The parish of Ss Peter and Paul celebrated its centenary of foundation, beginning with Mass on Sunday 21st June with Cardinal Vincent presiding which had at its heart the liturgy of the Vigil of the Feast Day (“a week long vigil!” as the Cardinal remarked). Concelebrants were Fr Jim Duffy, parish priest, and supply priests, Fr Tom Ryan, SSC, Fr Frank Nolan, MAfr, and Fr Robin Burgess, with Deacon Andrew Goodall.
In his homily the Cardinal paid tribute to all the 7 parish priests who have served the community since 1926. After Mass the Cardinal joined parishioners at a coffee morning, ‘Donuts for Dads, run by the SVP in honour of Fathers’ Day.
The festivities continued with a Flower Festival on 26th & 27th June, with magnificent and well-thought out and reflective arrangements entitled ‘Rooted’, tracing the parish’s 100 year journey. Each of the 14 arrangements was inspired by a papal quote or from Scripture, using colours and flowers to convey the message:
1. Giving Thanks for 100 Years
2. Faith In action: Care for the Vulnerable (a tribute to the work of the SVP)
3. I Am the Vine
4. Seasons of Grace (depicting the liturgical year)
5. Rooted in Christ
6. Christ Our Light
7. We Remember and We Hope (remembering those who have gone before us and an opportunity for visitors to add names in a memorial book)
8. A Garden of Prayer (an opportunity for visitors to have a moment of quiet prayer and reflection)
9. Laudato Si’ garden (to highlight the parish’s commitment to care for creation and sustainability)
10. Planted in Faith (reminding us of new generations being welcomed into the family of the Church through Baptism)
11. From Generation to Generation (celebrating the handing on of faith, symbolised by mini arrangements made by pupils from all year groups from Mount Carmel Primary school)
12. Everyone Equal and Everyone Different (celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make the community today)
13. Faith In Action : Pursuit of Justice (reflecting the parish’s commitment to supporting CAFOD, particularly its current projects in Bangladesh)
14. Renewed by the Holy Spirit (inviting reflection on the role of the Spirit in our lives)
‘Fringe’ events interspersed the days: a time of Meditation according to the method, and subsequent worldwide movement, founded by John Main OSB; music provided by the 2 parish choirs and on-demand history talks to accompany the displays, as well as refreshments and cakes being served in the parish hall.
The week ended with the Patronal Feastday Mass, which included Mount Carmel School Choir joining the parish music ministry. Mass was immediately followed by a parish party, which included wonderful food, (including a huge celebration cake), a children’s entertainer and music by home grown talent from the parish and community: ‘One Night Only’ and ‘Eejits and Amadáns’. The party truly brought together the whole community in joyful celebration.
In the words of the parish priest, Fr Jim Duffy, “All in all it has been a truly great time for the parish community as we celebrate this moment in the history of St Peter and St Paul’s Northfields. May God continue to pour out his blessings on us as we move on to the next hundred years of faith and witness in Northfields.”
