Diocesan News21 Mar 16

St Patrick Community Celebration in Garvagh

St Paul’s Church in Garvagh was packed last Wednesday evening for the local parishes’ annual joint–service to commemorate the Feast of St Patrick.

This was the fifth year of the event, which brings together members of St Paul’s Church of Ireland Church in the village and parishioners from St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Ballerin.

The highlight of the evening was the blessing of the shamrock, after which button–holes were distributed to members of the congregation. The shamrock were carried to the front of the church by children from both parishes, preceded by a local piper.

The blessing of the shamrock at a cross–community service in Garvagh, held on St Patrick’s Eve.

The Rector of Errigal Parish, Rev Paul Whittaker, said the annual service – which alternates between the parishes – has grown hugely in popularity since it began in 2012. He reminded those present of St Patrick’s spiritual conversion after he had been brought to Ireland as a slave, and of the saint’s return to the land of his captivity to bring Christianity to Ireland.

Rev Whittaker said neither of the two traditions in Ireland could lay exclusive claim to Patrick. He said the saint transcended any such division.

The Garvagh service included hymns and prayers, as well as pipe music, Irish traditional music and Irish dancing. Afterwards, worshippers crossed to the nearby parish hall for Irish stew, apple tart and fresh cream.

Rev Whittaker thanked local businesses for supporting the event: McAtamney’s Butchers, Costcutter in Glenullen and Eurospar in Garvagh.