25th Anniversary Booklet

Extracts from the Parish Booklet published for the 25th Anniversary in 1982

Foreword

It is a great pleasure for me to write the foreword to this booklet. I wish to thank all who have helped in its production; the compiler, the photographer, the sponsors and in particular those who have written the various articles. They have painted a picture of a growing parish over the past 25 years.

A parish does not come into existence on its own, different groups have to work together and be moulded by the Holy Spirit.

In the life of the Church 25 years is a short span, in the life of a parish it is a whole generation. To the Priests, Brothers, Nuns and people of that generation I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation of 25 years of work well done. Thanks to that generation the seed sown 25 years ago is now a sturdy oak. Churchtown is a thriving parish with its own schools taking the children both boys and girls from infants to the leaving certificate. The faith is strong and shows itself in the attendance at the various religious services and in the many charitable organisations.

The Psalmist tells us that unless The Lord builds the house they labour in vain that build it and that unless The Lord keeps the city he watcheth in vain that keepeth it, (Ps. 127). It is our duty then relying on the help of God to continue the good work so well begun by the past generation.

We must do all in our power to build up the Body of Christ in this area and present the parish of Churchtown to The Lord a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:26).

P. J. FitzSimons P.P. (1982)

Priests of the Parish at the time:
Fr. Patrick Fitzsimons, P.P.,
Fr. Peter Kilroy, C.C.,
Fr. Cornelius McDonnell, C.C.,
Fr. John McNamara, C.C.,