Dear friends in St. Nicholas’.
As I have my first week with ye behind me, I just wanted to say a sincere thank you for the really warm welcome I received from all I have met during the week. From the formal welcome I received at the beginning of each Mass to lovely greetings after Mass and around the parish from you the parishioners. It came as no surprise that so few of you had not heard of my native Ballyorgan, and ASAP I will organise a bus to bring ye out to see what I call the “Switzerland of Limerick”!
Thank you also to the principals of our schools Mr. Ray D’Arcy at Scoil íde Primary and Mr. David Quilter at St. Munchin’s College, who welcomed me so warmly to their school community and I look forward to working closely with them.
Thank you to Fr. Gerard and Fr. John and the other members of staff for their openness and welcome on board, I look forward to working with them as a team for the betterment of all aspects of the parish.
I have no illusions but that many challenges face us as a faith community, but in challenges we find life, as you all know from your own personal and family life. Together, and it can only be together, we will face those challenges and be witnesses to the “Joy of the Gospel” which guides and directs our lives and builds and strengthen us individually, as families and as the faith and wider community of St. Mary’s.
With kindest regards,
Fr. Richie.
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