We finally got to say farewell and show our appreciation to Fr Christy as he returned to celebrate the 6.30pm Vigil Mass last Saturday evening (November 26th).

Following Holy Communion Fr Kevin read out some of the weekly parish announcements and then called upon Jim Connolly, chairperson of the parish assembly, to say a few words and present Fr Christy with a token of the parish’s appreciation of him.

Jim began by extending a warm welcome to Fr Christy’s family, sisters Betty & Teresa, brother Martin and his aunts Peggy and Rose. Jim then went on to tell us a little bit about Fr Christy, his origins, education, parishes he ministered in, the various roles he holds – diocesan master of ceremonies, diocesan head of liturgy, diocesan head of ecumenism. Fr Christy also lectures in Thurles on the  formation programme for married deacons.

Jim went on to say Fr Christy is deeply committed to his pastoral duties, he’s hard working, has great organisational skills and carries out his work with great dedication and efficiency. He is a man of formidable abilities, a planner, strategist, good decision maker and not afraid to deal with difficult problems and situations. A parishioner from a previous parish Fr Christy once ministered in remarked that “if Christy does something it is done right” J.

Jim ended his tribute by thanking Fr Christy on behalf of all the parishioners for his ministry in our parish and for his dedication to his work among us. On our behalf he presented Fr Christy with a gift as a token of the esteem in which he is held.

Fr Christy began by thanking his family for their presence at the Mass and for their ongoing support to him. He said he is able to look back with pride on what he and the parish community have achieved over the past three years.  He mentioned there were 3 men in the parish – the late Hilary Brown, Billy Horgan and Jim Connelly –  who were very helpful and supportive of him in his ministry in Frankfield/Grange parish and he thanked them for their kindness and generosity towards him, for which he is deeply grateful. He said he had received a number of emails by way of apology from parishioners who were unable to attend his Mass for one reason or another. He ended his talk by thanking all who worked with him during his time in Frankfield/Grange parish and who enhanced his ministry.

Following the Mass Fr Christy, together with his family, Fr Kevin and a host of parishioners, partook of refreshments in the parish centre. The parish assembly provided a big spread and the choir members, spearheaded by Nessa, sang a tribute song to Fr Christy which was enjoyed by all; a number of parishioners also entertained us with a sing-long.