Diocesan News06 Dec 13

Tuam, Killala & Achonry National Schools Service

Pupils and teachers of National Schools from all over the United Diocese gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam for their annual service and get–together on 29th November 2013.

The Theme of the Service this year was ‘Living Stones’ which fed into reflection about the ongoing project of the schools and the diocese to support the construction and equipping of a dorm in Oloosuyian Maasi Girls School, diocese of Kajiado, Kenya. The children fabricated papier maché ‘bricks’ which they painted and decorated and brought to St Mary’s where they were made into a wall.

The service was led by Revd. John Godfrey of Galway who had the children eating out of his hands.

The address was given by Jennifer and Stephen McWhirter who came to us under the auspices of CMS Ireland

Both Jennifer and Stephen have visited Kajiado and they brought with them news of the project and several artefacts from Kenya ( including a couple of fierce–look native spears! ) which the children could touch and handle.

The children sang songs, read readings and prayed prayers. And the whole occasion was led into chaos at the very end as Revd John paraded the youngster and teachers and clergy alike on a ‘Brick Walk’ around the precincts of the cathedral.

Lunch was consumed in the Synod Hall after the service and the verdict on the day’s events was ‘Result!’

Photo: Bishop Rooke and his Assessor, Paul Ryan, enter into the spirit of things!