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Centenary Celebration
We would like to thank all
those involved in the preparations and all those who packed out the Church
for this special celebration on Sunday 12th June 2005
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor was chief celebrant and we were fortunate
to be joined by many MSCs. For some who had served in our Parish it was a
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chance
for them to catch up with old friends. We were also delighted to have with
us Bishop Hugh Slattery, priests from the diocese, representatives of other
Christian churches in St Albans, the Mayor and civic representatives. A special
mention to those who organised the liturgy - it was superb - and to the children
from our Parish schools who took part in the readings and singing. You all
spoke and sang beautifully!
 The Cardinal Sends His Congratulations
Father
Pat received a letter from the Cardinal following
our centenary celebrations. The letter says: ‘It
was really good to be with you at the Centenary Mass. I was very encouraged
and moved by the celebration. I congratulate you and the community on building
up such a fine parish. There seems to be a great community spirit with so
many people willing to contribute in all kinds of different ways. Please
express my grateful thanks to the community. I am sorry you have to leave
us this summer and wish you well in your new responsibilities as Provincial.’
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Introduction to the Mass (as given by Fr. Pat Courtney MSC, Parish Priest)
We are delighted to welcome you all this afternoon to the Centenary celebration
of the opening of our Church. In particular we welcome Cardinal Cormac
Murphy-O’Connor to our Parish. We are very honoured
that he is with us to lead our Centenary Mass on this very special occasion.
We welcome Fr. Ciaran Mac Carthaigh, Provincial Leader of the Missionaries
of the Sacred Heart,
fellow Missionaries of the Sacred Hearty most of whom
have ministered in the Parish over the years and clergy from the Diocese
of Westminster.
We are also delighted to be joined by ministers and
representatives of other Christian Churches, members of Churches Together
here in St Albans, and by civic representatives.
We extend a very warm welcome to all our parishioners whose support and love
for their church over the years have been inspirational.
Celebrating the Centenary of our Church is a very significant event in the
life of our Parish. It commemorates the opening of our Church one hundred
years ago and is also a celebration of our Catholic Faith today. It
is a blessed and grace-filled time for our parish, a time for renewal, conversion
and rededication.
We recall with immense joy and gratitude the steadfast Christian faith and
witness of all those who have worshipped in his sacred building from the
outset to the present time.
We give thanks to God for his many blessings and graces bestowed on our Parish
throughout the years. We give thanks for all that has been and is.
On this occasion we also look to the future. We pray that the Holy
Spirit will animate us as a parish community with a new and fresh conviction
of our calling to be followers of Christ and living witnesses of the Good
News in our world.
Yours in the Heart of Christ,
Fr. Pat Courtney MSC, Parish Priest
Pictures We have plenty of pictures .... click on the links below:
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| The Entrance Procession
- Click Here. Led by Des Coyle, servers from the Parish, MSC Missionaries, other
diocesan clergy, the MSC provincial, and the Cardinal.
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The Mass - Click Here The Cardinal was the principal celebrant at the Mass, with the priests seated
in the area of the church added to the original building in 1966
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| The Music and the Readers - Click Here With over 100 people involved in music liturgy adn the Liturgy of the Word, from young to old! |
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After Mass - Click Here Over 700 people were at Mass. Afterwards the Cardinal met many
of us outside the Church, where refreshments were served
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Who was there? - Click Here Our priests, others MSCs, other clergy, other CTSA ministers, civilian dignatories, and parishioners, young and old!
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The Celebratory Meal - Click Here held at Loreto Girls' College, and on the menu: Poached Salmon,
Roast Turkey, Sirloin of Beef,
Honey Baked Ham, and more
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