"Our new pastoral centre in Ballymun, which was officially opened by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin on Friday 17th May, will help nurture a sense of unity in the local community by gathering people from all areas of the parish."
St Pappin’s parish centre was renovated from the former presbytery of St Joseph’s, which was occupied by Columban Fathers when they served in the parish.
In 2016 the Columbans handed the parish back to the Archdiocese of Dublin after 40 years of service.
In his blessing Archbishop Martin told the gathering that they were there to “celebrate the complete transformation of what was a tired presbytery” into a “lovely new centre for God’s people” in St Pappin’s parish.
He thanked God for this new beginning and for those whose kindness, hard work and great generosity had made it possible.
“We pray for those who have gone before us, who were living stones in this community sharing their faith, hope and love with us. We remember in a particular way the witness of the Columban Fathers.”
Members of the Missionary Society of St Columban were invited to attend the blessing on account of their role in building up the parish over their ministry there for 40 years.
Fr Raymond Husband, regional director, attended along with Fr Padraig O’Donovan, who served as a deacon in the parish, as well as Fr Donie Hogan, Fr Jack Chute & Fr. Gerry French.
St Pappin’s parish was established last December when the three parishes of the Holy Spirit, St Joseph’s and the Virgin Mary amalgamated. The three priests who currently minister to St Pappin’s are Fr Ciarán Enright, Fr Declan Blake and Fr Anthony Omolade, along with Deacon Steve Maher.
The beautiful new Pastoral Centre gives us a wonderful space for parish groups to meet in a warm and welcoming environment. Bereavement support, reflection days and retreats for adults & school groups, mental health support, individual counselling are just examples of what we will offer in St. Pappin’s Pastoral Centre. The large meeting space that has been created gives us the space to gather people from all areas of the parish to nurture a sense of unity. The Parish Office for St. Joseph’s Church is located in the Centre. The renovation of the Oratory has given us a sacred space where we can invite people from all areas for opportunities of prayer and reflection. The new centre will be of great benefit for groups from all three churches in St. Pappin’s Parish. We hope it will be a place of welcome and support for individuals, both young and old, and for the families of our parish.
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