St. Gabriel's Retreat, The Graan, Enniskillen

Like all Communities we had big changes during the Autumn of 2004. Fr Victor, whose name is synonymous with The Graan, left for Crossgar. He is still really missed by the Community and by the people. But everyone wishes Victor every happiness in his new place.

We welcomed Fr Casimir and Fr Michael Doogan in November. They are settling into our Community. They are both very gifted people who will contribute greatly wherever they work. We are blessed with their presence. Brian, Mark and Terence are slowly adjusting to our new Community too.

The normal work continues at The Graan with a Tuesday night Prayer Group devoted to the Untied Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with Fr Terence as spiritual director. They have enthronement in many houses around the area and recently had a Mass for those who had hosted an enthronement ceremony.

There is a Scripture Group on Wednesday night as well as the Charismatic Group on Thursday night.

Anam Cara continues apace. There were 27 members for our Christmas meeting, though the fact that there was a party may have been one of the reasons for so many being present.

In October we had Harvest Thanksgiving which was a beautiful occasion for all of us. We also enrolled 20 Altar Serves in October.

In November there was a Bereavement Night for the people of the area. The chapel well full for what has become an annual event. Sadly there are always more and more bereaved people and more and more people in need of consolation.

The Graan Dinner Dance was held on the last Friday in November. This year tickets sold out almost a month before the event, which considering there were so many celebratory GAA Dances at the same time, was a minor miracle. We had a wonderful night which was successful from a Community building point of view as well as financially. The winning ticket was sold by a person from Boho and the winner was a young man from Irvinestown. He was delighted with his win.

At present we are preparing for Christmas at The Graan. Confessions are already building up steadily. But we look forward to having a peaceful and happy Christmas together.

We take this opportunity of wishing each and everyone of you a very Happy Christmas. And if you are passing by you will be most welcome to call with us at The Graan. From Brian, Casimir, Mark, Terence, Michael and all of the Staff and The Graan, Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.