerald said great credit is due to all concerned “with special thanks to Deacon John Guirey and Mary O’Halloran for their enormous work and coordination. It goes to prove the traditional Irish saying: “Ní neart go cur le chéile”, There is no strength without unity!”
Thanks to Siobhan Russell and the Carrigdhoun newspaper for the photos.
