Diocesan News
Re-Hallowing of St Patrick's Church, Donaghmore (Armagh)
Sunday 6th February was a monumental day in the history of the parish of Donaghmore Upper, Diocese of Armagh, when parishioners and friends gathered to mark the completion of a three year period of rennovation and refurbishment of St Patrick's Church in the village of Donaghmore (Co Tyrone) with a day of celebration and thanksgiving.
The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Alan Harper with the rector of the parish, the Rev'd Peter Thompson following the Eucharist of Re-Hallowing
At the morning Eucharist the celebrant and preacher was the Primate, the Most Revd Alan Harper, who re-hallowed the church following its rennovation, and who dedicated many gifts. At the evening service the preacher was the Bishop of Clogher and Archbishop(-elect) of Dublin, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Jackson.
L-R Franklin Kelly (churchwarden), Revd Peter Thompson (rector), Alan Williamson, Anne Kelly (Parish readers), the Ven. Raymond Hoey (Archdeacon of Armagh), the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson (Archbishop-elect of Dublin), Fr Gerard McAleer (PP Donaghmore), Christine Kelly (Parish Reader), Raphael Burnside (churchwarden), following the Evening Service of Thanksgiving in St Patrick's
The building has been completely refurbished inside and out, with a new roof, new drainpipes and guttering, pointing of the stonework, a new archway around the west door, the re-roofing and refurbishment of the toilet and boiler house, the complete re-wiring of the building and the replacement of all electrical fittings and lights, the provision of a new PA system, new carpets and flooring, the varnishing of all pews and wooden furniture and the complete repainting of the building.
The rector of the parish, the Revd Peter Thompson commented "Throughout the planning and fundraising the parish has been generously supported by the entire local community, and we would wish to extend our sincerest thanks once again to all who have helped us and supported us in so many ways. Over the past weeks we have enjoyed worshipping in a fresh, vibrant building."