Huge amounts of planning went into Faithfest which took place in Tullamore parish on 29 April. Since January the groups have been meeting each Monday planning and organising down to the last detail. Once the date 29 April was picked the Gospel for that day was read and reflected on. Then the theme was selected “I called you friends” With friendships in mind, activities, workshops, music and food were organised.
The parish church was transformed with hundreds of jars with candles lining the aisles and surrounding the altar. The night was opened by Tullamore’s Parish Priest Fr. Joe Gallagher. Chairperson of the Junior Parish Pastoral Council Stephen Harte welcomed all who came and promised a brilliant night was about to begin. After a prayer of blessing from Fr. Brendan Corrigan, Parish Priest of Kilbeggan, worship was led by the Third Stand, which consists of nine very talented individuals.
Everyone had an opportunity to take part in the workshops. In the middle there was a break with food and time to share hot sticky marshmallows! During the final session each person made a friendship bracelet with a new friend and received a prayer card. The promise was to pray constantly for the person named on the card. The night ended with worship again led by the Third Strand and each and everyone there standing praising God in Tullamore Church.
“All our group will always remember this lovely experience” said Kilbeggan Youth Group “I can’t wait til the next one, that was brilliant!” (Sarah, Tullamore).
