‘We know benefits and powers of Eucharist’

Parishioners in Rochfortbridge and Milltownpass marked a special milestone when the Rochfortbridge Parish Eucharistic Adoration Group celebrated 20 years of prayer and devotion.

The community celebrated a 20th anniversary Mass on Sunday October 18 at Milltownpass Church, and enjoyed refreshments and the Sr Dolores Mission Draw in the Community Centre.

Eucharistic Adoration in Rochfortbridge Parish began two decades ago following a visit from John Howard, head of the Diocese of Meath Eucharistic Adoration group, after speaking with parishioners about the benefits of spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Rose Wright spoke at the event: “As years went by, we got to love it more; the numbers kept coming, we have four permanent people who show up every week, and nobody reminds them because they know the benefits and powers of the Eucharist.”

The group acknowledged the support of Fr William Coleman throughout the years: “We have a very good parish priest. Whenever advice or help was needed, Fr Coleman has ensured that anything he’s willing to do for us, he will do,” said John Gavin, chairperson of the Eucharistic Adoration group.

After two decades, the founding committee have handed over responsibility to a new committee including John as chairperson, Ann Gavin as secretary, Florrie Keegan as treasurer and Marie Doyle.

Rose said: “The old committee of Rita Clarke, Michael Plunkett, and I are so happy to hand over to an enthusiastic, committed new group.”

John Gavin spoke to the Westmeath Examiner at the 20year celebration: “I would like to thank Rita, Michael and Rose for all the work and establishing this group in Rochfortbridge parish. It has grown over the last 20 years, and it is helping everyone involved and the community.”

There are currently have 42 registered members in the group, of all ages.

New secretary Ann Gavin first became involved by dropping in to the church for just a few minutes at a time. Those short visits gradually became a regular part of her life and eventually led to her taking on a role in the committee.

In Milltownpass, Adoration is every Saturday from 10am until 11am and includes the Rosary. Parishioners are welcome to attend for as little as five or 10 minutes or remain for the full hour.

Members said their prayers are not only for themselves but for “our parish, our priests, our children, the whole community at large, and the signs are showing because we are a very happy, thriving, and healthy community”.

Rose described the impact of the weekly practice: “People go out and lie in the sun to get a tan. But we come in to Jesus in the Eucharist in the church, and we get a tan – the tan is not on our body, but in our soul and in our hearts. That love that we get in our hearts, we spread to other people.”

One member of the group, Ann Moran, told the Examiner that she sets up the altar every Tuesday in Rochfortbridge and Saturday morning in Milltownpass. “I just love going; I don’t want to miss it unless something comes up.

“Even though I occasionally fall asleep, I love it and I don’t like missing it. Even when I say I don’t feel like going, I’m always there.”

The anniversary celebration coincided with Mission Sunday, highlighting the long-standing tradition of supporting overseas missions in the parish.

The Sr Dolores Mission group held their annual Mission Sunday raffle and church gate collections to raise funds to support communities abroad, particularly in Africa and Brazil, as they are associated with their own retired missionary priests.

Rita Clarke from the group said: “The Sr Dolores Mission Draw brings great relief to those who don’t have a lot.”

This year’s the Sr Dolores Mission Draw was held in the Community Centre following the anniversary Mass, alongside tea and refreshments for parishioners.

• Weekly Adoration is at Rochfortbridge on Tuesdays, 10am-8pm; and Milltownpass on Saturdays, 10-11am, including the Rosary.