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St.
Gabriel's, The Graan
The
normal work continues at The Graan. Tuesday night Prayer Group's devoted
to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with Fr Terence as spiritual director.
There
is a Scripture Group on Wednesday night as well as the Charismatic Group
on Thursday night, with Frs Michael and Casimir as spiritual directors.
We
are delighted to welcome Fr Ailbe as a member of our community. Thank
God Ailbe is keeping well again.
In
October we had Harvest Thanksgiving which was a beautiful occasion for
all of us. We gave £1,000 to Goal and £1,000 to St Vincent
de Paul. St Vincent de Paul were also able to give large food hampers
to 15 families as a result of gifts given by the congregation on that
day.
In
November there was a Bereavement Night for the people of the area. The
chapel was 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 two months 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 Mary Devine, who helps us here in the Monastery and the winner
was Nora Smyth from Enniskillen. She was delighted with her win. Our thanks
to Frs. Aidan and Victor for travelling on such a cold night to be with
us. We appreciate your support as always.
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
wish Holy Cross, Ardoyne well in their Draw in December and many good
people from the area bought tickets. We hope at least one can come our
way.
Br
Mark and all are in good health here. Fr Brendan continues to do well
in the Nursing home.
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, Ailbe, Michael
and all of the Staff of The Graan, Happy Christmas and a peaceful New
Year. Fr. Brian D'Arcy C.P.
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